Update 3: Malta, Italy in new migrants standoff
Malta insists it cannot take migrants rescued closer to Italy
A map showing the position of the Pinar E when it rescued the migrants yesterday afternoon.
(Adds details, PL's statement, government's statement)
A Turkish cargo ship with 154 migrants on board has been refused entry in Lampedusa but Malta is also refusing landing.
The migrants were picked up 41 nautical miles off Lampedusa (114 from Malta) but the ship been refused entry into Italian waters by the Italian authorities, who are insisting the migrants should be brought to Malta, which is responsible for the search and rescue region.
Malta is insisting, however, that in terms of international conventions, the migrants have to be landed at the nearest safe port, which in this case is Lampedusa.
The Armed Forces of Malta reported that the Pinar E, a Turkish owned Panamian flagged ship en route to Sfax was yesterday followed by two boats with migrants. Malta informed the vessel that if the migrants were in distress, it was bound by international obligations to assist them and take them to the nearest safe haven, in this case Lampedusa.
The crew of the Pinar E reported that the migrants appeared aggressive and nervous and there could be injured people on board and at around 5 p.m., the merchant vessel took two boatloads of migrants on board, inclduing a pregnant woman and 25 injured individuals, with seven requiring urgent medical aid, some with fractured limbs. All needed food and water.
As Italian authorities informed Malta that they had no assets available capable of arriving in the area to render assistance, MRCC Rome informed the AFM that the rescued migrants were to head towards Malta. Soon after, the Italian authorities instructed the Pinar E not to enter their territorial waters, and that an Italian naval vessel was being dispatched to ensure this.
The merchant vessel’s master reiterated that they had injured migrants onboard in a bad condition, and they requested medical supplies from Italian authorities. The Italian authorities then directed the vessel to proceed to its next port of call in Sfax, Tunisia.
As medical supplies promised by the Italian authorities were being dispatched, the merchant vessel was then again directed by them to proceed to Malta.
In their attempt to maintain their obligations as per international law, the Pinar E informed the Italian authorities that it would still proceed to Lampedusa, insisting that there were rescued persons onboard needing assistance. The Italian authorities restated that Pinar E was not authorised to enter Italian waters, and directed the merchant vessel to a position 24 NM south west of
Lampedusa, to receive a doctor via an Italian navy corvette.
The Italian navy corvette said that inclement weather in the area last night prevented this transfer operation to take place, and they maintained a one to two NM distance from the merchant vessel.
At around noon today, the dispatched Italian navy corvette winch-hoisted a doctor onto the merchant vessel.
In a similar case on March 16, Malta had refused entry to an Italian frigate which also rescued migrants 40 miles off Lampedusa. They were later taken to Italy.
Meanwhile, Italian Interior Minister Roberto Maroni this morning accused Malta of not taking its responsibilities on migration and instead dumping the migrants on Italy.
In tough language, Minister Maroni said that relations between Malta and Italy had taken a bad turn recently over this issue and said that he has asked EU Justice Commissioner Jacques Barrot to intervene and convince Malta to assume its responsibilities.
But Home Affairs Minister Carmelo Mifsud Bonnici, who was speaking in an unrelated press conference, said that Italy’s objections were unacceptable.
While he understood that Italy has its immigration problems to face, the Maltese government could not accept immigrants found closer to Italian ports, he said.
A few days ago The Times revealed that Frontex has postponed its planned anti-migration patrol mission in the Sicily-Malta-Libya strait due to this dispute.
Italy is insisting that all illegal immigrants found during this mission should be taken to Malta even if they are closer to Lampedusa, while Malta is insisting that they should be taken to the closest safe port and not all brought to Malta. Speaking during a conference in Italy this morning, following questions sent to the Italian Interior Ministry by The Times yesterday, Minister Maroni said that Malta is not intervening to save immigrants.
‘The areas related to the responsibility of search and rescue are well defined but in many cases Malta is not intervening, leaving this responsibility to Italy. Last year we had to do this 80 times. I have now referred the issue to the EU to make sure that who has the responsibility does his duty. If not we should change the rules," Minister Maroni said.
Dr Mifsud Bonnici said that for the past 45 years Italy has been respecting an arrangement stating that immigrants saved at sea were to taken in by the closest port of call. Italy was now trying to change the rules and this was a “no can do”.
"Italy cannot expect to solve its immigration problems by dumping them on Malta" Dr Mifsud Bonnici said.
In a statement, the government said it was apparent that Mr Maroni was not being correctly informed by his officials.
"The Maltese government would like to emphasise that Malta has always honoured its international obligations in accordance with international law. Malta has always co-ordinated the search and rescue operations, carried out within the Search and Rescue Area falling under its responsibility, in strict adherence of its obligations, namely that it coordinates maritime search and rescue operations and that rescued persons are to be disembarked at the nearest safe port"
Last year, the Malta Rescue Coordination Centre of the Armed Forces of Malta coordinated 380 migrant cases, apart from many other cases involving merchant shipping, pleasure and fishing industry. These figures, the government said, provided more than ample proof of Malta’s strict adherence to its international obligations.
"Minister Maroni seems to be mixing up the obligations that a State has to coordinate search and rescue operations within its Search and Rescue Region with the obligation that a State has in rendering assistance to a vessel in distress. Such obligation is not related at all to the Search and Rescue Region.
"The Maltese government would like to reiterate that Malta is abiding by the international law as applicable to Malta. It will continue to abide by these international obligations to the full, but cannot and will not carry burdens that are clearly not its own," it said.
In a statement, the Labour Party said the standoff between Malta and Italy confirmed the need for the plan of action proposed by the Labour Party.
The party insisted that, under no circumstance, could the immigrants be accepted in Malta. The government, it said, should not give in to the Italian government's pressure or to the threat that the case would be taken to the European Union. The PL promised its support should the government take this course of action.
Malta, the PL said, had suffered enough because of the lack of goodwill at an international level and the time had come for the national interest to come first and foremost.
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Joe Fenech
May 2nd 2009, 15:22
S. Ahmed:
Who's beating whom???? Are you living in Malta or on Mars?
Ivan Attard
Apr 19th 2009, 20:11
LATEST NEWS: ITALY HAS 'ACCEPTED' TO TAKE IN THE TURKISH TANKER!
This has been reported with great fanfare and denigration of Malta in the 8pm RAI news today. The reason (according to Italy) is that they are more humanitarian than Malta and that this should not act as a precedent! Frattini also said that he will report the Maltese authorities' actions to the EU this week in a summit where (no doubt) he will heap ridicule, shame and whatever on us!!!
What cheek. What friends!
I HOPE OUR GOVERNMENT IS NOT INTIMIDATED BY THIS ACTION AND WILL STAND FIRM (IN FUTURE) AS THEY HAVE STOOD FIRM NOW. AFTER ALL WE DO NOT OWE ANYONE ANYTHING. WE OWE EVERYTHING TO OUR PEOPLE!!!!
Martin Farrugia
Apr 19th 2009, 19:48
Check out www.lastampa.it : Italy accepted to take in the ship. Bonnici is a good negotiator after all.
Anthony Camilleri
Apr 19th 2009, 18:02
Well said Mr Mizzi
Trevor Lorenzo Mizzi
Apr 19th 2009, 17:09
Maybe all these illegal immigrants, mostly from Somalia, are all making a big mistake and landing in uncivilized Malta and uncivilized Europe because they all seem to take the wrong turn once they start on their illegal journey.
Yes sir S. Ahmed,
Saudi Arabia is on their door step and they could all go there instead to enjoy their cutting edge 21st century civilization and all the goodness and advancement in this massive land of the prophet.
Graham Crocker
Apr 19th 2009, 13:53
S. Ahmed , we're not the ones breaking international law.
That so-called civilized country, called Italy is though, so maybe you should speak to them.
Go argue that 41 is smaller than 114 and that the ship has to go to the nearest safe heaven.
And that Search and Rescue Zones are there for *drum roll* Search and Rescue, and that has already been done by a Commercial Ship.
d. borg
Apr 19th 2009, 10:25
@S. Ahmed
The only solution is to repatriate all immigrants and stop others from coming. We do not want them here because in the future, our children have to compete with them for everything from jobs to housing, health and education. The situation is just not sustainable because our resources are so limited.
malcolm seychell
Apr 19th 2009, 09:01
Italy and Malta should unite together and not fight.
They should be send back to Libya. I understand Maroni that he doesn't want them, but he has to understand us that we have their same problem.
Back to Libya is the only solution. If we manage to do it together it will be a win both for us and europe.
A Vella
Apr 19th 2009, 07:10
@Stephen Sultanta- Definitely it is open to all. of course-no doubt. but a foreigner lecturing on this and using the terms " beating, insulting humilitating" to describe our attitude towards them, when it is no secret that it is the way some of these illegals treat our soldiers who are forced to be on duty with them, well there i believe that a foreigner should really stay a step back. Foreigners do have a tendency to think they have some right to lecture others on how to do things right.
Joe Xuereb
Apr 19th 2009, 03:13
Mr. Ahmed, a civilised country is one which has as one of its assests its own people when they emigrate. They people lead normal, mostly unspectacular lives away from their country and do their country of origin proud. The immigrants come from a civilised country and settle inside another civilised country. Standards maintained and enhanced all around. It takes hard work of course. And a highly developed sense of 'when in Rome do as the Romans do'. How do you think I survived (and contributed towards my pensions) after working non-stop in London , UK with never a single penny's worth of unemployment benefit.
I was educated in Malta (English system) and Britain benefited. I gave up some things from my past and adopted the British way of thinking. I am grateful. I am what I am as a direct result of living in Great Britain. I resent any interference with my well-being, the result of consistent hard work. I came from a civilised country and was adopted by another. All three have been beneficiaries. I intend to do everything in my power so that this status quo persists. I keep my values, you yours. Contract. Agreed.
C. Busuttil
Apr 19th 2009, 02:07
@S. Ahmed
Since we are not a civilized nation why have you stayed here for 4 years? Your attitude to lecture us on what to do is simply cheeky. We maltese have always been very hospitable with foreigners especially those who came here with good intentions. Do you expect that we should give away our country, our traditions, our culture and our religion ? Do you really expect us to look at them as if they some sort of angels after they have abused of our generosity, destroyed for several times buildings we provided for their shelter not to mention beatings, rapes and thefts they have committed against citizens of this country. They are frustrated its not our problem we have not asked for them they came here uninvited. Had they behaved in a civilized manner our attitude towards them would have been different.
PS - Malta has been civilized for thousands of years and before many other nations, its people have always been generous with those in need, however being in the 21st century does not mean being foolish!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
s camilleri
Apr 19th 2009, 01:25
Why should we be arguing with our neighbour Italy. Why aren't they taken to Africa which is where they left from .
Why must we always Europeans assume responsibility for everything? We bend backwards to please everyone like being religiously correct, not mentioning the word bl_ck and taking the blame for everyone else's problems as well as giving their 'Governments' BILLIONS of Euros each year. What for? Do we not need it in Europe? Do they think that Africa will ever change? It has had money pumped into it for donkeys years and what is their to show for it?
South America and Asia have advanced yet these Africans are still at the starting line and yet they are rich countries.
When will we have to stop paying?
Steven Brockwell
Apr 18th 2009, 22:37
mr orlando mp. read my comments please. there was a bigger picture for the EU letting us join their club. tell me one thing. why would you want a small island like our who can give practical nothing towards the EU. except one thing. holding the immigrants back? its the same song all over. Europe can not invade us by force. so bring Malta into the club keep it on string and control it from a far. see the bigger picture. we have become another buffer zone again? unions unite are we
Guze Xerri
Apr 18th 2009, 20:28
@ S. Ahmed,
Since the great number of these illegal invaders are Somali,
Perhaps they can go and illegally immigrate to their near neighbour's land of Saudi Arabia and Yemen and avail themselves of a great rich civilization and its largesse.
Just think of it, they do not have to travel far and they will be warmly welcomed by brother co-religionists .
It will be a win win situation for both parties. ;-))
Stephen Sultana
Apr 18th 2009, 20:22
A. Vella: you can believe what you want on who allegedly has the right to comment on this forum about Maltese issues, but it doesn't change the fact that the internet is open to all, whether you like it or not.
David Mizzi
Apr 18th 2009, 17:54
Recession
National Debt increasing alarmingly
Work availability
Health system problems at Emergency
The general bed availability at Mater Dei
Industrial Disputes at Freeport
Media Manouvering... for brain-washing purposes
Arson Attacks
Illegal Migrants' Situations.. and now including Foreign Relations
Farmers' Grants not paid
Carnival Tents' Dispute
Incinerators at Marsa & Marsaxlokk
Roads' state
Speed Cameras
Tourism's lower rates
Stipends ?
Not enough nurses
Industrial Disputes by UHM at Mater Dei / Pieta Ambulance Garages
Water & Electricity Tariffs
Gas Tariffs
Fuel Tariffs
...... and possibly more....
All I'm seeing is a big time-bomb ticking.... as a nation we're heading too fast into too many problems at the same time.... and we're gonna get hit by some sort of a problem too hard.. quite soon. I just hope not too many people will get hurt.
E.Grima
Apr 18th 2009, 17:32
Dr.Carm Mifsud Bonnici keep it up for standing firm - this is the Maltese cry, be our voice, help us defending our interest, we should help but not to the extent that we create more problems for ourselves like we have already created by this problem of illegal imigration. Think on how many Maltese people are suffering by this problem .Inkun Hanin Iva imma mhux Gifa
Steven Brockwell
Apr 18th 2009, 17:02
thank you MR martinelli for sharing my views, i always say there is a reason for every thing. Malta has always been used through out our history, as a stand off point or buffer zone. of some kind. we should all sing that" opps we did it again "????
D.Mifsud
Apr 18th 2009, 16:50
EU solidarity.....what a funy thing. Finally ppl are realising what EU is all about. They give us breadcrumbs so us the blind Maltese ppl think that we have a say in the EU. The reality is that the best for Malta was and will always be when we govern ourselves. But no.. we wanted to join this big group of solidarity so as to prosper together and help each other in the difficult times....oh yes. "nghidu iva, iva iva ghal uliedna u ghal pajjizna" I am sure a lot of us still remember this tune..
John Borg
Apr 18th 2009, 16:44
What's up Wayne Hewitt? I thought Europe's Far Right parties were brothers in arms!
A Vella
Apr 18th 2009, 16:43
@ S Ahmed. I really believe that since Malta is of the maltese people and not of foreigners, only the Maltese people really do have a right to speak about the matter of illegal immigration. The others can only express rhetoric because they can not understand. The attitude you claim Maltese have towards illegals is due to the fact that they are always claiming more and more and never stop coming and are starting to use the mentality " l'unione fa la forza" which is a very worrying trend.
Alex Ellul
Apr 18th 2009, 16:34
The opinion debate on illegal immigration has been definitely won by the 'send-them-back' section of the Maltese population. This is not racism. This is majority rules OK. In countries where the majority are in favour of abortion, abortion is legal. Is there any thing worse than killing your own child? The majority says: Illegal immigrants are to be held in custody, humanely, until repatriated. Democracy demands it. When all EU countries repatriate all illegal immigrants, the barbaric business in this slavery-type of trade will automatically cease. This trade is causing hardship to the few political refugees who manage to escape from tyranny and sure death and are looked at in bad light due to the massive trade in illegal immigrants.
martin brincat
Apr 18th 2009, 16:29
And then We Don't use the VETO in the EU?
Wayne Hewitt, General Secretary AN
Apr 18th 2009, 15:26
Italy and Malta should stand as one voice on this issue. This bickering is only pleasing those forces in North Africa that are sponsoring this mass exodus of people. Boats should be resupplied and escorted back to Libyan waters. I stand to be corrected but the US Coastguard does this with illegal immigrants from Haiti and Cuba. The US is signatory of the Geneva conventions as much as we are. If we stand firm as one nation, as one bloc with Italy we can solve this issue once and for all. There are no wars in Libya so even the request for refuge should be questioned.
Burden sharing has failed before its onset. Europe needs to stand as one with Italy and Malta and stop this continuous influx of illegal migrants through the abuse of international law by North African countries.
J. Cachia
Apr 18th 2009, 14:56
Just a question. Since the Italians are saying that 114 nautical miles from Malta is our responsibility, is that area available for oil exploration by Malta only?
If we have to accept these immigrants here, we should grant them Maltese citizinship, a passport and a one-way ticket included to Italy.
Sandro Zahra
Apr 18th 2009, 14:54
from the map, one can note that the seas between lampedusa and libya it Malta's Seach and Rescue Region!
So the Search and Resque Region of Lampedusa starts 1 miles from Lampedusa shores?
Jeffrey Pullicino Orlando M.P.
Apr 18th 2009, 13:34
Shame on Minister Maroni for pointing fingers at Malta when speaking about international obligations. He conveniently forgets to mention Libya notwithstanding the fact that the illegal immigration problem Malta and Italy are both facing stems from the fact that there is an organised illegal shuttle service from Libyan ports to Europe. Could commercial interests have something to do with this blinkered version of international diplomacy?
Franco Xuereb
Apr 18th 2009, 12:32
@ S. Ahmed Sir, It seems that you are not a Maltese citizen! Yet I respect your thoughts although I do not agree with what you wrote and thus you expect the citizens of this country to open their arms and welcome all illegal immigrants because we are living in the 21century!!!!!!
I would like to highlight the fact that (these desperate immigrants) are entering into our shores illegally. Therefore, they are illegal immigrants thus they are all economic illegal immigrants and they are a heavy burden on the citizens of this country, that’s the bottom line of this story.
Yes, you are right Malta should look ahead and learn from the mistakes other countries made like England, France, Holland, Germany etc.
Let Malta remain in the hands of its citizens, and not like the countries that I have mentioned above were foreigners and illegal immigrants over took the citizens of their respected countries.
Lawrence Martinelli
Apr 18th 2009, 12:30
@ Steven Brockwell = No need to wonder why Malta was accepted in the E.U.
Signor Frattolini said = Malta & Cyprus CAN be used as Colonies.
Herr Barrot said = You are not YET full with " boat tourist " ?!!!
Malta's Souhtern Friend is gleefully enjoying seeing Malta used as a punching ball
by "our friends " E.U. Partners.
The cherry on the cake ?.....not only Malta joined the E.U......it also took up the Euro.
Was there anything wrong with the Malta £ira = not enough " imaginary " Arches - Bridges -
colunms & other such " stoney " inventions on the Malta banknotes ?
Bank of Malta not capable enough to manage Malta's affairs ?
There are many ?????? that don't add up.
G Darmanin
Apr 18th 2009, 12:18
Are all those who keep on reminding Malta that we have to respect our international obligations will do the same with Italy now? Or are all those who do so, only strong with the weak and weak with the strong?!!!
Franco Xuereb
Apr 18th 2009, 12:01
Dear fellow citizens, let us not waste any more time writing on MSF. Let us not give them the importance that they want, thus if they are so concerned about the illegal immigrants which had landed in our shores then they should have taken all illegal immigrants with them when they had decided to leave our island, the problem would have been solved from both angles.
As I have stated previously I agree with the detention for all illegal immigrants, not for 18 months but UNTIL THE DAY THEY ARE REPATREATED BACK.
In my opinion the Government and the Minister responsible KMB should show more determination and start acting in the interest of our country before it’s too late. Please stop dreaming that Europe will help Malta in this respect, the Maltese people do not want founds from Europe but action. It had showed all along and will continue to do so that the proposed burden sharing will not work within the EU, thus by doing so will not solve the problem but will continue to encourage more influx
Michelle Dali
Apr 18th 2009, 11:45
S. Ahmed is urging us to 'learn from civilized nations'. Does he mean civilized nations like Italy, who refuse to honour their international obligations and want all illegal immigrants to be taken to the smallest, most overpopulated country in the European Union? Or does he mean civilized nations like the other EU countries who refuse to show solidarity with a fellow EU country and share it's overwhelming burden? I wonder what we can learn from these civilized countries. Probably the best lesson we can learn from them is to be selfish, don't give a hoot about others and put the national interest first and foremost.
In his comment, S. Ahmed seems to mistake rescuing illegal immigrants at sea, feeding, clothing, housing, giving medical treatment and social benefits for 'complaining, Insulting, beating and humiliating'. These people come to our country illegally and are given everything they need. The least they can do is show an ounce of gratitude, instead of making false accusations against the very people who support them. As the saying goes, don't bite the hand that feeds you.
Rodney Testa
Apr 18th 2009, 11:20
Under no circumstance should we accept these migrants!!!! Enough is enough. When one discuss this issue, one must not only think of the current situation which is already critical, but what the situation will be within 5-10 yrs time
So yes...pls Mr Govt...do not accept these migrants or be afraid of any neighbor countries threats
charles zammit
Apr 18th 2009, 11:08
this incident goes to show how our senior partners in the eu will voluntary offer their helping hand.
Steven Brockwell
Apr 18th 2009, 10:15
i wounder why the EU let us join their club.? we used to send the immigrants on their way. only now we are bound by EU rules to keep them here? that's something worth thinking about?
paul valletta
Apr 18th 2009, 09:48
i think it's the time to stand up and show the italians that we are not their rubbish bin , we're both passing from the same problem , eu is doing nothing about it , even more now that it postponed the frontex thing . i think we have to tackle this trough the UN , and settle this thing with the respective countries from where the illegal migrants are coming otherwise we stop helping out there , somebody has to stop this thing , we have to take action and not wasting time . we don't have space , the migrants themselves are calling from their mobiles to their relatives to come over to malta . this can't happen any more , Dr.Carm rules has to be changed even in the open centres , it's becoming their head quarters here in malta so they plan all this , do something before it's too late . remember when the albanians escaped with a big ship to italy , one fine day it will happen here in malta .
Michelle Dali
Apr 18th 2009, 09:16
Well done to the Maltese authorities for standing firm and not giving in to the bullying of the Italian government.
So much for burden sharing - it is pretty obvious by now that it was never going to happen, something most of us knew all along.
Let's hope our government keeps up this stance and goes one step further by not allowing any more illegal immigrants to be brought to our shores. Malta is full up - they must be turned back to Libya, or faling that, taken to a larger EU country that can better tend to their never-ending needs.
v.pulis
Apr 18th 2009, 08:51
Looking at the SAR region one quickly realises that it stretches from the coast of Tunisia to just South of the island of Crete. That means it is exactly the length of the Libyan coastline.
Which means that any boat leaving Lbya will have to pass through our SAR therefore according to Maroni all boats found in this region must be taken to Malta. if Italy gets her way it will not get one single migrant. There are more than two million prospective migrants lined up on Libya's shores. There are those in Malta who are ready to accomodate them all because they say it is our catholic duty. Can any of these catholics put a quota on how many thousands we can handle before alarm bells start ringing even in their heads?
Chris Mifsud
Apr 18th 2009, 08:33
@Andrew Camilleri
Malta should NEVER EVER accept these illegal immigrants or any others under these circumstances no matter what .
Dr Carm , 99% of the population is behind you ! Keep it up .
t. borg
Apr 18th 2009, 07:23
The Italian Interior Minister Roberto Maroni should bully Libya and not Malta. Malta should sell all the patrol boats including the new ones. These are consuming lot of fuel from the tax payers. The same tax payers that are being burdened by high electricity bills. Malta should do like the Italians and stop taking fingerprints on arrivals of the immigrants and informing the EU including Italy. This is ONLY (LAQIN) being done so those caught in Italy and EU will be sent back to Malta. Malta go out of Dublinet immediately! I am fed up with “International Obligations” the only obligation is towards the Maltese.
S. Ahmed
Apr 18th 2009, 02:33
I have been in Malta for about 4 years. And I always hear every person living on this Island complaining about this issue without any result. So complaining, Insulting, beating and humiliating desperate people is not solution. I doubt tomorrow you may find these people in a better place and equipped with better knowledge. So we should have predictive capacity than being down to these immigrants.
Let me tell you what I do think you couldn't get; whatever you reflect hatred and abuse of these people, you never get solution. So think again and again and try to invent what is acceptable and successful at least to limit this situation.
Therefore, don't spend your time blaming these desperate immigrants.
Guys look ahead and learn from civilized nations!!!!! These is 21century
E. Azzopardi
Apr 18th 2009, 00:11
And how many times is this going to happen from now on?? Have we thought of this??
C Zammit
Apr 17th 2009, 23:49
Are we reaping the fruits of that famous agreement that our PM signed recently?? Is this the commitment our EU brothers are suggesting with 'burden sharing'
I must agree with the PL 100%.........use our VETO before it's too late!!!!!!!!!!
A Abela
Apr 17th 2009, 23:43
Where are these people sleeping tonight? On the ship?
Cause of the Italians? The Italians should be liable for anything that happens to them.
E Aquilina
Apr 17th 2009, 23:00
Thank you Mr. Charles J. Buttigieg.... By now we don't even need rumour... it seems very evident that the more advanced technology of our neighbouring country is being used to our disadvantage in this game of passing the buck.
Ernest Vella
Apr 17th 2009, 22:46
I'm sorry to listen to such news from the Italian...it is very sad...Burden Sharing they call it...lol....41NM are more near than 114NM...lets buy a km ruler to Maroni :)
Good job to the Maltese Goverment....while the Italian Goverment play the role of the gentleman with the Libyan authorithies they taught that Malta would stay with her hands on her stomack, acceptin people who are not under her jurisdiction...hehe...we're not Cindirella.
I just wish to make note to Maroni that if Lega speaks so to Italians, this is not accepted by us Maltese, who remind him of the sufferings we suffered in this century. Go tell to Mr.Jacques Barrot that if he wants the immigrants he can take them to his country.
Frans Sammut
Apr 17th 2009, 21:38
Here is hoping Minister Mifsud Bonnici does not give in to Maroni's bullying tactics. Maroni needs to learn how determined the Maltese can be when fighting for their rights.
Damian Fenech
Apr 17th 2009, 20:55
@ Charles J. Buttigieg , Most of us have heard this "Rumour" we hope Maltese authoritiies will look into it. Although if these sightings happen in International waters I assume there's little they can do.
Charles J. Buttigieg
Apr 17th 2009, 20:51
In my younger years I used to work as a wireless operator with the RAF Air-Sea Rescue Base at Marsaxlokk,1151 MCU. We used to work very closely with the Italian SAR Base at Sigonella. When we received distress calls we never considered territorial waters, the norm was always to pick up the distressed souls and take them to the nearest land. Rumour has it that the Italian SAR hire civilian spot planes and when sightings are reported they mark time and when the illegal immigrants reach our waters they call our AFM to go out to assist and naturally expect them to bring them to Malta.
Eman Pulis
Apr 17th 2009, 20:33
@ Damian, Well said. We need to be smart enough, coordinate a top-down and bottom-up decision making approach. The government must do its share, however the public can also help by generating awareness with on blogs like this. We live in an era where our voice is not limited to a vote cast every 5 years. http://www.lifeinitaly.com/node/5149#comment-450
R. Schembri
Apr 17th 2009, 20:31
@ Maria Buttigieg: Obama is not an illegal immigrant. And neither were his parents. His mother was American and his father won a scholarship to go to America. Just because someone is black does not make them an illegal immigrant. Learn some history. Even in Malta today, not all people from different ethnic backgrounds are illegal immigrants.
Alexander Morana
Apr 17th 2009, 20:26
Trevor Lorenzo Mizzi ... we should take them to Gozo. The Bishop of Gozo wants to remove the detention centers.??????? I am sure the Gozitans will welcome them with open arms.
Damian Fenech
Apr 17th 2009, 20:21
Please also leave comments here, http://www.lifeinitaly.com/node/5149#comment-450 , so we can tell our side of the story
Carmel Caruana Carabez
Apr 17th 2009, 20:17
Take it easy, cousin Italians. 'Search and Rescue', in English, means you locate people in distress and then make sure they survive, but International Law says you take them to the nearest port. We are obliged to sweep an area and ensure that whoever is in that area does not perish, but where he is given landfall is a matter of geographic proximity. I'm afraid the language of International Maritime Law is English, and there might be a problem of semantics involved, certainly not on our side.
Charles J. Buttigieg
Apr 17th 2009, 20:16
Veto should be our next step if we want respect from oue EU Partners.
j.schembri
Apr 17th 2009, 20:10
BEST SOLUTION IS.......TAKE THEM BACK TO LIBYA!!!!!
R.Gatt
Apr 17th 2009, 20:10
This is the reason why Libya is willing to do absolutely nothing with regards to stop the ever increasing influx of these illegal immigrants on European soil: (@ 2minutes 55 seconds approx) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LNUqLztI4mQ Mind you, this speech was recorded way back in 2006.
L Mallia
Apr 17th 2009, 20:01
Back to basics; do non-Maltese EU members know how small and over-populated Malta is? Seriously, has anyone informed them of the basic info i.e. "The largest island, Malta has an area of about 246 sq km, while its sister island Gozo is only 67 sq km. The maximum length and width of Malta are 27.36 km and 14.48 km respectively. The corresponding extensions for Gozo are 14.48 km and 7.24 km." http://www.geocities.com/rainforest/3096/
Or are they already aware and think the size is perfect for a dumping site? We must wake up and accept that we are insignificant in the big picture.
Stephen Farrugia
Apr 17th 2009, 19:51
I don't agree with the immigrants coming to Malta but when Maroni came to Malta and found a government that loves the immigrants, contradicting his hard line, he thought that he should teach our weak government a lesson. When he discovered that Norman Lowell was arrested and taken to court, he assumed that we wanted the immigrants. Do you blame him?
David Ellul
Apr 17th 2009, 19:47
So Italy is bullying Malta, wait until the rest of EU joins Italy, Then what? God help little old Malta.
I wonder how many of those commenting here have voted in favor of joining the EU?
Charles Sammut
Apr 17th 2009, 19:43
This is tantamount to piracy.
Instead of using firearms, these people are using international obligations as weapons. They are grossly abusing the system. They chased this ship and declared an emergency knowing fully well that the poor captain had no choice but to take them on board.
Muscat.pat
Apr 17th 2009, 19:34
Sfax in Tunisia is a short distance away from where the illegal immigrants were picked up. The ship should proceed towards Sfax and unload them there. But it seems that the illegal immigrants want a free passage to Europe and not a safe passage to the nearest port. Malta has an obligation to rescue bona fide sailors and not necessarily those who abuse the system to enter counties illegally. Well done minister. We expect action and a strong determination to defend our dignity.
Andrew Camilleri
Apr 17th 2009, 19:22
Shame on Italy and shame on Malta.
Carmel J Farrugia
Apr 17th 2009, 19:17
Time up we reduce our Search and Rescue area to a more reasonable size more consonant with the size and capabilities of our small country.
Michael Spiteri
Apr 17th 2009, 19:14
This is a fine example of BURDEN SHARING. What a waste of time!
mario azzopardi
Apr 17th 2009, 19:09
mr.minister do not give in.they should be sent back to Libya to be honest
John Inguanez
Apr 17th 2009, 19:03
@Maria Buttigieg. Do you know what are you saying? They just simply remain here! Can we afford to do this. Could the country with its huge fiscal deficit last year (to maintain our jobs!) pay to keep them here for good. As EU citizens they would have all rights to remain here. Please let's us not preach and show more solidarity with the Maltese.
Carm get on with it. We are behind you. Let no one bullies us because on the matter we are right. Ms Buttigieg please check the distances where the immigrants were picked and see which is the nearest country.
Trevor Lorenzo Mizzi
Apr 17th 2009, 19:00
Where are the do gooders?
Always claiming that Europe needs millions of these illegal invaders.
Time to put a stop to this misery once and for all.
Pressure on Libya has to be applied by all countries who have had enough of this criminality.
Alex Ellul
Apr 17th 2009, 18:52
These illegal migrants' provenance is Libya. They illegally boarded boats at a Libyan shore. That's where they should be repatriated. BUT LIBYA HAS GOT A LOT OF CLOUT WITH EU POLITICIANS. So we have to bear the economic and social brunt of accepting these poor pawns dying on the high seas of the med and the heartless quagmire of international political manouvering. There is no racism in this story. Just dirty politics and dirty money, with most of the dirt residing on the north African shores.
Libya is a very rich country by far. It can feed, cloth and provide work for all the thousands of people supposedly running away from political upheavals or plain economic ruin caused by corrupt African regimes. There may be other aims in this illegal migration too. The end result is not a better life for these poor wretches but death on the high seas, semi improsonment in temporary camp sites, repatriations and sometimes, for the lucky few, a new life in the westen democracies.
We should call a spade a spade or face the music not in decades but in a few years time. We are already at loggerheads with Italy. Why not Libya?
J Farrugia
Apr 17th 2009, 18:50
While Malta and Italy (2 friends and allies) are fighting this battle out, Libya (those blood brothers of ours) is rubbing its hands with glee. Carm Mifsud Bonnici we have to once again point our fingers at Libya, that lawless country neighbour of ours. This is all Libya's fault. It has to do its part by taking back what it is spitting at us. And no dawra durella ma din il-problema. Il-Libya hija l-problema numru 1.
Paul Bonnici
Apr 17th 2009, 18:47
Let's look at this from a different perspective, 154 illegal immigrants entering Malta equates to 23,000 illegal immigrants entering Italy.
What would Italians say if 23,000 illegal immigrants appeared on their shores in one day?
Malta cannot play the EU immigration game anymore!
J attard
Apr 17th 2009, 18:40
Unleash the beast, send Austin to deal. Hope he will roll on as he does with the Maltese.
Graham Crocker
Apr 17th 2009, 18:38
Maria Buttigieg, That wouldn't be such a bad idea.
We'd be doing the right thing and at the same time legalizing their passage to the UK.
leonardo vince
Apr 17th 2009, 18:37
Malta, not a makku but a small giant in the EU (according to Maltese dreamers) ended up a cippitatu.
Charles Micallef
Apr 17th 2009, 18:35
This is confirmation that when it comes to 'push and shove', you have now friends or EU to help and everyone is left to fend for themselves............
Malta seems to be the only nation that play by the rules............
C. Schembri
Apr 17th 2009, 18:32
Wow, did anybody get the feeling of goosebumps through his body? I certainly felt it, when reading the last two paragraphs!
Government and PL are on the same side finally,... Ifhem, that's the best stand they had to take, for Malta's sake. I am happy that Dr. Muscat is saying that PL is backing Government to take such a step. That would really give a support to Government!
PROSIT both PN Gov't and PL! Let us not give in! Malta l-ewwel u qabel kollox! :-)
Mario Pace
Apr 17th 2009, 18:30
If this is the way our friend Italy is treating us, I dread to think how other countries who either do not know that we even exist or who do not give a hoot about us are going to help us in this matter
J Fenech
Apr 17th 2009, 18:29
Well done, Dr.Mifsud Bonnici! Stand your ground and don't let our supposed ally bully us into submission. The whole nation is behind you on this one. Lets give a clear message to those who are waiting to leave the Libyan coast that its not worth risking a perilous crossing. Enough is enough!
Kevin Borg
Apr 17th 2009, 18:28
@ Maria Buttigieg
What has Obama to do with this? Do you know that the population of Africa surpases that of Europe by millinos? What if we had to give them all a citizenship?
Please reconsider your comment
Anne Pace
Apr 17th 2009, 18:24
MALTA - Don't give in. Stay strong and stand up for your rights. I am in support of all the rest of the people writing in. Malta is inundated with illegal immigrants.
G .Mangion
Apr 17th 2009, 18:16
Minister Carmelo Mifsud Bonnici, Keep it up and Welldone
If not we should change the rules," Minister Maroni said. I think what the Hon Maroni is not aware of is, That Two ( Due ) Can play at the Game !!
m formosa
Apr 17th 2009, 18:15
The Italians should send medical help on board the ship, supply them with food and drink and send them to Libya.
Joseph Cauchi
Apr 17th 2009, 18:07
Since only the USA is really helping Malta by accepting some of the illegal immigrants to their shores, and none of our partners in Europe does; is it perhaps more opportune for Malta to leave the EU and join the USA!
Gaddafi wouldn’t like it, of course!
Food for thought!
../..
Joseph Cauchi
Apr 17th 2009, 18:06
Since only the USA is really helping Malta by accepting some of the illegal immigrants to their shores, and none of our partners in Europe does; is it perhaps more opportune for Malta to leave the EU and join the USA!
Gaddafi wouldn’t like it, of course!
Food for thought!
../..
edward bartolo
Apr 17th 2009, 18:02
Quote: ""Italy cannot expect to solve its immigration problems by dumping them on Malta" Dr Mifsud Bonnici said."
@Minister
Well done for your courage! Keep it up; this time you scored 10/10!
Mark Portelli
Apr 17th 2009, 17:57
Did the PL say " send back them to libya "??
A Vella
Apr 17th 2009, 17:54
Minister show your worth. If you back off on this one, we ll be the joke of all EU and especially Italy's and the illegals themselves. We have every right to refuse, or isn t Malta our country anymore? Whichever authority comes lecturing us on accepting them and that we should be ashamed, should either take the illegals to his/her country or simply not interfere. we have had more than enough
John Borg
Apr 17th 2009, 17:50
Many of the people criticizing the Italian government today were waxing lyrical about Maroni and his colleagues a few weeks ago when Italy announced that it will start deporting "all" illegal immigrants. Italy's "decisive" approach to this problem was then compared to our governments "betrayal" of the Maltese people. Make up your minds!
lgalea
Apr 17th 2009, 17:44
I have been saying this for ages. Tow them back to just outside Libyan territorial waters, leave them just enough fuel to reach the Libyan shore and point then towards Libya if need be with guns trained on their boats.
That is the only way to stop the illegal immigrant invasion of Malta and Europe.
Franco Tabone
Apr 17th 2009, 17:38
I quote what I read from today's italian newspaper 'La Repubblica'. "Le condizioni meteo ottime favoriscono l'arrivo di nuove imbarcazioni. Terzo sbarco consecutivo nel giro di poche ore a Lampedusa: altri 42 migranti su un gommone sono stati soccorsi da una motovedetta dei carabinieri. Nelle ore precedenti, in altri due sbarchi, sono arrivati sull'isola 301 migranti. Sulla prima imbarcazione soccorsa all'alba c'erano 239 persone fra le quali 45 donne e due bambini. Il secondo sbarco - 62 migranti". That means they had 3 landings in Lampedusa in just a few hours. (the first 239 persons; the second 62 migrants and the third one with 42 with a total of 343 migrants), in addition to this 4th landing consisting of 154 which the italians tried to pass them to us. In my opionion both Malta and Italy should unite and be solid to force these boats back from where they are departing from. Italy should be more responsable since they occupied and took Libya in 1912 and should have warned Libya to control and not to allow these boats to leave their shores before agreeing to pay $5 billion as compensation. Well done Dr.Mifsud Bonnici.
R Agius
Apr 17th 2009, 17:27
Malta and Italy fight it out between them out while Libya stands out of the argument. Verrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrry Funny! Ridiculous situation!
David Seychell
Apr 17th 2009, 17:25
Some people think that this is a question of how much time there is to wait before the EU decides to help us with real burden sharing, i.e. burden sharing proportional to land area or population. But maybe the question is and always was another one i.e. how much time we're going to resist the EU from turning our whole Island into the EU' s main detention centre.
Patrick Bellia
Apr 17th 2009, 17:17
To Maria Butigieg
Look at the USA, Obama is President. That is why America is so rich.
We should do the same and give them all an ID card with full rights of full EU citizens
I dont agree with you to give them ID card with full rights of full EU citizens because we will need to give them all the bensfits like children allowance, relief, maternity leave and you know that these dont have one kid, health care and much much more and that is why I dont agree with you, with such rights that u mentioned they will have even the right to one of them contest election, immagine one of them contesting for EU immagine one of them being elected in parlemnet or in EU, these are some few things why I dont agree fully with you
Lawrence Martinelli
Apr 17th 2009, 17:15
" Giant Elephant " Italy wants to hand " Dwarf Elephant" Malta the proverbial Hot-Potato.
Signor Moroni is right.....ONLY 154 " Boat Tourists" ?.....Let " Dwarf Elephant" handle it. =
154 people to Malta is ONLY about 25,000 to Italy.....Why complain ?...." Dwarf Elephant "
has plenty of spare land.
After all did not the other Signore (Frattolini) said that Malta & Cyprus are apt as
" Colonies ". Does it not smell of revenge ?
Ahhh....the Great E.U. !!!!
Ahhh....the Great Next-Door friend.
Day Dreaming is Over - kaput - Fineé - Finito - Fertish.
Lewis Balzan
Apr 17th 2009, 17:15
One solution would be to bring them over to Malta, grant them all EU citizenship, give them €100 spending money and a free plane ticket to Italy. And good luck to them.
wally vella-zarb
Apr 17th 2009, 17:13
Forget the EU agreements and 'solidarity'. They don't care.
International Law is being flagrantly abused. I believe that it is time to raise the entire issue and concept of 'Rescue of Distressed Persons on the High Seas', as well as all the related protocols and agreements, with the United Nations and the International Maritime Organisation.
emanuel muscat
Apr 17th 2009, 17:10
Mr.Maroni is wrong on all counts:he thinks that just because there are immigrants on boats the maltese search and rescue boats should go to rescue these people even to the south of lampedusa even when they are not in distress and also that the nearest safe port criterion should dumped!We have to be tough otherwise a small island (a thousand times smaller in area than italy and more than one hundred times less in population ) will be inundated this summer:who will help us then when the guy down south is on a crusade to conquer Europe for the islamic cause!
V. Zammit
Apr 17th 2009, 17:02
Libya is merely testing EU slogans of burden-sharing –solidarity –human rights rights-tolerance …. etc.
For decades, the European Union has been criticizing and lecturing Libya for its Human Rights records.
Now, with every boat-load Libyan Col. Gadafi is simply testing EU values by sending Human that would like to find their rights in EU. EU ‘bad treatment to immigrants’ would prove to Gaddafi and the whole world that EU values are mere slogans, this is of course, unless the EU got a different definition for humans.
Marika Micallef
Apr 17th 2009, 16:52
Is this the same person who said that Italy would not accept a single illegal immigrant and start immediate repatriation following rescuing, only to be told off and scolded by the EU?
Sometimes it is better to shut up, isn't it, Mr Maroni?
Adrian Allain
Apr 17th 2009, 16:49
Why argue about these few, when thousands more are on their way this year, next year and the year after........
Malta needs to take unilateral action and swiftly start repatriating those already in custody and deal with any new arrivals just as speedily until the message gets through that this route through Libya is not worth taking. They'll end up where they started from, but much poorer.
c.camilleri
Apr 17th 2009, 16:45
In the first place why should tiny Malta should be responsible for such a large area. This area is beyond our capacity and we should delegate part of it to our neighbours.
E Stivala
Apr 17th 2009, 16:39
Once Frontex, the "rescuing", the taxiing, the ferrying, the landings, the taking in, the open centre, the closed centres and all the rest of this never-ending nonsense stops taking place, the illegals would stop coming because they would have nothing and nobody to give a toss or be bothered about them. Let them die. When they have it so good, they will not stop abusing us.
Maria Buttigieg
Apr 17th 2009, 16:32
Look at the USA, Obama is President. That is why America is so rich.
We should do the same and give them all an ID card with full rights of full EU citizens.
n camilleri
Apr 17th 2009, 16:31
These and all the others that come after should be definately taken back to their shores. Both Malta and Italy should not keep on 'rescuing' these immigrants that are being sent away from their country. This trafficking has to STOP!!!!
E. Azzopardi
Apr 17th 2009, 16:24
This problem is taking so much of our resources, time and money !! And the rest of the EU are spectators. I thought we had signed an agreement!!! But then Mr Verheugen himself told us, just a few days ago, that this is not working Only those who are so naive thought it would work. Now MANDATORY burden sharing should come, they tell us. But when????
I thought the Italians were our very close friends, or are they? Having said all this, our government should not give in, irrespective of what is happening because if we give in once, then God really help us.
Carlo Laurenti
Apr 17th 2009, 16:18
I read this story with great frustration although I migrated to the UK almost 4 years ago.
Rightly so neither Malta nor Italy want any more illegal imigrants on their shores, so why not send them back to Libja?
After all, they are illegal imigrants and thats where they came from!
Evarist Saliba
Apr 17th 2009, 16:12
While Malta and Italy bicker on who should take these illegal immigrants, Libya, from where thes epeople are likely to have come, just looks on.
International law should prevail, and I am very disappointed to see that a minister of friendly Italy thinks otherwise. In saying so, I disassociate myself from those who claim that as a former colonial power in the Horn of Africa, Italy has any obligation, more than any other nation, to host illegal immigrants. The absence of law-and-order, and economic mismanagement, in that region is the result of local misrule and interferance by new colonial 'powers' which do not come from the western world.
joe camenzuli
Apr 17th 2009, 16:12
The only solution is to sent them back to their place of departure and those on our soil should also be sent home. If they do not want to go back then the only alternative is to keep them locked up in detention centres for ever.
Cikku Borg
Apr 17th 2009, 16:11
I agree - they look well fed - Italy, Malta and the EU should ALL TOGETHER refuse entry. The ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS knew the risks that they would face... one of them being REFUSAL OF ENTRY. So it's now about time that they learn the meaning of the word NO.
M Saliba
Apr 17th 2009, 16:11
The EU says a lot of things.
If I was on the EU gravy train, I'd say anything too.
Julian Caruana
Apr 17th 2009, 16:06
So according to HON Maroni argument Italy should get no immigrants since they have to go through Maltese Waters to reach Italy (assuming immigrants leave from Libya) . Do they think we a dump yard or a filter for EUrope??
PARI IDEJN SODI MAL BARANI
Saviour Cauchi Jr.
Apr 17th 2009, 16:06
Malta as a menber of the E.U. should be receiving some sort of help from all member states right? Why should the most overcrowded country in the E.U. keep taking abuse? The only country in the world that has helped tiny Malta and has NO BUSINESS helping Malta in this issue is the United States!! Since May of 2008, the U.S. has taken over 240 immigrants from Malta alone! NAME ANOTHER COUNTRY THAT HAS TOPPED THAT? Being part of the E.U. a so called Union (partnership), has it's advantages and disadvantages and Malta always end's up short on everything within the E.U. It is time to stand up to all the bullies withen the E.U. and DO NOT BACK DOWN FROM THIS STANCE for it is the only stance Malta can take!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Stephen Sultana
Apr 17th 2009, 16:00
C. Agius says "In one of the programmes on MTV before the EU Membership referendum, I quoted "naqbel li Malta tissieheb fl-Ewropa, pero' wisq nibza' li nispiccaw il-latrina tal-Ewropa" Time is proving me right."
I say: well, we are probably the dirtiest country in Europe anyway . . .
Sandro Pace
Apr 17th 2009, 15:56
The only asinine people are those who still believe in, still thrive to, and still hopes for burden sharing. As I always say, people and leaders in Europe change all the time. There is no guarantee that we can rely forever on 'underground' solutions, or non binding agreements.
The agreement in question gives reason to the Italians, but Malta had never signed it. And even if so, limits are limits.
Even if our government wins this. It is not enough. He only warded off immigrants which were not ours anyhow. Malta should have no responsability for a single immigrant. Cause it had no colonial responsabilities, and the immigrants' will is not Malta.
E Gatt
Apr 17th 2009, 15:53
Bickering between Malta and Italy is not going to get us anywhere.
As close allies we must appear as a united front to convince Libya to understand our position.
Joanne Micallef
Apr 17th 2009, 15:52
I personally would like for both countries to stand their ground, just to be able to see how the rest of our fellow EU member states will act.
We've heard many times how they understand our situation, we've also heard them say how in reality our tiny country is overcome by this situation. Well now is the time to really show us if they meant all that was said.
v.pulis
Apr 17th 2009, 15:50
So according to Maroni Malta is not intervening to save immigrants. Then where did all these migrants in malta come from? did they fall from the sky like manna in the desert?!
I say it for the umpteenth time, if Libya is not forced to accept its responsibilities the crisis will escalate. I bet gaddafi is rubbing his hands with glee seeing two EU countries at logger heads.
The solution is to take them back to just outside Libya's territorial waters and point them south. in the meantime we must stand firm against Italy who finds it more convenient to use harsh words with us than to irritate the country which is supplying it with oil. The italians never learn when it comes to Maltese grit.
C. Agius
Apr 17th 2009, 15:49
In one of the programmes on MTV before the EU Membership referendum, I quoted
"naqbel li Malta tissieheb fl-Ewropa, pero' wisq nibza' li nispiccaw il-latrina tal-Ewropa"
Time is proving me right.
A Camilleri
Apr 17th 2009, 15:46
Dr Mifsud Bonnici, if you give in this time rest assured that next time, and the next, Malta will become the dumping ground of these immigrants.
If Minister Maroni has no qualms about changing the rules he should be told that he will not be the only one to twist the rules if these are misconstrued.
I say that if Malta is subjected to take on all the immigrants that are fished out of the sea, we should not take on even the ones that happen to be near our shores. We have had enough of this crisis now.
Manuel Micallef
Apr 17th 2009, 15:45
I remember EFA saying that the Eu is a place full of "solidarity".
Here is an example -
Thanks Italy. Why don't we claim from them damages done in 2nd world war - such as Opera House?
J. Mifsud
Apr 17th 2009, 15:37
Prosit lill-awtoritajiet Maltin. Malta ma' tiflahx aktar immigranti illegali. Wara kollox, anke jekk inzommuhom, hawnhekk se jghixu f'kundizzjonijiet hziena. Il-Gvern Malti ghandu juza' il-poteri kollha li jtuh il-ligijiet Ewropej sabiex din il-problema tissolva. Iva, ghandna nuzaw il-vot taghna fl-istituzzjonijiet Ewropej. Sfortunatament, hekk biss nittiehdu bis-serjeta'.
Milli jidher, l-Unjoni Ewropea ma' tantx jimputaha mill-problemi taghna. Ara kif jista' jkun din in-naqra ta' gzira ssolvi l-problemi ta' immigrazzjoni llegali ghall-Ewropa!!!
Wara kollox, min seraqhom lil dawn imsieken pajjizi? Zgur mhiex Malta.!!!
Il-Libja ukoll ghandha responsabilitajiet kbar fuq l-immigrazzjoni llegali. Bhala Maltin nistennew ghajnuna hafna iktar mill-Libjani. Mela nsew dawn min ghinhom meta d-dinja kienet kontrihom?
Malta qeghda fil-konfini esterni tan-naha t'isfel ta' l-Ewropa, ghalhekk noqoghdu attenti li ma' nsirux il-latrina tal-pajjizi Ewropej. Il-Maltin jixirqilhom Gvern bis-sinsla, ghaliex hadd ma jahsillek wiccek biex tkun isbah minnu. Ghandna nghidu LE meta jkollna ragun, u nuzaw il-mezzi kollha biex niehdu dan ir-ragun.
P Scerri
Apr 17th 2009, 15:35
Adopting the Swedish very European approach, we need to start seeing opportunities in what may at face value seem a problem: May this standoff lead to Frontex being cancelled for this year, and hopefully forever.
John Borg
Apr 17th 2009, 15:33
How is it possible some people have nothing better to do than post asinine comments all day?
alex sciberras
Apr 17th 2009, 15:30
NO WAY ITALY...
Criss Camiileri
Apr 17th 2009, 15:29
No, no, no, import these illegal boat people to Libia. We've had enough, more then enough as a matter of fact. Minister, I am not a PN supporter, but on this one, I and my family are behind you 100 %.
R. Camilleri
Apr 17th 2009, 15:28
Go for it Carm!!!!!!..... and tell the Italian minister to take a flying leap, just because we're smaller then them, doesnt mean they can push us around. well done
J Martinelli
Apr 17th 2009, 15:22
Maybe the Turkish cargo ship should head to Libya where the immigrants came from in the first place.
This would solve Italy's and Malta's dispute.
P Borg
Apr 17th 2009, 15:21
1. Give them food and water
2. Ensure their safety at sea
3. Both Italy and Malta should insist on refusing entry and send them back to Libya - there is no war at Libya and therefore no-one of them should be granted refugee status. These are all economic migrants (even if they come from Somalia or Eritrea).
This will send a message to all the other migrants waiting to cross the sea, risking their life and the life of others (in the case of pregnant women).
Stephen Forster
Apr 17th 2009, 15:18
Good on you Minister, Financial protocols have finished so we can act independently finally.......
Ronnie Gauci
Apr 17th 2009, 15:14
Malta or Italy?? And Libya why doesn't they have nothing to do with it?? Did these immigrants just drop from the sky?
Marco Spiteri
Apr 17th 2009, 15:03
Well done Dr. Mifsud Bonnici. Keep up the stand.
Patrick Bellia
Apr 17th 2009, 14:56
Why not the italian Minister Maroni not ask the EU Commisioner Jaques Barrot to take these unwanted people to other EU countries like France,Germany etc I think that they make part of the EU too so the famous burden sharing will begin working. and if he doesnt want them in his country why he wants Malta to take them, after all they are closer to Italy than here. Italy is a catholic country like here but the Italian Minister didnt cared about values but he cared only about what he will do not to let them stay in Italy so we must do the same. Summer is on the door step what they are thinking that if they come in thousands we will accept them? Keep Strong Minister and dont let six words VALUES making u change your stand taken.
Anthony Magri
Apr 17th 2009, 14:53
Moroni is threatening Malta. If he were given free hand he would dump thousands of illegal immigrants in Malta. He couldn't care less that Malta is easly the most populated country and has the highest percentage of illegal immigrants. If I understand well Moroni wants to bring to Malta all those rescued by Frontex. So where it for Italy Frontex is meant only to divest Italy from its obligations and use Malta as a dumping ground.
Minister C. Mifud Bonnici every Maltese is behind you on this matter, don't give in to Italy.
Malta was not detered from resisting when it was bombed, let's show Italy of what are the Maltese made. Malta is not Albania. Moroni must understand what this means.
Lee Micallef
Apr 17th 2009, 14:53
"Italian Interior Minister Roberto Maroni this morning accused Malta of not taking its responsibilities on migration and instead dumping the migrants on Italy." !!
But its ok for Italy to try and dump the immigrants on Malta what a tale of double standards,
Does the Italian minister not realise that Malta is already full to capacity ? so where does he suggest we put them ?.
kevin pace
Apr 17th 2009, 14:52
who are Italy and Maroni to dictate to us what to do....we re facing more than a crisis situation with the immgrants landing on our shores with regards to our size and inablity to accomodate any further....if the italians should take all the immigrants residing in malta and relocate them to italy,they would still not amount to 00.1% of their populace.....so why is Mr Maroni making all the noise .....gives us a break minister....
Wilfred L Camilleri
Apr 17th 2009, 14:50
What a joke! How does Italy expect Malta to absorb al these illegal immigrants? The Maltese government should tell Italy and the EU in no uncertain terms that enough is enough and if the EU is not willing to take responsibility for this issue, then neither does Malta! Stand your ground and tell the Italians to buzz off!
louise vella
Apr 17th 2009, 14:49
Franco Frattini once said it and it's the truth.
Italy and the EU want to turn Malta and Cyprus into a colony for African illegal immigrants.
Malta has to defend itself. If not, nobody else will.
dorothy borg galea
Apr 17th 2009, 14:49
I hope the Minister does not give in to any bullying either from Italy or EU. Malta cannot take any more immigrants. We are full up and that's that. If we accept this once then we have to accept all the others. The Maltese people are behind you.
Muscat Pat
Apr 17th 2009, 14:47
Although our neighbour and very close friend, Italy should stop playing games. I admire Maroni a lot when he is playing his saxophone, and he does that like a professonal. But as to his political tirades, then that is an other story.
Damian Fenech
Apr 17th 2009, 14:45
Nice and italian media makes us look like the bad guys, Doesn't Maroni know that he has no jurisdiction over Malta, http://www.lifeinitaly.com/node/5149#comment-450
Andre` Micallef
Apr 17th 2009, 14:44
So according to Italian Interior Minister Roberto Maroni, Malta is not intervening to save immigrants. Now that's what I call some cheek, to put it mildly. Minister Maroni should know at first hand how Malta is trying to cope to the best of its ability in dealing with the ever-increasing influx of immigrants, having paid us a visit earlier this year and seen with his own eyes how insustainable the situation is.
Not only that, but his shameless statement is an insult to our Armed Forces who not only have rescued thousands of immigrants on the high seas on countless occasions, but also tend to their endless needs in the detention centres, more often than not with little or no gratitude shown to them. If, according to him, relations between Malta and Italy have taken a downturn, then it's certainly not Malta to blame.
Put simply, Italy is trying to waive its responsibility by not keeping to its side of the bargain. One last word goes to Minister Carm Mifsud Bonnici - hold firm and stick to your guns. Please keep in mind that any dithering on your part will be interpreted as conceding yet more ground on this issue.
Charles J. Buttigieg
Apr 17th 2009, 14:42
Burden sharing Italian style.
Italy and Malta should stick to their position and the ship’s captain should take them back to Libya where they came from. That’s right, pass on the bug; it’s the only way these people realise that we do not need them here. Our lads go to Libya to make good money what’s wrong with these people staying there?
John Spiteri, Information Secretary AN
Apr 17th 2009, 14:36
It's nice watching the amazing acts of voluntary burden sharing isn't it? Hon. Carm Mifsud Bonnici remember how excited you were about it? Remember how AN in october made a public protest to tell you the obvious that the pact was not worth the paper it was written on? remember how you ridiculed us? nobody is laughing now, and the comic tragic season is yet to begin. Tell your buddies in Government and the over paid but pretty useless Eurocrats, that you will do whatever is necessary to defend your country. Or are you simply not up to it?
George Cutajar
Apr 17th 2009, 14:34
Carm stick to your guns. Next thing we know Spain would be asking the EU for us to take migrants landing on the Canary Islands. This attitude by the Italian authorities has to change and change it will. There is no way that Malta can accept taking in migrants rescued closer to other European states and the EU knows this.
Paul Xuereb
Apr 17th 2009, 14:27
Kellimhom Carm!
Joseph Calleja
Apr 17th 2009, 14:24
Here we go again. When is all this going to stop? These are not pawns, these are human beings getting caught trying to survive. I do believe that it's about time the EU and the United Nations start accepting some responsibilities and take charge of this situation. We are heading into Summer and the problem is going to get worse. Very true Lampedusa is full, and so is Malta. It's about time to either turn back these illegal immigrants to where they came from, or have the rest of the world take some of the burden off these islands. Again with my favorite saying. " CAN'T FIT 5 LITERS OF WATER IN A ONE LITER CAN "
G Darmanin
Apr 17th 2009, 14:17
If this is the way how our 'best' EU ally is dealing with us on the issue of illegal immigration, can you imagine what the other 25 EU member states will do 'to help' us?!
Oscar Cassar
Apr 17th 2009, 14:16
Fl-ahhar jider li qed nuru li nezistu u hemm opinjoni.... min jaf... forsi ghax gejjin l-elezzjonijiet tal-MEPs?
Ramon Zammit
Apr 17th 2009, 14:13
Hold on there.........don't let the Italians play with us!! We have endured these embankments long enough now
lgalea
Apr 17th 2009, 14:12
Governemnt, you have all our support not to allow the ILLEGAL immigrants into Malta.
Italy as one of their ex-colonizers should lump them.
Italian Interior Minister Roberto Maroni should shoulder his and Italy's responsibility towards the illegal immigrants fro colonizing them in Africa.
As for Barrot he also comes from an colonist country that still has its colonies so they both should ask their countries to shoulder their responsibilities and take ALL our ILLEGAL immigrants.
N.Warren
Apr 17th 2009, 14:01
Well done Dr. Mifsud Bonnici. We cannot allow our European Counterparts to bully us any longer on this issue. although i understand the illegal immigrants plight, Italy cannot just dump all the illegal immigrants in Malta. Would they like it if all 400,000+ Maltese decided to go to the northern part if Italy, which is the richest part and settle there, take over their jobs etc... I don't think so... I'm proud to see that the ministry is doing its job basing itself on international law and works and tested agreements. WELL DONE!!
Sandro Pace
Apr 17th 2009, 13:55
Hold on Honor Mifsud Bonnici, as you have no choice but to, whatever the rules and the EU and its courts says.
Burden sharing indeed. Do a Mintoff. After all it is Italy where they want to go.
Bring JPO. As no one seems to want these people (and only naive people and MEPs think that there will be any burden sharing), eventually someone must start turning them back, at whatever consequences. Otherwise, we will be crushed.
We prefer succumb fighting the unreasonable obligations, rather than succumb to submission.