Updated: Girl on board ship with migrants airlifted to Lampedusa

Joseph Goerge Borg

Aug 14th 2011, 22:46

I have just read some of the comments especially those of Mr Mula from Sweden. Dear Mr Mula I did spend sometime in Sweden and I have first hand experience of what a good proportion of Swedes think about foreigners. Also when you had settled in Sweden did you impose your culture, rather dicey habits, beliefs and what not on the Swedes. It is very interesting for you to note that most of the illegal immigrants want to impose on us their culture, way of life and sometimes even their own laws. If you are in doubt you may ask the judges of many european countries.

Franco Xuereb

Apr 20th 2009, 22:14

@ Moses Mula Re Part 3

As to my comments on Iraq, these were based on actual facts, that I read and watched documentary. You see it’s not just you who reads
Ah! According to your good self to have prove one has to be there (in the place where history is being written) Then my friend
A) Why is it that the ex President George Busch did not go to Iraq and see for him
Self as to whether Saddam Hussein had weapons of human distraction?

B) Why don’t you come to Malta your self and see with your own eyes the
Situation Malta is being put in with the influx of all these illegal immigrants?
Perhaps then you will have second’s thoughts.

Of course you have the right to comment, and I respect your opinion.

Franco Xuereb

Apr 20th 2009, 21:25

@ Moses Mula

These are not fears because being a small Island nor are we conservatives.
But as stated previously do not want my beloved country to end in the hands of any foreigners, whether they are Africans, Arabs, Chinese etc.

95% of the Maltese do not want integration with these illegal immigrants, notwithstanding, it’s our fundamental duty to leave our country if possible better then we had found it, for generations to follow.

Can you imagine these influxes continue month after month, year after year……there are thousands and thousands waiting to cross form Libya (HAVE YOU READ THIS?) and yet you expect us to welcome these Africans with open hands, for them to suck all our benefits, were we are already experience the fact that we are being treated as second class citizens and yet we are in our own country.

As to your comment to the French winning squad of 1998 world cup…..precisely you had hit the nail on it’s head……in other worlds you have proven my point, I will give you an other example look at the French national team of the 1950’s and look at the one of the 2000’s!!!!!!! I rest my case.

Steven Brockwell

Apr 20th 2009, 19:42

hey mr mula with respect this story is about a girl being air lifted to safety. what has the iran war got to do with it. anyway all of the eu face the same problem with immigrants. its just that no one has the guts to do anything about it ???

Franco Xuereb

Apr 19th 2009, 22:18

@ Moses Mula Part 2 Do you think that by applying the word on a voluntary burden sharing with in the EU member state, this will eventually work? Because my analysis tell me no, mind you if I was in that position I would do the same as I’m sure that no one wants’ these problem in his country thus the burden on the country it self. Then again do you think the burden sharing will solve the problem of this influx? My analysis says no or even better our government is offering these illegal immigrants € 5,000 to go back to their native country, once again this will not solve the problem but just in courage more to come. In my opinion the only solution is one and that is only to repatriate, other wise this will be like the never ending story………have you seen the film Zulu? I rest my case.

Franco Xuereb

Apr 19th 2009, 22:16

@ Moses Mula Part 1 I’m surprise to read from where you obtain the information, because at some points you gave me the impression that you are not fully aware of certain events, which I still believe so. Why should there be integration in the first place with these illegal immigrants? But then again my first question should be why should we let illegal immigrants enter our shores? Do you know that 50% of them have infectious diseases? (I cannot go in details as my comment won’t be publish) Have you been to England? If so, have you noticed that when you go to any town you count the Pure English people on your fingers? Although England is suffering its own Consequence Thus I feel that I must point out that if no action will be taken to stop this influx it won’t be long to see the same situation in our country.

Marcel Dingli

Apr 19th 2009, 22:07

@ Moses Mula You are happy to listen to lectures, read books,follow the news (which i doubt), and read articles etc. You are so happy doing this in Sweden, which has not even hinted at assisting in the illegal immigration problem. I suggest you come for good to Malta and stay in Marsa, Birzebuga or anywhere else for that matters. We are full with Africans right from Cirkewwa to the bottom. I am sure you would also like to share your house with a dozen or so illegal immigrants.

Moses Mula

Apr 19th 2009, 21:37

Part 3 @Franco Xuereb, I did not comment on Iraq because as I said, you wrote down what you heard a million times before. Well I will answer you anyway. I know that there was much more than the western concept of democracy behind the Iraqi invasion. I am aware that in the Iran-Iraq war, the americans supported Iran, which is one of the main reasons why the relations between Iran and Iraq are stained forever, although the war started because of claims from both sides to territory. But I mentioned Iraq to give you an example of a reason behind immigration. You say your comments are based on prove and facts. To have real prove you have to be there and facts are distorted by the media more times than we will ever know. P.S I never intented to attack you personally , you or anyone here. But I as you have the right to comment, and I did not mean to call you stupid, but there is a difference between reading what the media tells you, and reading researched academic papers to help you think for yourself. Having studied at university does not make me better than others.

Moses Mula

Apr 19th 2009, 21:11

Part 2 @Franco Xuereb, These fears might be in some ways understantable, as we are a small island and people living on islands tend to be more conservative and be suspect of people who are different from them. But if these 10,000 immigrants were white, christian and europeans, do you honestly believe that they would have been met with the same attitude, even if they had no documents? Integration is not a smooth process, it might even take long years, but to look at it in fear will either make you paranoid, hostile or both. This is a new form of immigration, were immigrants have to risk their lives to escape misery, instead of being able to do it the way it used to be done by europeans through the 1900`s. And to add to that these immigrants are seen with suspicion and even feared and hated, instead of being welcomed. The same thing will happen to them obviously, whether you like it or not, that they will integrate, find jobs, build families and become as european as you and me are. Just look at the french winning squad of 1998 world cup.

Moses Mula

Apr 19th 2009, 20:45

Part 1
@ Franco Xuereb, for your information I get my information from lectures given to me by researchers in the field, by reading books, by following the news, and by reading academic articles and analysis. But I do not stop there. Instead of just reading and then repeating all I have heard, I do my own thinking and analysis instead of stating the obvious or giving an opinion which is based just on my own emotions. When you think emotionally there is a big chance of making a fool of yourself, when you deliver your statements. You for one seem to think that Holland, France and England are having huge problems because of integration. But what are the basis of your analysis? A few disgruntled english, dutch or frenchmen? And one has to be careful how to use words and concepts. You use the word invasion regarding these immigrants coming to Malta. Define the concept `invasion` for me. I do not think that this case falls under invasion in any way, although it surely comes from national security fears some Maltese have as a result of the huge amount of immigrants present in Malta.

Franco Xuereb

Apr 19th 2009, 17:50

@ Moses Mula
The Iraq story goes back, let us not forget that at one point Iraq was an ally to the USA and thus it was the USA who got the two neighbors in a war (Iraq and Iran) which lasted nine years and thousands of innocents people died.
My comments are always based on prove/ facts.

Franco Xuereb

Apr 19th 2009, 17:30

@J.Mifsud To your reply

I have been to Holland some years back.
England, my second home.

Franco Xuereb

Apr 19th 2009, 17:27

@ Moses Mula Part C


Last and for most, it seems no comments were made as regards Iraq invasion by USA troops, which proof précis my point.

Franco Xuereb

Apr 19th 2009, 17:26

@ Moses Mula Part B


You are completely misinformed to say that England, French and Holland are doing well
Economically, as the facts shows the opposite to what you said.

It was you who had mentioned the great siege in the first place, but my point was that our predecessor fought for their rights and for the freedom for their beloved country, so when they depart from this world they tried to leave the country better then they had found it for the generations to follow.
As I have written in my previous comments in my opinion these illegal immigrants should be put in detention and only be let out on the day of repatriation, and when they break the goods that are being provided to them will not be replaced.

.

Franco Xuereb

Apr 19th 2009, 17:25

@ Moses Mula Part A

I wonder from where you are getting the information perhaps from the social studies and political science classes you attended, if that's the case then I rest my case and won't continue wasting my time.

It seems that you are unaware of the famous speech that Mr. Power done in the English Parliament back in the 1970's regarding the immigration.......????? Which at the time in question people laughed at what he predicted what would happen to England, but now England is suffering its consequence and if you had to speak to an English person they regret to see what their beloved country turned to.

You are either miss informed or even better acting like the Ostrich, let me remind you when some years back the influx of illegal immigrants were crossing from France to England and England secured the ports and the Europe tunnel and when both countries diplomatic relationship was going bad. Do you know how much influx of illegal immigration England had last year? Do you know how much the French had? And thus waiting to cross to England?

N. Galea

Apr 19th 2009, 17:11

@moses mula please dont ay things without even thinking them thoroughly first. malta is a VERY small island in the middle of the mediterranean. DO NOT make the mistake of taking the side of the immigrants ONLY. true, we maltese have obtained our culture from other cultures too. but the fact that immigrants come to malta ALL the time seeking our help is WRONG. this is ridiculous, WE CANNOT KEEP THEM ALL. do you understand that?? i agree that they should be sent back to their origin if possible, or sent to larger countries. if we dont take a stand now against this, we might never will. malta already has to satisfy the large amount of tourists that come here, we dont need to satisfy ungrateful immigrinants too

Moses Mula

Apr 19th 2009, 15:53

@Franco Xuered, I just read your part 2 comment. Very original your comment about Iraq, how long did you spend analyzing the conflict before you came up with your result? Stating the obvious never convinced me that much, and your arguments are full of holes. If you really want to discuss and analyze conflicts, you are welcome, as I miss my International conflict course class at the University of Uppsala.

Darren Sillato

Apr 19th 2009, 15:42

Please, take a look at one of these reports:
http://www.asgi.it/
http://www.terrelibere.it/terrediconfine/3774-pinar-a-chi-spetta-intervenire-ed-accogliere

J.Mifsud

Apr 19th 2009, 15:41

@Franco Xuereb
Have you ever been to England, France and Holland?

Moses Mula

Apr 19th 2009, 15:19

@ Igalea, I notice that you seem to use the word we a lot. Are you the Prime Minister of Malta now?
@Franco Xuereb, last time I checked Holland, England and France are doing very well, both economically and regarding integration. Do you ever hear their goverments speak about invasions, considering that immigration to these countries started well before Malta?
If you reaaly are seriously comparing the great siege and world war 2 with the coming of these immigrants, than you are not worth my responses, as it shows how uneducated you are. You, Igalea and some more should attend a few social studies and political science classes, as your comments are only based on narrow mindness, and the empirical examples you give do not hold. Have a good time in class.

Franco Xuereb

Apr 19th 2009, 13:36

@ Moses Mula- Part 2

As to the Maltese who immigrated to Australia, this was due to the fact that the emigration policy was open thus there were conditions, like health examinations, good conduct etc. But on the contrary, these illegal immigrants are doing the opposite.

Bringing Iraq in this issue is not the subject in question, but let me tell you that the USA invaded Iraq ONY FOR IT’S OIL. And what the ex president of USA told the world that Saddan Hussein had weapons of men distraction and nuclear weapons and yet till the present day non of the above has been proven. What George Busch wanted was to finish the job that his father started. Let us not forget the invasion on Iraq was not approved by the U.N. So please get the facts correctly before you comment.

You are going out of context you do not need a valid I.D. to be Maltese.

Franco Xuereb

Apr 19th 2009, 12:54

@ Moses Mula
The great siege was fought and was a victory and so was the second war and all other invasions that Malta had to go though…..thanks to our predecessor. Yes, these unwanted people are entering our shores illegally and thus we are being invaded and if this situation keeps persisting it won’t be long before we are taken over. History is always repeating it self, look at England, France, Holland etc. I for one do not want my beloved country to end like those countries.

It should be you that needs to see the geography of the world that we’re living in, for you to realize the fact from where these unwanted people are coming from. If these Africans are escaping there countries due to persecutions, then I would imagine that one would go to the neighbouring country and not cross 3 countries, stop in Libya for a year or so to work and save enough money to cross to Europe. Therefore, these people are economic illegal immigrants and that’s the end of this story.

Marcel Dingli

Apr 19th 2009, 11:26

Jesus Christ`s teachings are great and wonderful when not distorted by the teachings of the cato-communists. Take the parable of the 10 brides for example, 5 were wise 5 were foolish. Should the foolish seek pity compassion and charity, when they do not even pity themselves ? It is advisable to seek the true teachings of Christ rather than vague interpretations. By the way, suicide is an unforgivable sin.

Marcel Dingli

Apr 19th 2009, 09:40

@ J Azzopardi
Giving charity beyond ones means is not Christianity but insanity.

lgalea

Apr 19th 2009, 08:53

He would have told you to defend yourself and not let others do what they want with you. He gave us an example when he kicked out the traders from the Temple. As for culture, the ILLEGAL immigrants are a TOTALLY ALIEN culture and we do not want to be changed into their culture as will surely happen if we allow the illegal immigrants to remain here especially with the numbers that are always increasing and they multiply like rabbits. Their place is back in their own country not in OUR country.

Moses Mula
You can call me what you like because I and I am sure the vast majority of the Maltese population is against the illegal immigrants and no longer care what they are called. We want the illegal immigrants OUT of Malta and not a single one allowed to remain here.

Connie Deguara

Apr 19th 2009, 08:18

Malta should not give in to Italy and the EU.

G Darmanin

Apr 18th 2009, 23:05

So, this Turkish ship has picked up these immigrants on Thursday. And after almost 3 days what has the EU done? NOTHING! We did not even hear a single comment from EU Justice Commissioner Jacques Barrot !!! What is he doing? Is he sleeping?!!! The only thing that the EU is at the moment interested in, is to save the economy!

Moses Mula

Apr 18th 2009, 22:01

@Franco Xuereb, Isatand corrected....not. Indeed my contributions on these blogs are not needed, as many comments posted by your patriotic friends do prove my point. Defending your country from what? Do you think that this is the great siege of 1565 allover again? Many talk about an invasion, but if it was these `invaders` have already lost as they come unarmed and are sent directly to `prison´. Maltese went to Australia with passports, but dont you agree that those were different circumstances, or was Malta in a civil war and the goverment was persecuting people? Maybe the lot of you should start reading about civil unrest in African countries and all the problems that made these people want to escape their countries in the first place. Not only that. Look at Iraq where America has intervened to bring democracy but gay people are still being persecuted. So go read some academic papers about these situations, and the meaning of identity and culture. In fact the concept of identity is still being discussed by academics and scholars. You just need a valid i.d. card to be Maltese, so, so much about identity and patriotism.

joseph caruana

Apr 18th 2009, 21:04

I think A.Sant was right when he said that that we are 'makku fl-ewropa'. I am sure that the Italians (il-baleni) will convice the EU that Malta should take all the immigants. Immagina x'disastru jkollna jekk jiddeciedu hekk ghax kull boat li tkun fejn lampedusa anke 25mil biss jibdew jibatugha lejn malta.

John Betts

Apr 18th 2009, 20:47

Mr. Galea, quoting your post: "Christ said that if someone hits you on your face turn your other cheek, but he didn't say what to do if he hits you again." Please do illuminate us - what do you honestly think he would have said?
Mr.Portelli: The culture and the identity that has been passed onto us generation after generation was formed by a long, long sequence of immigration processes, with each generation adding its own new elements. The Maltese culture and identity are more at risk from Eurovision and MacDonalds and MTV than immigration.

Franco Xuereb

Apr 18th 2009, 20:26

@ Moses Mula ,

With reference to your comments it seems that when a Maltese citizen speaks/ pass comments regarding the influx of illegal immigrants, will be marked as racist or perhaps the words that you used (Anti-immigration sentiments). Like the fellow citizens that you had mentioned in your comment, I'm one of those people that would like to see all illegal immigrants to be repatriated the sooner the better and thus let Malta remain the hands of the MALTESE. Never the less, you can say that we are racist which does not effect me, but at no point people like your thinking can point their fingers at us and say that we had betrayed our beloved country but on the contrary citizens defending their country are called patriots.

As to what these illegal immigrants have been called, it seems that you are not well informed or perhaps you're acting like the Ostrich. May I suggest to your good self get the facts before you come back and post your comments please.

As to the Maltese who immigrated to Australia, did so legally, with passport in their hands, they did not fall a burden to the country etc.

J attard

Apr 18th 2009, 20:16

Qed naqra hafna kummenti x misna naghmlu u ma naghmlux bihom dawn in nies, biss pero nispera li kull min kiteb hawn taht hadd minkom ma abbuzax min dawn in nies CHEAP LABOUR. Jien nahseb min hemm irridu nibdew jekk dawn qedin nisfrutawhom ghax ahna nohorgu b'irhas, dawn ser jibqaw jigu bleluf ghax Malta hanina hobza u sardina. Mela allura boycott il kull min ihaddimhom u taraw kif idabru rashom u ma jibqawx jigu.

Ivan Attard

Apr 18th 2009, 20:16

Thank God the greatest majority in this country is against capitulating to the Italian demands. At least we are ALL united in the stand taken by Carm Mifsud Bonnici!
The anti-immigration lobby is alive and kicking furiously and not wimping with diminished interest as some Andrew Borg Cardona wants us to believe!

P Portelli

Apr 18th 2009, 19:22

To Moses Mula: The culture and the identity that has been passed onto us generation after generation is not at all passed on by illegal immigrants who came to live on this island. Australia and the maltese who moved there have nothing to do with the problem we are facing and culture in not based on pastizzi and helwa tat-tork. Dear Moses, our culture is our identity, our identity is our nation and what makes us maltese, this can change radically in the coming years. I voted yes to join the EU so as to have freedom of movement and a better quality of life whilst retaining my identity as a Maltese citizen, but alas I'm afraid, there where a lot of hidden agendas and immigration "sharing" was one of them. I'm not a racist and will never be, but I'm Maltese, was born here and I love this island and its deep rooted culture. People can't you see what's happening around all Europe ! Everyone is playing ping pong with this problem and if we as citizens do not pressure the government nothing will be done. MALTA WAKE UP

Charles Alamango

Apr 18th 2009, 19:03

@Moses Mula.
Dear Mr Mula can you please enlighten us to follow maybe your sanctified actions as to how you are physically contributing to help the (holy) illegal immigrants in their 'just cause' of invading our island for their own intents and purposes??? Be sure we Maltese all want to move forward embrace what is different, and finally do what is best to protect our interests and the interests of our children.

John Azzopardi

Apr 18th 2009, 18:59

Moses Mula you really don't keep up with the world around you. In 7-8 years, we have thousands of Africans, mainly moslem men, also of Somali origin. That is a fact. If we keep going at this rate, what will become of Christian Malta. A few is ok, but thousands and thousands is a threat to our culture and security. Also, if people come into your house illegally, what do you do. Move out so that they can live there, accomodate them and have them live with you. You know that you will only be happy for one day because you will want your space back. Think about what I am saying. It's no different than those thousands of illegals coming to our shores. We the Maltese are full up and fed up.

Moses Mula

Apr 18th 2009, 18:32

Anti-immigration sentiments in Malta seem to have reached fever pitch. Immigrants and asylum seekers alike have been called criminals, disease careers, terrorists, ungrateful, and now even pirates. At the same time louise vella, Igalea plus a few others seem to be present all the time, just waiting for the latest news concerning immigrants. These kind of people seem to want every single immigrant to be sent away from Malta so our dear culture will be left intact. Did you ever notice that the Maltese culture is partly a product of other cultures? Do you enjoy your occasional helwa tat-tork, imqaret, Kebabs which are examples of food that is not very Maltese? And cultures change over the years, so one cannot keep clinging to the coming of saint paul as what made us Maltese. What happened a thousand years ago is irrelevant today, and we make new traditions and mix with other cultures. Think if australians told the maltese not to bake pastizzi as it does not belong to australian culture. Move with the times, embrace what is different , you can always learn a thing or two in the future.

lgalea

Apr 18th 2009, 18:21

J Azzopardi
Stop bringing Christianity into the question. Christ said that if someone hits you on your face turn your other cheek, but he didn't say what to do if he hits you again.

Joseph Calleja

Apr 18th 2009, 18:03

The real truth is coming out! The captain, took these people on board his ship and in return they take over the engine room? This stops being illegal immigration and becomes PIRACY AT IT'S BEST. These people have been waiting for an opportunity like this and they got one. This is becoming very serious, and yes, just the same, given the opportunity, they are capable of taking over a small island, I still believe that is their intention in the first place. Everyone is entitled to their opinion so for the bleeding hearts, one question. DID YOU EVER BELIEVE THEY WILL TAKE OVER AN ENGINE ROOM OF A SHIP THAT TRIED TO HELP THEM? Never in a million years. Is any captain willing to pick up these people and not hold them locked up under lock and key? Are you willing to invite any of these people into your house and let them roam free? CMB stick to your guns and do what's best for Malta and the Maltese. As I said before...RETURN TO SENDER. Pray for the captain and his whole crew.

pat camilleri

Apr 18th 2009, 17:50

Stick to your guns malta. We did in the last war ,fought to a man and won. This invasion might have happened in the last war had we not fought together ,with the british until the enemy was defeated. Now we can do it again... different enemy but still defending our island .

Charles Sammut

Apr 18th 2009, 17:30

I said yesterday and I reiterate it today. This is piracy, no more no less.

These pirates chased the Pinar while declaring distress. The ship's captain is bound by law to take them on board. Piracy by law.

Meanwhile, our country is being hijacked in a similar manner. A bloodless war. Abusing international conventions to impose their presence and gradually take over the country.

John Azzopardi

Apr 18th 2009, 17:29

This issue should not be an issue at all. We have no room for these people. We are full up. What can little Malta do with another 150 or so people. Don't we have enough and more will be coming in the coming days and months. I say neither Italy nor Malta should keep them and they should be sent back to libya where they came from. I wouldn't allow them to disemback even temporarily unless they divulge the names of those crooks that are involved in illegal human trafficking on top of them being illegals as well. Why in the world - when so many europeans countries have so many financial and other problems in their countries would want to add to the burden. Gaddafi must be having a good laugh for all the problems he is causing. Who is to say that he is not involved in all this big mess. Also, we don't know the character of these people. And that is a fact. Final thought, the Italians should stop picking on little Malta once and for all and use their almighty power, if they have any to force the Libyans to take these people back

J Azzopardi

Apr 18th 2009, 17:29

@ Joe Fenech. Responding to humanitarian needs does not make anyone daft

Joe Fenech

Apr 18th 2009, 17:19

J Azzopardi :

You sound like J Azzopardi ta' Xarabank! Having religious beliefs doesn't mean that you have to be daft!

louise vella

Apr 18th 2009, 17:05

The firm stand of Carmelo Mifsud Bonnici has the full support of all those Maltese who want to see their country free of illegal immigrants.

C. Farrugia

Apr 18th 2009, 17:01

And as for someone who mentioned the Italian Prime Minister...I'd like to add this:

After the deaths, misery and hardships the Italian earthquake left behind, he made a comment to this effect: *That the people who are homeless and *living* under the tents.....should take it as if they were having a camp holiday!*..... ....Enough said.

C. Farrugia

Apr 18th 2009, 16:54

So NOW maybe it is more clear what SOME of the immigrants who are landing on our shores are AT LEAST capable of doing. Some locals try to lambast us with being Xenophobic (for being scared as to what can happen on this miniscule isle) but reality is what it is. Last week's news also covered the piracy by Somalis which cost a French national his life!! So please, stop trying to convince us that ALL these illegal immigrants are poor...coming from countries of strife etc etc....

If Italy can refuse them so can we! And hope this wouldn't be part of an only *few* refusals until the MEP elections are over!

J Azzopardi

Apr 18th 2009, 16:51

As it turns out, both Italy and Malta profess to be bulwarks of Christianity. It certainly doesn't show.

Paul Barrett

Apr 18th 2009, 16:38

Step One: Take over the engine room.

So much for thank you for your assistance.

What is Step Two for anyone that assists them further: Take over the Country.

JP VELLA

Apr 18th 2009, 16:37

The captain brought them and the captain has to re-fuel and take them back to where he brought them from. The owner of the ship needs to take responsibility for his ship. The EU should investigate...someone of the crew took money from these people and that / those persons should be brought to justice. OR THEY WILL DO IT AGAIN. Meanwhile, the owner of the ship should be fined the cost of rescue and medical aid, and transporting these persons back to their home FOR EACH PERSON on board.

MAKE THEM PAY AND THEY WILL NEVER DO IT AGAIN!!!

Joe Fenech

Apr 18th 2009, 16:33

Malta, keep resisting and do not accept any illegal immigrant ships any more.

Refuse illegal entries, regardless the nationality. Would you allow an Americas ship in without the necessary permits? LA LEGGE E UGUALE PER TUTTI!!!

malcolm seychell

Apr 18th 2009, 16:30

We should not fight between us. Send them back to libya.

Piracy is illegal in the EU, so these should not be send in detention but in jail

Joe Camilleri

Apr 18th 2009, 16:30

Well, they should turn left, go through the strait of gibraltar then turn north to Sweeden.
The Swedish Trade Minister Ewa Björling, can easily turn the situation to one of unique opportunities for the country.

http://www.timesofmalta.com.mt/articles/view/20090415/local/immigration-among-priorities-for-swedish-eu-presidency

Also, on their way up, they could easily stop to see who wants to burden share them.

Alex Spiteri

Apr 18th 2009, 16:19

this is a golden opportunity for both Italy and our country. instead of putting pressure on each other, both countries should use this incident to have Libya being responsible of these immigrants who after all left their country!

if Gadaffi really cares for his African brothers, then he should send his amry to take these immigrants back to Libya!

Joe Fenech

Apr 18th 2009, 16:17

Come on Turkey! Send your navy. You're usually a very strong nation! We need you desperately in the EU so you can relight the patriotic fire of our useless politicians!

Charles Micallef

Apr 18th 2009, 15:34

A HEARTFULL THANK YOU FROM THE IMMIGRANTS TO THE SHIP MASTER FOR SAVING THEIR LIVES,

IS THERE ANY DIFFERENCE FROM SEA PIRATES IN THEIR BEHAVIOUR?

Joe Fenech

Apr 18th 2009, 15:32

Keep taking us for a ride lovies!

D Ellul

Apr 18th 2009, 15:14

What does Roberto Maroni have to say about this? It's all the Italian government's fault if the immigrants are in this situation. Mr Maroni, we may be a small island, but don't expect to solve your problems by dumping them onto us! Somehow, I didn't expect any better from a Lega Nord politician.

Antoine Grima

Apr 18th 2009, 15:13

Were is the EU in all this ? What does Italy think that we are ? A dumping sight ? If Italy , with all it's resorces , can't keep up with this problem , what makes anybody think that little Malta can ? I get the feeling that with us being the smallest , we are being bullied about .We are deffinately not getting a fear deal lets put it this way. The migrants have rights,and so they should,but what about our rights

g.c.Forte

Apr 18th 2009, 15:08

Very good...............now send a boat to pick up the ships crew,bring them here, then send them home by plane,and leave the illegal imigrants on the ship. If they want they can pick up some more during their journey, and let them be. Problem solved. That was my idea a very long time ago. Do not forget to give them food, water and their needs, especially medicine.

James A. Tyrrell

Apr 18th 2009, 15:07

The immigrants were picked up 41 nautical miles off Lampedusa and therefore that is where they need to be landed, not 114 nautical miles away in Malta.

As for the illegals correct me if I'm wrong but by taking over the control of the ship are they not now guilty of piracy on the high seas?

godfrey ellul

Apr 18th 2009, 14:55

Good.....maybe the captain will listen to them now and steer them straight to Italy. I'm sure that's where they want to go....

Frans Sammut

Apr 18th 2009, 14:53

It is becoming increasingly obvious that only a repeat performance of Mintoff's much denigrated Helsinki act can make some headway in such cases. I earnestly hope Minister Mifsud Bonnici takes a leaf out of Mintoff's book and shows the cheeky Italian Government that Malta (call it "the mouse that roared" or whatever) will not be cowed by Moronic (I mean, Maronic) members of Berlusca's Cabinet. Show this flamboyant politician that he may be faced by trouble not only from Senatur Bossi but from the South as well. In brief show him who is boss in this part of the Med! Minister Pullicino too should be interested in giving Berlusca a bloody nose, if he still remembers when he was snubbed by the dilettante politician.

J.Cini

Apr 18th 2009, 14:41

Great..now this is an act of piracy on a Turkish owned ship, in Italian waters? Problem solved..send in the Turkish or Italian marines!

Edwin Mifsud

Apr 18th 2009, 14:38

"....taken over the engine room....."

OK so this now makes them pirates.

All the more not to let them touch European shores.

Italy and Malta the fight is not between us but BOTH of us against Lybia.

IMPOSE SANCTIONS ON LYBIA AGAIN!!!!

David Seychell

Apr 18th 2009, 14:37

Mr Maroni knows that these immigrants are -according to international laws- Italy's responsibility and that sooner rather than later Italy will have to take them in all whether they like it or not. So why 'tutta questa messa in scena' by Mr Maroni? Probably because Italy wants to send a message to the prospective illegal immigrants. The message says that they are not welcomed in Italy and that Italy will not accept them in without first giving them a hard time. Hence, the message says, if they want to enter the EU illegali, it's better for them to choose softy Malta as their target destination instead of Italy.
In parole povere, the Italians are trying to divert the future illegal immigrants from Italy to Malta.

Alex Ellul

Apr 18th 2009, 14:21

Looks like some of the illegal migrants are actually hijackers, or pirates.

Chris Mifsud

Apr 18th 2009, 14:18

These are the people we are expected to take in ?

They are already showing signs of agression towards their rescuers .

This should serve as a lesson . Any boats carrying ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS should be towed back to where they came from .

This should be done with each and every single boatload of immigrants .

In the end of the day it is not only benefitial to us and Europe as a whole , but also to the immigrants themselves , because they won't risk their lives by travlling if they know they are not going to get anywhere .

lgalea

Apr 18th 2009, 14:14

This clearly shows their violent and dangerous nature which should make our Government and us more resolute not to accept them in Malta and to repatriate all illegal immigrants presently in Malta.