Italy takes rescued migrants to Libya

Ivan Attard

May 9th 2009, 15:00

Well done to Italy for this move. I only hope that the usual interfering busybodies like the UNHCR, the Jesuits etc, etc do not get in the way of their resolve. This is the ONLY way forward and no whining should be listened to!

Dr Savior Tortell Pisani

May 8th 2009, 17:30

I've come to believe that the only mid-term solution for our problem is for the UNHCR to open an Immigration Office in Libya. The same can be done in any other country that shares borders with defunct states. Here on behalf of the UN, asylum applications would be filed and processed and after the individual cases are scrutinised, these certified genuine refugees will be distributed around the world in accordance to A NEW INTERNATIONAL TREATY. This treaty should specify a predetermined quota per annum in relation to the native population of each recipient nation. Movement of entire populations cannot be allowed to happen in an uncontrolled way. Anyone else who doesn't go through the appropriate channels would risk being sent back automatically... no questions asked! In the meantime the UNHCR should *shut up* and begin working on the new Treaty and associated logistics. This is ITS JOB after all!... The Pontification is best left to the Vatican...

M Callus

May 8th 2009, 17:28

@ Daniel Micallef Who said so? Are you jumping to conclusions? The PN NEVER said that immigrants cannot be reimpetriated and infact hundreds of immigrants have been reimpatriated in these last years. Italy has far more bargaining power to force the immigrants back to Libya be it political and military. Biex tridna nehduhom lura bil-patrol boat??? And do you remeber that Berlusconi has promised Libya 200 million dollars a year as a moral acknowledgment of the damage inflicted on Libya by Italy during the colonial era. Link://http://www.tripolipost.com/articledetail.asp?c=1&i=2335 Sometimes I wonder how call me Joseph Muscat did not rename his party-Il-party tal-bla bla.

DANIEL MICALLEF

May 8th 2009, 14:51

sometime ago when it was mentioned that migrants should be taken back from where they came from the pn gave the idea and said that was not possible and it was not fair to say things that could not happen!!!now we know the truth at last

dorianne bugeja

May 8th 2009, 13:25

I JUST HOPE MALTA WOULD FOLLOW TOO WHAT ITALY HAS DONE. FAILING TO DO SO COULD LEAD ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS HEADING TO MALTA THAN RISKING GOING TO ITALY AND BE TAKEN BACK.

I HOPE DR GONZI WILL FOLLOW AND DO WHAT MARONI DID.

r ferriggi

May 8th 2009, 11:46

TO ALL THOSE WHO HAVE NEVER BEEN TO LIBYA;

in libya, these migrants eat,work, and are treated relatively well. i worked there for years and know exactly the situation.

ok,,,, they would like to go to europe,,,, but LET NO ONE SPREAD THE LIE THAT IF TAKEN BACK, THEY WILL BE MISTREATED OR BEATEN ETC.

the problem with human rights in libya only concerns the locals ( the libyans)... not the migrants there.

believe me,,,, LIBYA is A MECCA for these migrants compared to their own regime and corrupt countries.

Michael gAlea

May 8th 2009, 11:25

FINALMENTE UNA PICCOLISSIMA LUCE DI SPERANZA

Patricia Borg

May 8th 2009, 06:41

Check out this article from Euronews. It quotes that the migrants boats were found off Malta. There is no mention of Lampedusa.
http://www.euronews.net/2009/05/07/italy-takes-migrants-back-to-libya/

victor vella

May 7th 2009, 20:16

at M Cutajra
I am with you on this let's start now

Steven Brockwell

May 7th 2009, 19:28

if we all took them back they wont come anymore ???

m.cutajar

May 7th 2009, 19:07

THANKS TO ITALY... MALTA HAS LEARENED A LESSON.....SEND THEM ALL BACK WHERE THEY CAME FROM............

A.Gauci Cunningham

May 7th 2009, 18:57

@M.Catania---typical but predictable!!! I said that we need a strategy because after the Pinar case the same government said that we had solved the problem and trumpeted a victory all over this island only to end up back to square one a couple of days after!!!!! We need a strategy as this country needs the peace of mind ,vaunted by the Party you persist in believing, so as to know exactly what malta would do if and when this situation arises again (which it definitely will)!!

If this problem has been solved once and for all than three cheers to the PN goverment and a BIG WELL DONE but I guess that we'll have to wait and see whether or not this is true until the first boat comes along!!!

Joe Vella (Mellieha.)

May 7th 2009, 18:44

@ Albert Gauci Cunningham

If you care to get your self informed as you profess to you would find out that the basis of the agreement between Italy and Libya had to do with Italy compensating Libya for its' occupation. Anything else that was negotiated came out of that.

c.camilleri

May 7th 2009, 18:36

just what jeffrey pullicino orlando suggested we should do! and we got the usual local gang of know it alls raising hell!

M. Catania

May 7th 2009, 18:16

I find the comments of MLP apologists disgusting. Now that this episode has been solved amicably, thety are calling of suspicions, strategy, etc...? Is it really that they cannot accept that this issue was resolved peacefully thanks also to Gonzi's steadfastness on this issue. (Who was calling who spineless???? Some of the MLP apologists are really "arroganza bla qies" (quoting one of the turned MLP apologist!!!!!)

I think that Joseph Muscat needs to learn not just preaching rhetoric. He should have made a unified front with the Government on this issue and not waste time talking at the Kazin with politics of conveience. Joseph Muscat grow up!!!!

Albert Gauci Cunningham

May 7th 2009, 16:47

I beg everyone's pardon but the agreement signed is between Italy and Libya isn't it?? So what makes all those who for the umpteenth time are reminding us of the "shrewdness" and "intelligence" of the PM think that Libya will also be taking back the immigrants close to Maltese ports??? This time we were lucky but what about the next situation?? What about the next boat?? What shall we do if this happens tomorrow again?? Shall we all sit down and start repeating what some have been saying for so long??

The most pertinent question is; Do we have a strategy?? Or are we just banking on luck and agreements which completely exlude us??

Michelle Dali

May 7th 2009, 16:46

This a the way forward. I have said many times that the only way to beat the criminals behind this human trafficking activity is to take the illegal immigrants back to their point of departure. They will soon get the message that it is futile to pay criminals to try to enter Europe illegally, risking your life in the process.

Let us hope Malta will be allowed to do the same, as stopping illegal immigration is the only way to prevent further loss of life at sea. These people have been living in Libya for years. They are only being taken back to their former home, a vast, oil-rich country.

Joe Grima (Brussels)

May 7th 2009, 16:20

To those who say that we don't 'give a hoot' about what will happen to them in Libya.
I. Libya had been THEIR country for some time before they came over.
2. Do you give a hoot about the children or pregnant women who have to endure such a risky trip?
3. Do you give a hoot to the thousands who ended their adventure in the depths (because of the flimsy boats supplied by the criminals)?
Keep this in mind: that if you are on a dinghy that can take five persons, and see another dinghy carrying a hundred sinking, will it be wise to try and save the lot? Now compare the size of Malta with Africa. Can the 'Malta' dinghy carry all those drowning in the 'Africa' dinghy?
Another question for the economy buffs.
Which is cheaper for our taxes: paying for a patrol boat to take, say, 50 back to Libya, or bringing them over, feeding them, providing beds....(which they will often burn!) for a year? Do your sums please! Thanks!

O. Longo

May 7th 2009, 16:09

HALLELULIA !!!

Eman Formosa

May 7th 2009, 15:41

WELL DONE DR GONZI..WELL DONE DR MIFSUD BONNICI......
PL leader Dr Muscat pls note: In the space of 1 week you missed the bus TWICE due to your old fashioned strategies! Without giving the Gov the pairing you could have offered your vote in the national interest for the very important meeting in Brussels regarding the people's health due to the swine flu dangers. That would have made you a HERO. Again this week, with regards to the illegal immigrants on the 2 boats you should have been full square with the Gov in the national interest. I'm sure your advisors told you that Malta was in the RIGHT! Your policies are only pleasing the Italians. This is not the way to get voters back to your party. Most of the lost sheep will see these policies as a photo copy of the MLP previous leaders.

M. Cilia

May 7th 2009, 15:08

I have my doubts. Only time will tell if illegal immigrants stop crossing to Europe and keep on coming to Malta. I say they will incarease substantially and the number keeps growing. Do you think Libya will keep millions of Africans on its shores. No way will In Libya give free housing, jobs, schools, free meals and all the benefits like the Maltese tax payers do. They will find their way out and with help too, maybe put on ships outside of territorial waters and then put on boats or dinghies for shorter crossing. It is good business for the immigrant trafficars and they are getting richer, they will only have to lift up their price.

Franco Xuereb

May 7th 2009, 14:49

@ George Caruana

It is not our problem what happens to these illegal immigrants once they land in Libya.
The most important thing is to take action and thus once and for all this influx will stop, never the less I would like to remind your good self that these illegal immigrants spend over a year working in Libya to save money for their destination in Europe and during such time they never encounter any problems.

Yes, this is the first step and should continue to do so, until the day that these illegal immigrants realize that such journey is not worth it as they are only sent back to the country where they left.
Second step, will and should be the repatriation of all illegal immigrants which are still in Malta as none of them qualify to a refugee status, as we are told to believe, but on the contrary they are economic illegal immigrants

Terence Mercieca

May 7th 2009, 14:22

Well, if Italy returns them to Libya, why shouldn't the Malta do the same? Is it that complicated? They will be in a
safe port for sure

B Zammit

May 7th 2009, 14:19

INSIEME TUTTO E' POSSIBILE!

j debrincat

May 7th 2009, 14:06

Why dont you all stop congratulating all those top heads, save them from blowing up, we do not need that kind of stink around. Has any of you thought of what the next Maroni's smart move is going to be. I bet any money none of you did, so here is what I think Maroni will do after the next distress satellite phone call he'l receive from these boat people.
He will advice the closest ship to tow them as close as possible to the Maltese islands and let them loose again.
What will you all say then.
@ Stephen Farrugia
This is way you feel strange, cause those that spitting in the air are going to end up with their own spit, flat on their face.

Y.Chetcuti

May 7th 2009, 13:58

Well done Gonzi?? He should thank God that an election is coming up and that Joseph insisted so much in parlament that he gets a move and does not let the europeans use him and dispose of him ... thnak God Joseph oushed our PM to get moving on such an issue,,,the turth is that an election is ahead and Gonzi wants to look nice by not falling to the trap...a undercontrol PM would have not fallen for the trap in the first place...Gonzi's politics has lost control and he should thank Jospeh for opening his eyes and ears to what is happening truly around him...

Joseph Vella

May 7th 2009, 13:42

First sensible action.
Hope this serves as an eye-opener for future illegal immigrants.

And as for the Do-gooders, they can always look out for some other hobby!

E Gatt

May 7th 2009, 13:31

Malta should applaud Italy’s stand in sending the illegal immigrants back and hope that this action will be sustained and supported. Most illegal immigrants land in Malta by mistake as their destination is Italy – so fewer crossings, fewer mistakes.

If Libya continues to accept the illegal immigrants, this will be a clear message to immigrants not to risk their lives attempting to enter the EU illegally, and to traffickers that their ‘business’ is in trouble. Once the illegal immigrants spread the message that serious repatriations are underway, there should be fewer attempts to cross over. It is also in Libya’s interest to ‘spread the word’ in order to reduce numbers entering and staying in Libya.

godfrey ellul

May 7th 2009, 13:30

This is a development which should discourage would-be immigrants to invest in Europe. To the illegal immigrants stuck here in Malta who, I am sure are following developments, I say: Please tell your fellow countrymen through an SMS or phone call, to desist from trying. It's a bad investment , a waste of hard-earned money, and a life-threatining venture that doesn't pay any more... ending up in Libya is no joke

Galea. L

May 7th 2009, 13:13

Correction.

You didn't mean to mean a rust bucket did you?

M. Zerafa

May 7th 2009, 13:06

@ Etienne Bonanno

I disagree. Everyone knows that the migrants' destination is mainland Europe, and not tiny Malta. They only end up here by accident. So if Italy sustains this strategy, the perilious journey would suddenly seem less lucrative and enticing. Ergo, fewer migrans landing on our shores.

E Gatt

May 7th 2009, 13:02

@ Anthony Farrugia

Most of the ‘anti Malta’ posts on ilgiornale.it refer to a blogger who taunted Italy about World War II. I agree with Malta’s and our PM’s stand however with hindsight Dr Gonzi could have used a more diplomatic adjective for Italy’s actions.
Many people fly the flag in such situations and many people, including bloggers on this very site and ilgiornale.it get carried away. It is not in our interest to escalate the disagreement between Malta and Italy. The fact remains that Italy remains our natural ally with which we share deep and ancient ties.

J Demicoli

May 7th 2009, 13:01

Very Good and relieving news indeed! There must be a catch somewhere, somehow. The Italians and the Libyans have started are playing buddies lately. The difference is that The Colonel has never really seen eye-to-eye with us since Malta stood its ground on the median line issue and oil exploration in areas Libya considers theirs’.
Just wait and see what would be Libya’s attitude when it is Malta’s turn to play the act.
This could only send the message to the ruthless traffickers that the ONLY doorway to Europe is via Malta.
In that case however Malta must adopt the attitude to grant freedom of movement to all immigrants upon setting foot on our soils together with a free ticket to a destination of their choice to the ‘terra ferma’ from Italy up north.
That way only will the EU be pushed to act.

Charles Ebejer

May 7th 2009, 12:54

Dr. Gonzi has shown maturity and shrewdness in the way he handled the latest immigration incidents.
When the government decided that the 66 immigrants that were on a maltese patrol boat could disembark in Malta after being refused entry in Lampedusa, Malta gained the highest moral groung possible. I am also sure that our PM reminded Berlusconi that Italy and Libya had signed a treaty in August 2008 whereby Italy granted Libya $ 2 billion and article 19 of this treaty deals especially with the immigration problem.
Let us remember that Dr. Gonzi is captaining a cruise liner and not a speed boat.

maria busuttil

May 7th 2009, 12:54

On Sunday 3rd May 2009, I wrote on the Sunday Times Of Malta

So, the immigrants were picked up from a dinghy by a Maltese patrol boat, after the Italians said they had no rescue vessels to mount a rescue. But when the Maltese patrol boat approached Italian territorial waters, it was intercepted by two Italian vessels and told not to proceed further, then why did the Maltese patrol boat and the italian vessels not escort these immigrants back to LIBYA. Please let us try to return them back from where they left..

So once more I feel that they have done right to return them to Libya, and NO libya knows who is leaving the country and they are helping them to do so, and YES they will not ill threat them when they get back.

Lets keep on doing this and we might not have any more of them.

Etienne Bonanno

May 7th 2009, 12:43

If Italy starts shipping immigrants back to Libya with any regularity, Malta is done for. The traffickers will start targeting Malta explicitly since they know that disembarking in Italy would be useless.

Franco Farrugia

May 7th 2009, 12:38

All the more reason, now, for Malta to hold firm and not accept migrants, since Italy has the 'power' to take migrants back to Libya. Malta does not have that 'power'. So...

Anthony Farrugia

May 7th 2009, 12:17

Before everybody goes overboard praising Maroni and Italy for taking back the two boat loads to Tripoli, they should have a look at the blogs on Malta and the Maltese on ilgiornale.it
The bloggers ooze hate,insult Gonzi, show historical ignorance, call the Maltese bastards,scroungers. morti di fame, bring in Mussolini and what he would have done to Malta in such a situation, etc. You have to read them to believe the "amicizia" there is between Malta and Italy. I think the notion of "mare nostrum" is still alive and kicking up north.Tonio Borg as Foreign Minister should call in in the Italian Ambassador and protest at the disinformation , insults and even hate being shown in the Italian media towards Malta and all the Maltese.

John Azzopardi

May 7th 2009, 12:07

Yes, Italy was able to do this because it has the military power and right now Libya needs an ally in Europe and Italy is one of it's allies. But don't bet on having Malta successful in sending illegals back to Libya. By right, those illegals have no right at all in Malta as they are not crossing directly from Somalia and they have been living in Libya for quite some time to get enough money to make the crossing. So, yes, they should all be send back to Libya. The time however will tell if Malta is successful if it decides to do this. Our alternative is reach out to the spineless EU and have them handle this situation.

Charles J. Buttigieg

May 7th 2009, 12:01

Those who believe that Libya would now also take back the lot that arrive in Malta would believe anything. Tunisia and Egypt would but Libya wouldn’t. Slim chance only if Gonzi swallows some of his pride and ask John Dalli and Alex Sciberras-Trigona to negotiate a deal.

Those who said that the Italians don’t have guts have to think twice- The Italians are on their way to a long term solution, where is ours?

Joe Grima (Gozo)

May 7th 2009, 11:57

I was one of the first to lambast Maroni in these columns for his bullying attitude with Malta over illegal immigrants. I want to be one of the first to sing his praises for returning to Libya the illegals who were picked up yesterday by the Italians. In diplomatic language this means that the Libyans will have accepted the return of these migrants. I wouldn't think that an Italian frigate would have been allowed to enter Libyan territorial waters with a cargo of illegal immigrants without being challenged at sea unless the Italian Government had the consent of the Libyan authorities. Well done Maroni and well done Libya. Will our authorities have the gumption to do a Maroni with the next boatload?

Joanne Micallef

May 7th 2009, 11:42

If I remember correctly Italy had signed this agreement with Libya in the same period it had signed an agreement with our Goverment that we would accept back any illegal migrants caught in Italy after having arrived there from Malta. I cannot explain why they hardly ever made use of this possibility, it could be that Libya although it had signed such an agreement refused to take the illegal immigrants back, and is only doing so now after the new financial agreement/settlement found between the 2 countries.
Obviously knowing about these signed agreements between Libya and Italy, one cannot not wonder why Italy was so uncooperative with Malta in the past few weeks.

v.pulis

May 7th 2009, 11:40

No need to congratulate Maroni for this move. Remember that his first choice was to dump them on us thinking that we were the soft option. it was only after we stood our ground that he was forced to turn to Libya.
Now let's hope that we follow suit and take any migrants back to gaddafi too.

C.ZARB

May 7th 2009, 11:38

The message given to the immigrants is simple. If you go to Italy you will end up in Libya again. On the other hand if you go to Malta.........

Joseph Scicluna

May 7th 2009, 11:30

WELL DONE DR. GONZI. LET THEM ( YOU KNOW WHO ) BARK. THEY DO NOT BITE.

maria busuttil

May 7th 2009, 11:25

Well done, I have suggested this some time back on this page, that the italians and maltese should just do the right thing, by helping them back to safety to LIBYA, no harm will be done to them as they are all trying to leave from Libya with the goverrment blessing, I know what I am talking about, We must help them back to the place they have left and that is LIBYA.
Good luck for any future arrivals they will then know that its useless to try and risk coming to Malta or Italy. We must keep on doing this

Sandro Pace

May 7th 2009, 11:22

The Maltese authorities should now stick to their guns, cause if the traffickers sense a soft spot in Malta, they will start leaving them in our waters, knowing that Italy will deport them.

So even in our waters of close port, the government should do what he said, and help them continue with their journey, or turn them south which ever closest. This is crucial and a point of no return. Otherwise it would be all counterproductive. We cannot always be in a lose lose situation cause of intransigence or lack of guts.

joseph cachia

May 7th 2009, 11:22

GEORGE CARUANA pls note.

In Libya they find GOOD WELL PAID jobs, good housing, respect and schools for their children.

What they don't find ::::::: FREE MEALS - FREE HOUSING - POCKET MONEY- ROAMING AROUND .

TUNISIANS and EGYPTIANS nationals will be transported back to borders.
Problem solved.

Joe Vella (Mellieha.)

May 7th 2009, 11:19

I cannot believe the remarks coming out of the Maltese Socialist applauding Maroni and Italy for sending these batch of illegal Immigrants to Libya. I cannot believe how gullible the Maltese Socialists are.

Are the Maltese Socialist so ignorant of the facts that these patch of Illegal Immigrants were send back to Libya because Libya accepted to receive them this time around

Are the Maltese Socialists so ignorant of the facts that if this option was available that Malta and Italy would have done so in the past?

Mary Ann Borg

May 7th 2009, 11:19

So what is Smiley Joseph gonna say now? Of course, he'll stay mum for a while until the next episode, which all depends on while illegal immigration traffickers ponder their next move. Overall, these last weeks we have seen a stronger resolve by Malta in its dealings with both Italy and the illegal immigrants. The situation with Libya is a totally different story. They may have accepted the Italian vessel but there is no guarantee they will allow our AFM patrol boats to thread into Libyan waters. And there's the catch.

R. Caruana

May 7th 2009, 11:11

So they can be taken to Libya straight away? That's really good news. Maybe we can charter one of the Gozo ferries to do the same with the ones that arrive here!

Carmel Saliba

May 7th 2009, 11:10

Thanks to the Maltese authorities that finally started to take a real action.

But the best action was taken Italian Home Affairs Minister Roberto Maroni who took the immediate action by sending them back from where they came from. I assume that now the problem on the illegal immigrants between Malta and Italy stops because these immigrants will decrease drastically.

Summer is coming.

T Lombardi

May 7th 2009, 11:04

@ George Caruana
You are very correct. The vast majority of Maltese does not give a hoot.
That is not to say that the Maltese are less generous in their donations and less willing to help the needy of Africa. But there are ways and ways of helping those less fortunate than us.
We will offer a prayer for those immigrants.... that they may see the light and stay in their vast continent!

joanna farrugia

May 7th 2009, 11:02

@mary ann borg so what joseph have to do with this?as far as i know even gonzipn all the time smiling and pulling our legs

d. borg

May 7th 2009, 11:01

@ George Caruana -

Some people are more concerned what happens to these illegal immigrants, than to what will happen to the Maltese people (our future generations) if this trend continues. They should stay put in Libya where there is no war and not invade and ruin other countries.

Brian Maloret

May 7th 2009, 11:01

George Caruana

It might have escaped your notice but these illegal immigrants, like many of the illegal immigrants who have made or attempted to make the trip previously to Malta or Italy, started their journey from Libya. Many of them have lived in Libya for several years without coming to harm. before paying criminals huge sums of money to transport them illegally to EU states such as Malta. What harm do you imagine that they will come to in Libya and, if they weren't returned to Libya what do you suggest should happen to them?

lgalea

May 7th 2009, 11:00

George Caruana
You are right. We no longer care a hoot about them. They had been living in Libya for years without any harm as evidenced yesterday the the Refugee Appeals Board findings referred in yesterday's time. Have a look at http://www.timesofmalta.com/articles/view/20090506/local/migrants

To those who are saying that this is the result of Malta not giving in you are all right.
Let's hope this stance will be also be kept after the EP elections.

Anthony Bugeja

May 7th 2009, 10:58

This would have been good news if this agreement to send the law breaking boat people back to Libja was done by the EU rather than by Italy on its own. What will happen if all who land in Italy are sent back, but those who land in Malta are not ? Obviously we will become the target for all this illegal human trafficing.

R Dimech

May 7th 2009, 10:56

@ George Caruana - what will happen to them in Libya?!? What happened to them while they were there, most probably working (illegally) to save up enough to pay for a journey northward? They look invariably healthy and certainly show no signs of ill treatment from the Libyan side when picked up at sea. Why should we give ' a hoot' what happens to people in peaceful, rich and stable countries??
I, for one, give a constant 'hoot' how my taxes are spent , the uncertain future faced by my children and people whose livelihood is threatened.

Mike Farrugia

May 7th 2009, 10:55

That is the solution to the problem. If all immigrants are returned to Libya, the organisation dealing with human trafficing will be destroyed. Libya too will eventually benefit as a result.
However we must not forget that there are still genuine cases looking for refuge from persecution.
The west must help by sanctioning corrupt African leaders and stop supplying them with weapons.

carmen delia

May 7th 2009, 10:54

mhux li kieku li ilha li bdiet issir din u nistaqsi ghala ma kienetx min dejjem MALTA mxebba u fl ahhar jidher li sa jsir xi haga ejja nkomplu hekk

Stephen farrugia

May 7th 2009, 10:53

@ George Caruana

Do you know that it was Gaddaffi had that told the Africans to go to his country?

Do you know that Europeans live in Libya?

Do you know that I know many people who live in Libya safely?

Do you care about your country?

Mary Ann Borg

May 7th 2009, 10:51

So what is Smiley Joseph gonna say now? Of course, he'll stay mum for a while until the next episode, which all depends on what illegal immigration traffickers ponder their next move. Overall, these last weeks we have seen a stronger resolve by Malta in its dealings with both Italy and the illegal immigrants. The situation with Libya is a totally different story. They may have accepted the Italian vessel but there is no guarantee they will allow our AFM patrol boats to thread into Libyan waters. And there's the catch.

malcolm seychell

May 7th 2009, 10:48

This is the way forward.

As I stated many times. Italy and Malta have to work together to make a clear policy.

'RETURN TO SENDER'

A. Vassallo

May 7th 2009, 10:48

This Italian move could only have happened because the Maltese Government stood up to be counted. Mr. Maroni was forced to send them back to Libya because otherwise he would have been criticized by the Italian Opposition and by the Italian people and told that MALTA managed to win yet again the argument. With this move Maroni is playing the hero which is not the case at all

George Caruana

May 7th 2009, 10:43

Before writing all these euphoric comments, has anyone wondered for a minute what will happen to these immigrants once they land in Libya? I tend to believe nobody gives a hoot.

Stephen Farrugia

May 7th 2009, 10:42

Why do I have a strange feeling, that we will keep taking in immigrants?

Joseph Cauchi

May 7th 2009, 10:42

.

This is the way!

Italy, Libya and Malta should work hand in hand to solve these influxes of illegal immigrants, because this is a common problem to all the three parties and if these three work hand in hand, a lot of benefit could be gained for all of us.

Well done to all parties concerned.

It seems that the brief encounter by Min. Tonio Borg with his Libyan counterpart recently was the catalyst that started this ball rolling; let us pray that this isn’t just a one off but becomes the norm!

This is the only modus operandi in these situations that really works.

May this long continue!

../..

G .Mangion

May 7th 2009, 10:31

Had it not been for the, Maltese Gov't decision not to fall , for know ones trap,
This very good thing ( return to sender ) wouldn't had happened. Welldone Gov't Welldone.

D Zammit

May 7th 2009, 10:30

Is an election on the way??? Seems ONE month before MEP elections both Malta and Italy are starting to do what up to a few days ago they said they couldn't!!!

J Farrugia

May 7th 2009, 10:29

Minflok il-Ministtru Maroni jattakka u jigdeb fuq Malta ahjar jara kif jiftiehem mal-Maltin u kull klandestin li jipprova jidhol lejn Malta jew lejn l-italja inregghuhom lura lejn il-libya bhal ma ghamel illum Maroni. Bghathom lura l-Libya u din accettathom. Allura taghna biss ma jaccettawx il-hbieb taghna taparsi tal-libya? fejna l-hbiberija li tant ftahar biha Mintoff u l-partit tieghu? fejna l-hbiberija bejn Malta u l-Italja li tant naghjtu biha? Ikun ferm ahjar ghal Malta u l-Italja li jwaqqfu din il-problema kbira ghall-ewropa kollha, u jiftehmu li kull dghajsa jew klandestini li jidhlu fiz-zewg pajjizi jintbghatu lura l-Libya bla telf ta; zmien. Hekk ghandha tkun il-politika taghna. Mhux niggieldu bejniethna u Gadaffi jidhak bina.

Carmel J Farrugia

May 7th 2009, 10:28

BREAKING NEWS
TGCOM as reported that the illegal migrants collected by the Italians, have been landed in Tripoli.

Joe Vella (Mellieha.)

May 7th 2009, 10:27

@ d. Borg

It has nothing to do with having guts. For the Immigrants to have been taken to Libya, Libya must have agreed, Period.

Hopefully this is the beginning and not the end on Libya's part. This should send a clear message to any prospective illegal Immigrants.

Ramon Zammit

May 7th 2009, 10:24

MY PRAISES FOR THE MALTESE + ITALIAN GOVERNMENTS FOR THIS GREAT MOVE. I SINCERELY HOPE THAT THEY KEEP THIS STANCE. GIVE ALL THE IMMIGRANTS WHATEVER THEY NEED : FOOD, DRINKS, CLOTHING, MEDICAL CARE AND SEND THEM BACK TO FROM WHERE THEY DEPARTED.THE GOVERNMENT OF THE COUNTRY FROM WHERE THEY ARE COMING, SHOULD BE THE GOVERNMENT WHO TAKES THE WHOLE RESPONSIBILITY.

R dimech

May 7th 2009, 10:24

What and how much has Italy paid Libya for the latter to have accepted them back?!?

This without detracting in any way from this logical and long awaited course of action.

Joseph Agius

May 7th 2009, 10:23

Well done Maroni....and also Malta. This is the only way criminals who are making millions can be stopped.

e.cortis

May 7th 2009, 10:21

Yes, good move !! .But what if the Libyans do not give permission to Malta"s and Italy's "Rescue" vessels to make port ??. The Italians did it to Malta. Malta did it to the Italians !!. So....Where does that leave everybody ??. Diplomacy is the way forward. Italy and Malta, and for that matter, the WHOLE EU must strive to strike an honourable deal with the Libyans, otherwise.....

Charles Sammut

May 7th 2009, 10:16

There were in fact 227 illegal immigrants in all, picked up from 3 different boats. This has always been the sensible solution. Once they set foot on European soil they become a big problem and therefore it has to be nipped in the bud.

Joint Italian/Libyan patrols are due to start on the 15 May according to rainews24

http://www.rainews24.it/it/news.php?newsid=117541

Carmelo Bezzina

May 7th 2009, 10:14

Well done for the italians, this is what malta should do.

Joseph Sammut

May 7th 2009, 10:13

To all those Maltese who condemmed fellow Maltese and labelled them as inhumane, racists and un-Christian and who put fear by stating that returned illegal immigrants would be killed - what could you tell us now?

I have a suggestion: why don't we return those already in Malta to Libya? what's wrong with that: they are illegal immigrants!

Brian Maloret

May 7th 2009, 10:09

Commonsense at last. Lets hope that this becomes routine practice and that it sends a clear message to all would be illegal immigrants and the criminals who make huge profits out of the trade of human traficking that the game is up.

Charles Micallef

May 7th 2009, 10:06

Malta should now follow suit!

This is what is known as concrete action!

Frans Sammut

May 7th 2009, 10:04

Beg your pardon, your "well done" is deserved by Malta and Libya not by our operetta neighbours. Let's hope this measure will be kept up after the 6th of June.

Joe Grima (Brussels)

May 7th 2009, 10:04

The only way to discourage future illegal immigration is to keep up this practice. If group after group are taken back, they will think twice about attempting again. An agreement should eventually be reached between Malta, Italy and Libya to coordinate such operations, without exception! If Malta's patrol boats are too small to go all the way to Libya, they should take them part of the way, with Italian bigger warships taking them the rest of the trip.
My personal view of burden sharing is that with that in practice, even more will attempt the crossings, knowing that if they make it to Malta or Lampedusa, they 'automatically' will obtain a pass to other countries. It will only make it easier for them to get farther afield.
Keep sending them back, in a humanitarian way, and by time we might see the results. That is the only solution to the whole problem.

philip pace

May 7th 2009, 10:03

Let us see how this shall develop when the euphoria has died down.
In my personal opinion. Italy can't be trusted and cannot be seen as a friend any more. It has more clout on Libya then we do and it has it's own moral responsibily on what it did in Africa in the past.
The Maltese Government should be totally aware on what the Italians do. Continous surveillance on Italian diplomatic moves is the key.
I wonder what Italy shall get out of this as this should have been the original solution to the problem.
Therefore I urge the Government not to sleep on this. Get help from more trustworthy friends in Europe, organize a united navy to patrol the Maltese waters and warn any immigrants who are coming to Malta that they have to turn back or alter their course to other countries who are not in this United Navy.
We simply do not want any immigrants as we have to safeguard our identity, culture and most of all our little island that we are so proud of.

Joe Camilleri

May 7th 2009, 09:59

Let us hope that Malta will do the same

T Lombardi

May 7th 2009, 09:59

Ohhhh Thats interesting..... So it is actually possible to tow them back to Libya?? I thought our intellectually superior politicians who know it all always said that this was not an option..... Guess the man in the street was right all along in the end!!
Nevertheless well done to both the Maltese authorities and to the Italians who had the guts to do the sensible thing albeit AT LONG LAST!
But something tells me, this strong will and determination will be nowhere to be seen once the MEP elections are over!! As always, only time will tell!

Galea. L

May 7th 2009, 09:56

That's what should have been done from the very beginning and not Italy trying to bully tiny Malta.
How about also sending all the illegal immigrants that are in Malta since they have come from Libya?

Noel Tonna

May 7th 2009, 09:56

If the Italian Government deems that this is the appropriate action then our government should do thesame. If we keep taking the illegal immigrants back to Tripoli, then surely the influx would gradually stop.

Ian Bugeja

May 7th 2009, 09:55

Great Move ...this needs to now be repeated for other boat loads

Jean-Pierre Aquilina

May 7th 2009, 09:52

Finally...a practical and sensible solution to the problem.

Sandro Pace

May 7th 2009, 09:51

At long last. This is the best policy. That shows that the Maltese policy of standing its ground, or aiding them to continue with their journey, wherever they are is the best one and should have been adopted much earlier. Italy is more poised to repatriate to Libya than Malta. Rather than letting them concentrate here, just to observe obligations.

With moral high grounds, and trying to impress with moral deficits, we were going nowhere.

Human Rights activists and NGOs will surely criticise this, and should have their democratic right to do so. But they should be told to shut up afterwards, in no soft terms, now that things are moving. This anarchy on the sea cannot continue. It is starting to destabilise our relations.

The government has no other choice but to persist in this strong policy, if he mean business. I hope no one will criticise Italy neither.

Sandro Zahra

May 7th 2009, 09:50

this is the way forward!!!

B Borg

May 7th 2009, 09:47

Missu jaghmel hekk kulhadd u taraw kif l-imigranti jonqsu hafna..

d. borg

May 7th 2009, 09:46

Ejja fl-ahhar. We have been repeating this over and over again. They should all be towed back in Libyan waters. Finally someone had the guts to do it. I hope our govt. follows suit. Mr Maroni should be commended for this move.

Mark Anthony Portelli

May 7th 2009, 09:43

At last, some good news.

J Chircop

May 7th 2009, 09:42

Now thats one good move. Keep it up.

alex sciberras

May 7th 2009, 09:38

100% agree with this move.....well done Italy and Malta!!!!!!

D. Scerri

May 7th 2009, 09:37

That's more like it. Perhaps after they drop this lot off, the Italians would care to stop here and collect another load?