Other member states 'must shoulder the burden'

The differences between Malta and Italy over who should take migrants rescued close to Italian shores needed to be sorted out but the bigger problem of migration would remain, Italian Vice-President of the European Commission Antonio Tajani said yesterday.

He said the problem had to be tackled on a European level with a political decision that would make it obligatory for other member states to shoulder the burden currently being carried by Italy and Malta.

Addressing a joint press conference with Transport Minister Austin Gatt on his two-day visit to Malta, Mr Tajani, who is responsible for transport policy, said the different legal interpretations being applied by Malta and Italy over search and rescue at sea had to be solved through maritime organisations.

Earlier this week, Italian Home Affairs Minister Roberto Maroni was quoted as saying that Mr Tajani will be "explaining to Malta Italy's position". But when The Times asked about this, he dodged the question, repeating his words.

"This is not just a matter of who is right and who is wrong. This will not be enough. What is needed is a political decision and for other member states to assume their responsibilities," he said. He also spoke in favour of repatriation except in the case of political refugees. The European Commission, he said, did not want these people to be persecuted or killed for political reasons.

Frontex, he said, had to be reinforced and Europe had to have a common policy for stability in Africa. If the EU ignored the problem, Europe would, in future, face an influx of people on a scale that it would not be able to control any longer.

"The problem of illegal migration being faced by Italy and Malta is causing friction between the two countries because they are the most exposed to this problem. But Malta and Italy are in the EU and that is why the other EU countries should help," he said.

While in Malta, Mr Tajani also met President George Abela, Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi and Speaker of the House of Representatives Louis Galea. He also addressed the Mini European Assembly and participated in a conference on five years since Malta's EU membership.