Rescued migrants being landed in Agrigento

laurence schembri

Apr 21st 2009, 13:50

@ K Attard
We are so politically minded that we fail to notice the human side of it.

John Borg

Apr 20th 2009, 18:56

It's interesting that many of these comments are celebrating the misfortunes and tragedies of fellow human beings. I think it says a lot about what kind of people the Maltese really are.

I. Galea

Apr 20th 2009, 17:59

Thank you Italy for having the decency to do what Malta would not.

laurence schembri

Apr 20th 2009, 17:09

We are talking about human beings and not Makku u Baleni. Please a little bit of respect.

Chris Finch

Apr 20th 2009, 16:50

Everyone is sayig turn these around and send them back to Libya! Did any of you saying this actually see these people leave from Libya or are you just guessing as this is the most LIKELY port of origin? I shouldn't for one second think that any of you actually saw this, you are just repeating the Kazin blah blah blah. Ok so it is LIKELY that they originated from there, but without absolute proof, if they are outside Libyan waters and there is a port closer, then under international law Libya could just as easily turn around and refuse to accept them, just like Malta did.
And this is the problem. Civilised countries have to abide by international law. The problem has to be dealt with at source, either in the Libyan ports or the countries of origin have to be made safe for people to live in.

lgalea

Apr 20th 2009, 16:39

Here are a few links which the Ministry for Foreign Affairs would do well to read and answer to press Malta's position and clear the misconceptions they can give.

http://www.repubblica.it/2009/04/sezioni/cronaca/immigrati-5/reportage-20apr/reportage-20apr.html

http://www.repubblica.it/2009/04/sezioni/cronaca/immigrati-5/arrivo-immigrati/arrivo-immigrati.html

http://www.repubblica.it/2009/04/sezioni/cronaca/immigrati-5/racconto-viviano/racconto-viviano.html

http://www.repubblica.it/2009/04/sezioni/cronaca/immigrati-5/largo-nave/largo-nave.html

http://www.repubblica.it/2009/04/sezioni/cronaca/immigrati-5/mail-dei-lettori/mail-dei-lettori.html

http://www.repubblica.it/2009/04/sezioni/cronaca/immigrati-5/analisi-nave/analisi-nave.html

http://www.repubblica.it/2009/04/sezioni/cronaca/immigrati-5/barcone-pozzallo/barcone-pozzallo.html

http://www.repubblica.it/2009/04/sezioni/cronaca/immigrati-5/nave-malta/nave-malta.html

http://www.repubblica.it/2009/04/sezioni/cronaca/immigrati-5/lampedusa-16-aprile/lampedusa-16-aprile.html

http://www.repubblica.it/2009/04/sezioni/cronaca/immigrati-5/immigrati-5/immigrati-5.html

http://www.nytimes.com/2009/04/20/world/europe/20migrants.html?_r=1

http://www.nytimes.com/aponline/2009/04/19/world/AP-EU-Italy-Malta-Migrants.html

http://www.nytimes.com/2009/04/19/world/europe/19malta.html

T Vella

Apr 20th 2009, 16:37

Apparently Studio Aperto reported the Italian foreign minister saying that Malta had extended its territorial waters so that it would qualify for more EU funds. If this is true, Malta would have to accept a lot more immigrants on its shores.
Can anybody confirm hearing this statement on Studio Aperto yesterday?

Kevin Attard

Apr 20th 2009, 13:41

I fail to see any accomplishment in all of this. A pregnant woman died....
as others said, Well done Dr. Gonzi

Tony Gatt

Apr 20th 2009, 13:31

Masters of ships at sea have no option but to pick up people in distress. Is it not about time some action was taken against the exploiters who charge these people thousands of dollars to sail on rickety boats? I hope the message goes out loud and clear to the countries of origin of these people.

lgalea

Apr 20th 2009, 13:31

The Ministry for Foreign Affairs should have a look at the following link and give its answer and make our position clear to the international media because according to this article the illegal immigrants boats were off the coast of Malta.

http://www.hurriyet.com.tr/english/world/11465138.asp?gid=244

Italy refuses refugees, sends humanitarian aid to Turkish ship
ISTANBUL - Italy sent humanitarian aid to Panamanian-flagged a Turkish ship that has been waiting off the Italian island of Lampedusa after rescuing 154 illegal migrants from two boats on the verge of capsizing off the coast of Malta.

Italy refuses refugees, sends humanitarian aid to Turkish ship

Italy sent urgent supplies of food, blankets and a doctor to the ship, "Pinar," by helicopter.

lgalea

Apr 20th 2009, 13:23

The Ministry for Foreign Affairs should have a look at the following links and give its answer to the Italians allegations and make our position clear to the international media.

http://www.repubblica.it/2009/04/sezioni/cronaca/immigrati-5/reportage-20apr/reportage-20apr.html

http://www.repubblica.it/2009/04/sezioni/cronaca/immigrati-5/arrivo-immigrati/arrivo-immigrati.html

http://www.repubblica.it/2009/04/sezioni/cronaca/immigrati-5/racconto-viviano/racconto-viviano.html

http://www.repubblica.it/2009/04/sezioni/cronaca/immigrati-5/largo-nave/largo-nave.html

http://www.repubblica.it/2009/04/sezioni/cronaca/immigrati-5/mail-dei-lettori/mail-dei-lettori.html

http://www.repubblica.it/2009/04/sezioni/cronaca/immigrati-5/analisi-nave/analisi-nave.html

http://www.repubblica.it/2009/04/sezioni/cronaca/immigrati-5/barcone-pozzallo/barcone-pozzallo.html

http://www.repubblica.it/2009/04/sezioni/cronaca/immigrati-5/nave-malta/nave-malta.html

http://www.repubblica.it/2009/04/sezioni/cronaca/immigrati-5/lampedusa-16-aprile/lampedusa-16-aprile.html

http://www.repubblica.it/2009/04/sezioni/cronaca/immigrati-5/immigrati-5/immigrati-5.html

Etienne Bonanno

Apr 20th 2009, 13:20

@All,

I don't see why all the triumphalism. The Italians having taken on the immigrants only makes them look like the "good guys" to the rest of the Europeans (and the Maltese as the "bad guys"). The issue is far from settled yet, however, and rest assured that Italy has a lot more clout than Malta when push comes to shove. The Italians seemingly gave in, but they are not stupid. For them 150 immigrants are nothing, but they cannot fail to leverage them for all they are worth within the EU. Frattini never gave up on his dream for a "Mega-detention centre" Malta. This incident might well be the catalyst he was waiting for unless the Maltese government is very very careful.

Albert Gauci Cunningham

Apr 20th 2009, 13:06

Congratulations are in order to the PM for intervening personally and seeing these people to where they should have gone in the first place as has always happened for these last years i.e to the nearest port. Though one should be particularly cautious before sounding calls of victory and new beginnings as italy has already stated that it has done what it has done only for humanitarian reasons. Politically (and hopefully) this could be a good excuse (as they know they are wrong) to keep this gaffe under wraps or it could also be a taste of things to come. One will have to wait for the next boat ,which I'm sure is not so many miles away, to see if this was a true discovery of our PM to stand tall or if it was just a quickfix solution due to deteriorating conditions on the 'Pimar E'.....lets all hope its the former!!

Joanne Micallef

Apr 20th 2009, 13:04

Well done to Dr. Gonzi and Dr. Mifsud Bonnici on this one, lets hope that you will show the same firm stand within the EU when the time will come.

Franco Xuereb

Apr 20th 2009, 13:00

I urge my fellow country men not to put politics in this issue please, to gain political mileage this is a national issue and leave it to that.

Also, I do not think that we should argue with Italy on this matter but on the contrary unite and tackle this influx of illegal immigration together perhaps that day will came when this will stop once and for all.

I would like to point out that at no stage the thought of sending the illegal immigrants back to Libya was mentioned..…..I wonder why..??? That would have been the right opportunity to give a clear massage to the Africans who are waiting to cross the sea to enter in Europe. Until that day comes this problem will continue to persist

beppe pisani

Apr 20th 2009, 12:48

@j.camilleri
Mr. Camilleri, thanks for mentioning Mintoff, because I was not going to mention him first. Indeed, this is Mintoff 'style' and this is how a small island like ours should handle such situlations and do politics in the EU fora.
No shame for the Govt about this......Once again well done..........after all Malta l-ewwel u qabel kollox!!
And with regards to what was reported in the Italian media, I believe that there's nothing strange or wrong on the fact that Italian news broadcast tend to be biased!!. Ask the Italians about that! One can always see other news such as 'Stricia la Notizia'

d.schembri

Apr 20th 2009, 11:19

@JAzzopardi
SHAME ON YOU! And not the Maltese! Speak for yourself please, as I'm very sure that the majority of the Maltese do NOT agree with your comment.
Well done to the Govt on this one!

Mario Bonnici

Apr 20th 2009, 11:17

The italians are saying that they accepted the immigrants only for humanitarian reasons. They are still saying that it was our responsability and that they are going to report the case to the EU.
So it will be interesting to know who was right in this issue.

Dorianne Mallia

Apr 20th 2009, 11:00

Well done to Dr. Gonzi and Dr. Mifsud Bonnici on this great accomplishment !

I just hope that both keep respecting the Maltese people's will on this and that it is not a pre-election political maneuvre. As we have, for long, been telling both Dr. Gonzi and Dr. Mifsud Bonnici, the national interest comes first and if we have the will to promote it, there is a way to do so.

I just hope that this new-found stance and confidence are there to stay and again well done.

K Serracino

Apr 20th 2009, 10:52

Malta won with valid arguments.

However, the authorities must have made a press conference to explain to the international media on the sequence of events on this delicate subject. The Italian media is giving wrong coverage on Malta and stating wrong facts which may hurt the economy especially the tourism sector.

J.Camilleri

Apr 20th 2009, 10:45

Good tactics Malta. Reminds me of Mr. Mintoff''s. That's the way ahead.

Michelle Dali

Apr 20th 2009, 10:43

@ J Azzopardi. You should think before being so quick to condemn the actions of the Maltese authorities.

Do you realise that the detention centres in Malta are full? So much so that they are severely overcrowded and as a result conditions inside the centres are less than ideal. Do you realise that allowing these immigrants, some of whom were in need of medical help, to be taken 114 miles to Malta instead of just 41 miles to Lampedusa would have been cruel?

It is the Italians who should be ashamed for refusing them entry to the nearest safe port which was unquestionably Lampedusa. It is they who exacerbated their plight and caused the humanitarian crisis which ensured. Even the crew of the Turkish cargo vessel involved thought they should be taken to Lampedusa, which was so close to their position.

Why are you so quick to condemn your fellow countrymen and its leaders? The Maltese authorities acted correctly in this matter. Well done to them for standing their ground and not being bullied by the Italians, who are trying to change the rules in their own interests and to the detriment of Malta.

wally vella-zarb

Apr 20th 2009, 10:40

This has absolutely nothing to do with "MAKKU and Baleni" or with gaining political mileage. This was a matter of interpreting correctly the INTERNATIONAL Law of the Sea, insofar as it relates to the rescue of distressed persons on the high seas. It is an International convention, not a European one, that rescued persons are taken EITHER to the nearest safe port OR to the next port on the rescuing vessel's itinerary. Malta's interpretation was correct and would still have been correct, regardless of membership in the European Union.

Forget about getting political mileage; the time has come to raise the matter with the United Nations and the IMO because the Laws that regulate recovery of 'distressed persons' are being blatantly abused.

Charles Micallef

Apr 20th 2009, 10:35

The bullies have finally given up.......

A very well done to the Government and all concerned who stood up to these bullies...

Luke Gatt

Apr 20th 2009, 10:28

Well done Malta for sticking to its guns

G .Mangion

Apr 20th 2009, 10:19

@ J Azzopardi (1 hour, 38 minutes ago)

It seems that you are the Only person to Comment the way you did SHAME ON YOU !
The Italians, realized that they were wrong from the start, and took them in not for humanitarian reasons ! they did so Because they had to from the beginning. and if they feel that they are the Bravos of humanitarian reasons, They should have took them in, in the first place., The Whole WorldI Is Aware of that ! they wasted time , and Lives ! WELLDONE PRIME MINISTER GONZI AND TO PRIMO MINISTRO BERLUSCONI .

C. Agius

Apr 20th 2009, 10:14

This morning at 0630 on watching Rai news 24, I was very disappointed on hearing the lady in the box (TV) shaming Malta.

Her exact word was "Vergogna" for not letting in the illegal imigrants to land in Malta.
Can someone from the Foreign Affairs department rebut her statement and explain clearly the reason why Malta did not accept them? If no reply is given then we will be treated either as cowards or at fault.

Mark Camilleri

Apr 20th 2009, 10:11

Even if the closest port was Malta, I would put my foot down and not accept these immigrants. Although I'm not a big fan of JPO, I agree with him in this respect because its about time that other countries understand the extent of the problem. Who ever complains is welcome to take these migrants himself.

Renato J. Costigan

Apr 20th 2009, 09:59

Mhux biss par idejn sodi l-pajjiz qieghed immexxi.

Izda GVERN sod bi principji sodi, minghajr ghajjat u storbju

li veru jifghem il-htigijiet tal-pajjiz. Prosit lill-Prim Ministru

kif ukoll lil-Prim Ministru taljan Silvio Berlusconi li solvew

din il-problema pacificament. Urew kif jissolvu problemi

serji.

beppe pisani

Apr 20th 2009, 09:56

Well done Dr. Gonzi. I am one of those who almost always have doubts about your crucial decisions but this time........ full marks. But pls be aware!..............The Italians want to discuss sovereignty of territorial waters arguing that we have to stabilise or better confirm the territorial water boundaries of the two countries!!...............I wonder why? and why now??!...............maybe the black gold??.................We maybe small but no fool, Mr. Berslusconi.

lgalea

Apr 20th 2009, 09:46

J Azzopardi
Shame on you and your defeatist attitude Azzopardi. So do you expect that if the 2 million illegal immigrants on the Libyan shores were to be found on the sea be accepted in Malta if no other country would want to accept them? Keep on dreaming Azzopardi and if you want to help them go to their own countries and help them there.

Good job Gonzi. Now keep doing it and you will have the support of the majority of the Maltese citizens including for the repatriation of all the illegal immigrants that are already here.

P.Cassar
Totally agree with you.
As everyone can see, saying NO and meaning it does work.

Giov deMartino
Those who said so only said it because they knew the usual subservience to foreigners diktats that the PN government is known for, but at least this time it stood its ground and proved that those who say stand and fight for our rights are right.

Charles Sammut

Apr 20th 2009, 09:32

These illegal immigrants were not Malta's responsibility. Neither were they Italy's. They should have been sent back to their port of departure, in Libya.

Not only was Dr Tonio Borg right in saying that this was not a 'victory' for Malta, but it was a letdown for both Italy and Malta. This has now created a precedent which will encourage millions more Africans to migrate to what they percieve as the EU Dorado.

But Italy has pledged some €20 billion in aid to Libya. In whose bank accounts will these billions end up? Surely any projects financed by this aid will go primarily to Italian companies. Is this not a surreptious way to subsidise certain enterprises? Berlusconi is primarily an entrepreneur then a polician.

140 illegal immigrants, most of who will undoubtedly drift to northern Europe anyway, is but a small price to pay to keep the peace with the Colonel. Notice that at no time during the negotiations was the option of returning them, considered.

C.R. Taliana

Apr 20th 2009, 09:28

This is a dispute between two countries who can not take it anymore! The EU does not give a damn about what is going on. Next time it happens, just give them medical assistance and join forces and send them back to Libya.

d. borg

Apr 20th 2009, 09:08

'The issue is expected to be raised at an EU Foreign Ministers' meeting in Brussels this week'. -
I hope our Minister stands firm on the issue and won't allow any bullying from anyone. After all, I feel that any decisions taken in the EU should also reflect the will of the citizens of the country. In our case, our Minister knows how the majority of the Maltese people feel about the immigration issue.

Seychell Michael

Apr 20th 2009, 08:52

A Big Tthank you to the Government - a positive result without stamping of feet, or threatening to bite the tongues of the other party, but through diplomatic negotiations amongst statesmen.

Let us hope that young politicians who think that they have reached the sky, emulate senior and mature politicians as this will give them a good reason to smile.

victor vella

Apr 20th 2009, 08:51

Thank God that the poor people are safe and sound on dry land, but congratulations to Dr Gonzi for holding firm to his word . Reason prevailed and the international law observed.Maybe now those who wanted the government to a abdicate its commitment to international agreements will think again.

TONY FORMOSA

Apr 20th 2009, 08:50

* A real lesson in diplomacy.
Congrats go to Prime Ministers Lawrence Gonzi and Silvio Berlusconi for breaking the stalemate. Unfortunately the Italian media was not politically correct on the delicate matter.

TONY FORMOSA

TONY FORMOSA

P.Cassar

Apr 20th 2009, 08:50

YOY SEE GONZI STAMPING OUR FEET AND REFUSING TO BUDGE DOES WORK. WE COULD HAVE WON THE DAY MONTHS AGO HAD YOU STOOD YOUR GROUND RE COMPULSORY / VOLUNTARY BURDEN SHARING. AS HAPPENED NOW YOU WOULD HAVE FOUND THE PL FOURSQUARE BEHIND YOU.

Dennis Zammit

Apr 20th 2009, 08:26

Well done to Prime Minister Gonzi and Prime Minister Berlusconi.

Giov deMartino

Apr 20th 2009, 08:16

Where are those who mentioned MAKKU and Baleni and assured us that Malta will have to accept the wishes of our greater neighbour?

J Azzopardi

Apr 20th 2009, 08:11

Well done to the Italians and shame to the Maltese. There was nothing stopping the Maltese authorities from doing what the Italians did and putting political issues aside to give priority to humanitarian matters, and discuss differences after. This incident clearly shows that in Malta nothing is sacred when it comes to gaining political mileage.