Migrants standoff: PM insists Malta did its duty
Italian rescuers lower a migrant picked up by the Pinar E.
Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi insisted in Parliament this evening that the government had acted in an ethically, morally and legally correct manner as events unfolded in the case of the MV Pinar E, which rescued 140 migrants off Lampedusa but was refused entry by both Italy and Malta for three days.
The issue was resolved this morning when the migrants were allowed to land in Sicily. Dr Gonzi said the spat had not harmed relations between Malta and Italy.
Dr Gonzi gave an account of how the events unfolded, saying that at 5.10 a.m. on Thursday morning, the Malta Rescue Coordination Centre (RCC) was informed by Rome about the presence of a small migrants’ boat 45 miles off Lempedusa. The RCC directed the freighter Pinar E to that position. The ship found 70 migrants on board the boat and picked them up because they were in distress. Later in the day the Pinar picked up some 80 more migrants from a second boat.
Dr Gonzi said the RCC acted in line with its responsibilities to coordinate search and rescue operations in Malta’s search and rescue zone.
The Malta RCC told the master of the Pinar that he was obliged under international law to pick up any people in distress and convey them to the nearest harbour.
“It is an incontrovertible fact that the closest port in this case was Lampedusa,” Dr Gonzi said.
He insisted that contrary to some media reports, the migrants were not in Maltese territorial waters but 114 miles away from Malta.
By 5 p.m. the freighter had picked up all the migrants, including 25 who were injured and all of whom were hungry and thirsty.
The Italian authorities told the Malta RCC that they did not have assets to convey the necessary assistance and the migrants should be taken to Malta because "this event is developing in your SRR, and Lampedusa isn't a safet place”. The Italian authorities also informed the Pinar that it was being refused permission to enter Italian territorial waters.
The ship’s captain pointed out that some of the migrants needed medical treatment and he requested medical supplies from the Italian authorities.
At one time the Italian authorities told the ship to go to Sfax in Tunisia, where it had been due to go in the first place. An Italian navel vessel was also dispatched to make sure that the ship did not enter Italian waters.
The master, in line with his duties under international law, told the Italian authorities that he was still heading for Lampedusa since the migrants needed assistance. The Italian authorities held firm, however, and directed the ship to a position 24 miles off Lampedusa.
On Friday, an Italian helicopter lowered a doctor onto the ship to assess the situation. By Sunday, Italian medical staff were also lowered to the ship to give the necessary treatment. A 15-year-old migrant girl and another two migrants were evacuated to a medical centre in Lampedusa. Italian ships also supplied the Pinar with food and water. The Pinar had meanwhile anchored 17 miles off Lempedusa.
Malta rescue coordination centre continued to insist with Rome that the migrants should be allowed to land at Lampedusa, but the stalemate continued up to Sunday afternoon when, Dr Gonzi said, he spoke by telephone with Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi.
Dr Gonzi said he had clarified the facts as they had resulted to him. He explained how Malta was doing its duty in terms of international law and the practice followed for the past years.
“Prime Minister Berlusconi carefully followed what I was telling him. We agreed that our commitment was to maintain and improve the excellent relations between Malta and Italy,” Dr Gonzi said.
At about 11 p.m. on Sunday the Italian rescue authorities formally informed the Malta RCC that the migrants were to be transferred to Italian patrol boats and landed in Italian ports.
Dr Gonzi said that this afternoon he also spoke to EU Commission President Barroso and explained the situation to him.
Dr Gonzi insisted that Malta’s obligation was to coordinate operations within its search and rescue area in terms of the Law of the Sea, the Hamburg Search and Rescue Convention (1979) and the Safety of Life at Sea Convention.
Malta, he said, had always observed its international obligations and would continue to do so. That was why migrants were landed in Malta when that was required.
It was important to constantly keep in mind, he said, that this was a human tragedy and the overriding priority was to save lives. It was these beliefs which guided every decision which Malta took
However, while Malta did its duty, it could not act alone and expected support and assistance from those countries who could give it.
Opposition leader Joseph Muscat said the Opposition agreed with the government’s actions, and human lives and the national interest should come first. It was becoming increasingly apparent that in the migrants' issue, every country sought its own interest and burden sharing was not happening.
He asked if there had been any contact with Libya, since the migrants were likely to have left from there.
Dr Gonzi said he had not been informed of any contact with Libya and could not say they had left from there, since they were closer to Tunisia.
See video below of migrants being landed in Sicily.
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L Grima
Apr 21st 2009, 10:57
The senseless excuses of Sig Maroni and Frattini, and the ensuing twisted media coverage(especially italian and german ones) show how complicated and serious this problem is becoming for Malta. According to Mr Maroni's arguments, from now on, even those boatloads which practically reach the shoreline of Lampedusa should be despatched to Malta - how convenient!
malcolm azzopardi
Apr 21st 2009, 10:36
A big WELL DONE to the Maltese government and authorities!!!! We cannot turn Malta in one huge open centre!!!!
Mr Joe Spiteri
Apr 18th 2011, 14:52
It already is, you know!
Mario Bonnici
Apr 21st 2009, 09:57
Sorry.
The article is from 'Corriere della Sera'
Mario Bonnici
Apr 21st 2009, 09:55
Seems that Robert Maroni has declared war to Malta. Check 'La Repubblica'
This is the headline of the article:
Dossier di Maroni contro Malta
«Dirottati sull’Italia 40 mila disperati»
Il ministro dell'Interno scrive all’Unione Europea: 600 interventi mancati da parte delle autorità della Valletta
Corinne Vella
Apr 21st 2009, 09:38
So many Maltese people see themselves - and Malta - as victims where immigration is concerned, one wonders how they'd cope if they were in the immigrants' place.
Alex Dalli
Apr 21st 2009, 09:03
Do what is good for malta..........fear no one!
GaleaL
Apr 21st 2009, 08:56
Stephen Farrugia
You are mistaken. Territorial are only 12 miles. Don't mix up the S&R area with territorial waters.
M. Galea
Apr 21st 2009, 08:31
Prosit Dr Gonzi.
Let's hope that Malta continues with this stand to give a clear signal.
By the way, Where is the burdon sharing? Where were the other EU members?
This incident has given clear proof that the voluntery burdon sharing agreement is a joke.!!
In such circumstanstances we would have expected some other EU member to take them in.
Muscat Pat
Apr 21st 2009, 08:06
Many boat people are leaving from Tunisia and yet Tunisia is not in the news! Since Tunisia is nearer to Sicily than Libya, many make it to Tunisia, and cross from there or a mile or two from its borders. Its about time that Tunisia controls this tragic business before many more people are lost at sea.
Joe Galea
Apr 21st 2009, 07:33
On this one I am with Dr. Gonzi. Keep strong on this issue. Don't let EU treat us as second class citizens.
Shame on the EU and on Italy.
Dennis Zammit
Apr 21st 2009, 05:22
Pity that Euronews and other international news agencies mention that the illegal immigrants were rescued in Maltese territorial waters. If not mistaken, they where rescued in International Waters.
A bigger pity is that Euronews did not mention the big burden Malta is suffering from these illegal immigrants !!! RAI TV is a strong member of Euronews and obviously, their intervention, if not also their reporting of the incident, could have left a big impact.
alan gelati
Apr 21st 2009, 01:31
As an Italian moving to Malta soon, I have to say that I believe Malta acted properly.
In any case Malta is a Eu member, but the small size of the island has to be taken in consideration and can not cope with too many illegal immigrant. This is a whole EU problems and can not be solved just from EU Mediterranean countries; after all most of the illegal immigrants are heading to UK or Germany and other north European nations.
philip pace
Apr 21st 2009, 01:28
Well done Dr.Gonzi!
J Axiaq
Apr 21st 2009, 00:05
Welldone!! Keep it Coming don't Stop!! We are not EU's or any country's Puppets!! The illegal immigration should be stopped!! This is not Racism but watching over our own safety!!!
joseph morello
Apr 20th 2009, 23:58
serve you right maltese , your are the little silly sister of BIG EUROPE, ha ha for those who sold our jewel of the med, there is more to come.keep this for your record...malta dejjem.dejjem MALTI..get out...it is never too late,non e mai troppo tardi..ahjar tard milli qatt...
Leo Said
Apr 20th 2009, 23:17
Prime Minister Gonzi remarked: "....... that contrary to some media reports, the migrants were not in Maltese territorial waters but 114 miles away from Malta".
In the news, broadcast by German television ARD during prime time this evening (20.30h and 22.15h), it was explicitly stated that the irregular migrants had been picked up in Maltese territorial waters.
It should be the duty of the Embassy of Malta in Berlin to send an official note to ARD, requesting ARD to correct what it had broadcast re Malta and irregular migrants.
G Farrugia
Apr 20th 2009, 23:12
This is what I would describe "par idejn sodi" at the helm of the nation i.e. being blessed with foresight, being convinced of your actions and at the same time being able to take the right decisions in a moment of crisis on ethical, legal but more over on humanitarian grounds, without hurting our northern close neighbours while at the same time standing up for our rights in spite of being a small nation with few resources.
Our country will grossly benefit if in future both major political parties work in unison in such precarious circumstances without aiming to gain political points.
John carmel Navarro
Apr 20th 2009, 22:58
It would be very sad if we were to concern ourselves what the Media abroad is going to say! Malta acted within the regulations which apply to every nation, why should Italy bully us. I am sure that the whole country is behind the Government, apart from those who are worried about RAI. Let’s use this as a springboard to highlight our plight to the whole world. Malta is not a punch ball.
Stephen Farrugia
Apr 20th 2009, 22:43
Please note: " He insisted that contrary to some media reports, the migrants were not in Maltese territorial waters but 114 miles away from Malta."
These are Maltese territorial waters but still the government was right to say that they had to go to the nearest port.
The Maltese government should be careful, this was a trap and might have worked . Hu ifhem !
Joseph Calleja
Apr 20th 2009, 22:38
I agree with the Prime Minister's decision, and Italy knows that he was in the right.. I find one fault in all this and that the MV Pinar E should have been directed to take these immigrants to where ever they came from. Because of Maritime laws the captain was obliged to pick up the illegals and that's very commendable but he should have dropped them off at point of origin. Neither Malta or Lampedusa should have to put up with this exodus of illegal immigrants because they are the closest land from their point origin.
Michelle Dali
Apr 20th 2009, 22:23
The Maltese authorities acted correctly in this matter and I congratulate Dr Gonzi on his handling of this difficult incident. I hope he remains firm when dealing with the issue of illegal immigration, as the present situation where thousands are arriving in our tiny country every year, cannot be allowed to continue. The government must insist that in future, while Malta will rescue boatloads of immigrants at sea, they must be landed in another EU country , one which has the land mass and resources to accomodate such large numbers. Greece, with its many islands, springs to mind. Just a suggestion...
Aaron Shalom
Apr 20th 2009, 22:23
The Daily Telegraph quotes EU Justice Commissioner Jacques Barrot: "International maritime law says that people at risk of drowning must be taken to the nearest port where the conditions for their arrival are acceptable. In this case, that was Lampedusa".
But the Italian government also claims it acted legally. This can only point to a shift in underlying attitudes. It is quite possible that the involvement of a Turkish vessel created ripples.
Keith Aquilina
Apr 20th 2009, 22:12
So someone is lying here. Maltese authorities should see that we should come clean from this situation and get excuses from all the Italian figures, starting from Maroni, speaking wrongly about Malta on their TV stations.
It's such a shame that instead of co operating we are arguing between ourselves! Hopefully at least we might get some attention from EU !
Joe Fenech
Apr 20th 2009, 22:11
Gonzi, your duty is to defend the Maltese...and this time you've done it! Keep up the good work!
Trevor Lorenzo Mizzi
Apr 20th 2009, 22:07
Nations argue with each other so not to be burdened with these illegal invaders.
Let the word go forth to the shores of Libya.
No one wants you , don't bother showing up !!
S. Calascione
Apr 20th 2009, 22:02
The right-of-centre Italian government also appears to have acted legally.
mario Zammit
Apr 20th 2009, 21:59
Gonzi vera b'parr idejn SODI
lgalea
Apr 20th 2009, 21:41
Robert Dimech
The saying goes that there are lies, damned lies and statistics, but I guess we now have to say there are lies, damned lies and Italian lies.
Joseph Micallef
You are right. The Maltese government should seek a right of reply to the allegations.
vincent a galea
Apr 20th 2009, 21:37
So Malta did not allow itself to be bullied by a much larger country. Well done to all those involved in this saga. I feel no qualms in coming to this decision. It was clear and logical that the nearest port of call would be responsible in this issue!
joanne galea
Apr 20th 2009, 21:32
Firm action, dignified reaction. This is definitely a case of small brother teaching big brother on how to behave. Maybe we could send a transcript to Minister Moroni? makes me proud to be Maltese for a change.
John Borg
Apr 20th 2009, 21:18
Whichever country is at fault, the fact is that people in distress were allowed to suffer unnecessarily. Neither Malta nor Italy can take the moral high ground on this matter. If people are suffering, you offer help and then sort out the diplomatic fallout later.
Sandro Pace
Apr 20th 2009, 21:17
Tourism will not be effected by such matters. Australia have suffered a decline in tourism after its standoff 10 years ago, in which it has sent its SAS against the immigrants. I would have not cancelled my holiday there, because it is not my matter.
Let them say what they want. They want a way out. Malta already made its point. They still think that we took them for a ride.
Tourists will stop coming if we accept what the Italians want, ie some 9000 immigrants more over and above we get annually. The ones they save near Lampedusa. The same reason why they do not allow immigrants on their touristic island of Lampedusa.
From now on, we have to get used to this mud slinging.
Emmanuel zammit
Apr 20th 2009, 21:07
FOR ONCE MR Gonzi DONE A GOOD JOB!!!!!!!
Charles Sammut
Apr 20th 2009, 21:04
@ Joseph Micallef
Do you think that tourists will not come to Malta because we refused to be bullied into taking these illegal immigrants? I think that the opposite is true. The bulk of our tourists come from EU countries which are having serious social problems because of immigration.
Robert Dimech
Apr 20th 2009, 20:38
hehe so the Italians told Malta RCC that they had no assets to convey the necessary assistance, yet 'an Italian naval vessel was also dispatched to make sure that the ship did not enter Italian waters'. Pull the other one !
Joseph Micallef
Apr 20th 2009, 20:33
I wonder why the Italian media, especially RAI news, are depicting Malta and the Maltese government as having shrugged its international obligations and that it acted immorally. This is not good for tourism and something needs to be done to stop these defaming reports!
D Ellul
Apr 20th 2009, 20:32
Good to see the opposition collaborating with the government on national issues