Barroso's no to migration summit

Michael Neville Cassar

May 21st 2009, 09:56

Who said that we can keep our independence or our republic day now that is summer we can all take a swim there we have it, Mr Barroso's wants more rights for illegal persons.As one says its better the devil you know then the one you don’t know. Viva the EU and the good things with the bad things .

James De Giorgio

May 21st 2009, 09:36

Of course they won't agree on this...the rest of Europe would rather we bore the brunt.

My next vote in the general election (not EP) goes to the party who convinces me that they will solve the issue. If none of them do, I won't vote.

m azzopardi

May 21st 2009, 08:33

if Mr barroso thinks that europe needs immigration...then take them to your Portugal not to Malta because us Maltese want the boats to be sent back to Libya!!!!!! We are full!!!

Joseph Grech

May 20th 2009, 22:18

European Commission President Jose Manuel Barroso has a right to disagree with the proposal for a special summit on illegal immigration - but he should be responsible enough to provide sound reasons for so doing. And such an important decision for Europe should not be taken just by him!
Surely Europe cannot remain being managed by irresponsible bureacrats like Mr. Barroso unless it wants to have most of Africa clamouring to come to Europe despite the present serious economic issues facing the continent. Barroseo, it is high time Europe closes the gates tight - understand that! Where will you employ the arrivals? Is that no concern of yours? Ask the thousands of Europeans who are already / will soon be out of a job! I thought the ''free movement of people'' principle applied to people from European Union countries...how come Barroso has widened the term to include all and sundry, irrespective of legality, origin, etc? As for defending the right to asylum, how many of the thousands that reach Europe illegally in fact have this right? In future please consider what you wish to declare - or end up looking pathetically inefficient - and irresponsible! Barroso should be thrown out!

J.Spiteri

May 20th 2009, 21:56

Since many EU member states are opposing the special summit on immigration, then what's keeping us from acting on our own, i.e. by simply turning back boats as soon as they enter our territorial waters. Then let the UNHCR and its local supporters voice their condemnation for our actions. They will only criticise US and not Mr. Barroso and his allies. This is a clear indication that we can't expect ANY support from our EU 'partners'. Most probably, the assistance being referred to is in helping us to enlarge our detention centres, since Mr. Barroso himself states that "the EU was planning to assist Italy, Malta and other member states to grapple with a (anticipated ??) surge of immigrant arrivals".

Joseph V. Grech

May 20th 2009, 21:39

Mr. Barroso is being IRRESPONSIBLE. Illegal immigration will ruin Europe not consolidate it. He must know what happened to several European countries through uncontrolled illegal immigration - these now have serious cultural, social, financial and religious problems that are making many locals emigrate (legally) to other countries. They cannont stand it anymore! Is this what Barroso desires?
How can he - or anyone - put the interest of the few immigrants with a real claim to political asylum before the welfare of Malta, Italy, Greece...Let's help these but keep the gates to Europe tightly shut - or be destabilised. Be sensible!
Baroso is short-sighted, petty, inefficient. WILL HE SEE MALTA RUINED? We do not want financial assistance from the E.U. but effective measures from the E.U. to stop illegal immigration. I voted to join, but NOW regret the day I did. There are too many unaccountable fools running the E.U.! Many Maltese feel betrayed by people like Barroso. I trust the Malta European Commission will forward this Comment not just to Commissioner Barroso but to the E.U. top officials. The EU needs to be a fortress to keep illegal immigrants out - or perish through serious destabilisation. Europe watch out!

R.Gauci

May 20th 2009, 20:35

Din hija s-solidarjeta li konna mweghda? Ghalhekk hemm bzonn li nahsbu ghal rasna!!!

Michelle Dali

May 20th 2009, 19:48

Mr Barroso, if Europe needs immigration it should do it in a fair and sensible way, by setting up offices in African countries where people can apply, instead of making them risk their lives to cross deserts and seas to make it into Europe illegally. Then countries like Malta, who are small, overpopulated and who do NOT need immigration, can be freed of this burden we are being forced to carry.

Yes, Mr Barroso, if Europe needs immigration, why then don't the larger EU countries take the thousands of idle illegal immigrants who are living in Malta and who have no prospect of finding jobs or the 'better life' they were seeking? Most of them are not even allowed to work and yet Malta cannot repatriate them even though their claims for asylum have been turned down. We are just expected to keep taking more of them into this tiny country and have to continue to provide for their every need. What a sorry situation we find ourselves in! So much for EU solidarity!

M. Mercieca

May 20th 2009, 19:09

"Europe needs immigration but it needs to manage it better."
I have been saying so for ages and now I am happy today is being heard from the horse’s mouth.
Why what Valletta’s suggests in not answered by Brussels ?
Simple answer: Because Brussels works on BASED FACTS and disregards all what Vela’s and Galea’s have been scaremongering.
Vella’s and Galea’s say this is an invasion.
Brussels knows that Immigrants never occupied a country in Europe.
Vella’s and Galea’s say this Islamization of Europe.
Brussels knows that Church goers are declining as the RCC does not fulfill modern age requirements.
Vella’s and Galea’s say this is not a color problem its more about Illegality.
Brussels knows that even Legal African immigrants are not welcomed in Malta.
Vella’s and Galea’s say this would reflects bad on our culture and our kids future.
Brussels knows the real threat for our kids are drugs, alcohol, out of wed lock babies...etc
Vella’s and Galea’s suggest a vote for anti-immigrants is the solution.
Brussels knows such a vote will lead to Europe self-destruction.
Vella’s and Galea’s some times ‘order/or have a war with Libya while Brussels wish to extend Libyans oil pipes.

Lawrence Martinelli

May 20th 2009, 16:56

I find it amusing ( to be optimistic ) ....come the E.U. election people "should" let
them ( Bruxelles) know what they ( the people ) think.
Think what ? .....that "Dwarf Elephant is "trying" to roars ?
Please stop the farce......shove the E.U. back across the " pond ".
People in Malta BREATHE AGAIN fresh air.....back to origins....
Protection from the English speaking nations is what Malta needs
to mantain its Independence , Prosperity and Freedom.

N Grech

May 20th 2009, 15:57

Take a look at this

http://www.timesofmalta.com/articles/view/20090520/world-news/migrant-centres-are-like-concentration-camps-berlusconi

and the EU and Medecin sans Frontieres had the temerity to criticize Malta on the condition of our detention centres!!!

Also, it shows how real the problem is!

N Grech

May 20th 2009, 15:40

There you have it!!!! so it seems that the "series of new proposals" from the EU have all to do with ILLEGAL immigrants' RIGHTS and nothing to do with the countries where they end up! ..

"Without revealing any details, Mr Barroso said the main three objectives were preventing the tragedies at sea that saw migrants drown in their attempt to reach Europe; safeguarding the principle of free movement of people and defending the right to asylum."

Mr Barroso, this is ILLEGAL immigration, criminals are having a field day making money hand over fist bringing them out of their countries, so this is what you are encouraging!
ILLEGAL IMMIGRATION has nothing to do with the" principle of free movement of people"! which refers to people traveling with a passport, visa or such document.

Since when does "Europe need immigration?" .Europe may need immigration but MALTA DOES NOT!!!! Check statistics about the 3rd most densely populated country in the world!!!! Unbelievable!

vincent a galea

May 20th 2009, 15:37

A SURE PROOF OF SOLIDARITY AMONGST THE NATIONS OF THE EUROPE...

THIS IS BURDEN SHARING A LA BARROSO...

THANKS FOR NOTHING MATE.....

HOW DOES ONE VOE THIS GUY OUT OF OFFICE ????????????????????!!!!!!!!!!!!!

D. Borg

May 20th 2009, 15:32

"Europe needs immigration but it needs to manage it better."

Here I am missing something. If Europe needs immigration, how come no EU country wants them. Since October, not one single immigrant was taken by the EU countries. And, how come they are referred to as 'burden' by EU members? If they were really needed, then the Countries should be fighting amongst each other on who takes the largest number.

Stephen Sultana

May 20th 2009, 15:22

Qed indejjqu lil kullhadd b'din il-fissazzjoni fuq l-emigranti. Sewwa jaghmlu ma jghinuniex.

Tony Stivala

May 20th 2009, 15:07

Do you remember when Baroso visited Malta and in our parliament he promised that he will do everything possible to help Malta with our problem of illegal immigrants? We now know how honourable he is

David Seychell

May 20th 2009, 15:02

It's time to stop asking what the EU can do for us. It's time to ask what WE can do for our country. June 6 is our last chance.

louise vella

May 20th 2009, 14:48

GonziPN should stop trying to pass the buck to the EU, or to UNHCR or to some others. GonziPN has a duty to the Maltese people which elected it to protect it from the influx of illegal immigrants. So far it has failed. More seriously, it has not shown the political will to do it.

All we have heard from Dr Gonzi is words about values, Christian values and a discourse which sounds too much like that of the Jesuit Refugee Service. Malta expects Dr Gonzi to do better than that.

Stephen Vella

May 20th 2009, 14:44

Let's see whether the Nationalists EU Meps will defend this 'helpful idea' by Barroso

J. Bonnici

May 20th 2009, 14:34

European Commission President, Barroso, and many member states are opposing a proposal for a "special summit " on illegal immigration and are not even sure whether the illegal immigration issue would be on the agenda of the next EU meeting for heads of state and government, taking place in Brussels next month. Our partners in the EU are against a conference about this hot issue, let alone taking part in the "burden sharing".

Joanne Micallef

May 20th 2009, 12:01

To be honest I really am not surprised at all. It has been very clear for quite some time now that we're on our own on this one. Pity Dr EFA wanted our country to become an EU member at all costs, as what we are reaping today vis a vis the influx of illegal immigrants is the result of a decision he had taken when our country was negotiating it's EU membership (http://www.timesofmalta.com/articles/view/20080429/letters/when-national-interests-cannot-come-first )
If the EU really had Malta’s interest at heart it would have let our country those reservations, the fact that it ignored our plight knowing very well what this implied for a tiny country like Malta situated right in between Africa and Europe, speaks volumes.

All I can say is let us use our vote wisely come June 6th

Stephen Farrugia

May 20th 2009, 11:28

We shall give a "strong response" also. We are going to send you Imperium Europa ( Norman Lowell) over to you and all I can say is " good luck, you will need it".

:) wink & smile among us Maltese.

STEPHEN FARRUGIA

W Spencer

May 20th 2009, 11:26

Unbelievable !!! The EU can hold summits, and spend fortunes, on legislation regarding the shape that Bananas should be, BUT refuse to get involved in the serious matter of illegal immigration !!

Welcome to the EU.

e.cortis

May 20th 2009, 11:26

.."the idea did not go down well and many member states were opposing it". SOLIDARITY is supposed to be one of the main columns on which the EU is built . The above is a total reversal of solidarity. Yes, many Maltese will take these insults by our BIG BROTHERS very seriously when they come to decide on various issues later on. The writing is on the wall and everyone has now been warned. Mr.Barroso's priority at the moment is his re-election as the EUs president !!. Does he or any of the big brothers give a damn about Malta's predicaments ?. The solution is for Europe to shore up its responsibilities towards its former colonies. Malta should imitate Italy's stance and when the occasion presents itself to discuss the issue at ministerial level,(if they allow it to surface again), Malta should threaten the use of the VETO as others have done before. It is a RIGHT every EU member has. Let us not allow big-mouthed euro gurus and bureaucrats to dictate to us what to do. We are supposed to be equals, NO ?.So let's act like equals.

Emanuel Cilia Debono

May 20th 2009, 11:20

E.U President Barroso states that he is prepared to help Malta and other States grapple with the problem of illegal migrants. He also says that he has proposals in the pipeline. Let's wait and see.

I understand that it is difficult in the short term at least to stop the flow of immigrants from Africa; but it is not beyond the reach of the EU to regularise it in a humane manner without bringing about any increase in the burden which Malta is already shouldering. Setting up a checkpoint in Libya is a viable alternative..

I agree that a regulated selected inflow of migrants is needed for ensuring long term economic growth in Europe. However the present uncontrolled influx is not doing any good.

Our Foreign Minister ( Dr tonio Borg) and the Minister for Foreign Affairs ( Dr. Carmelo Mifsud Bonnici) deserve our full support for their ongoing efforts to promote Malta's interests in the EU. and with international bodies. The solution to the problem lies in calm, reasoned, diplomatic negotiation ..

Etienne Bonanno

May 20th 2009, 11:03

@Joseph Vella
That is exactly what I meant when I said that Europe had to get it's priorities in order!

Jimmy Magro

May 20th 2009, 10:54

At the same time, Mr Barroso said the EU could not be a fortress that tried to keep immigrants out: "Europe needs immigration but it needs to manage it better."

This statement continues to show how much Mr. Barrosso is not fit for purpose as the President of the EU Commission. He is totally lost in bureaucracy, capitalism and with his words he continues to encourage human trafficking from Africa and the Eastern Countries. When he says Europe neds immigration he is only encouraging illegal trade of persons. Immigrants are only wanted in Europe so that big business can employ immigrants at lower wages and salaries. This is very shameful.

Not withstanding the fact of this declaration there was resistance to mandatory burden sharing and Europe only agred to take a very small number of immigrants from Malta. I cannot understand to which Europe Mr. Barroso is referring to?

Unless Europe is united to fight this misery, illegal trade of human beings will continue. Mr. Barrosso does not seem to understand the feelings of the Europeans that want to live in security on values that have been enshrined by Europeans for ages. European diversity is not the same as world_diversity.

Adrian Vella

May 20th 2009, 10:53

In other words, the EU intends to help these illegal immigrants to get to Malta and Italy. Ideally on a luxury yacht, so they do not suffer too much and we have to lump them. They wish! Malta and Italy should show a united front on this and ignore the EU and UN because they have no credibility and have shown that, for them, the interests of the illegals come before the interests of the honest citizens of Malta and Italy.

Charles Sammut

May 20th 2009, 10:52

How can Mr Barroso justify saying that Europe needs immigrants with unemployment figures reaching record highs and set to increase even further.

"Mr Barroso said the main three objectives were preventing the tragedies at sea that saw migrants drown in their attempt to reach Europe; safeguarding the principle of free movement of people and defending the right to asylum." There you have it. Mr Barroso does not give a hoot about safeguarding our country, but he is all for protecting the interests of Africans.

Vote wisely on the 6th June! These arrogant so and so's must be sent a strong message.

Joseph Vella

May 20th 2009, 10:49

It is false to believe that the EU wants to stop the illegal migration. Nearly 2 years ago, round about August 2007 there was a feature on Euro News (the EU official News Channel) about the dwindling EU populations. It was complete with graphics showing birth rates in all the EU countries. They went on to say that this will have a bad effect on the EU economy and that the solution to this was through the importation of so many million immigrants from Africa and so many million immigrants from Asia.

All this was explained graphically with maps showing Europe Africa and Asia complete with arrows showing from where the migrants are to come

It did not seem to enter their minds that one of the reasons why populations dwindle, is because of the economic problems families are encountering to live on a decent standard of living.
Surly this program was not made in the interest of the common EU citizen! It only targeted the interest of the big companies looking for cheap labour.

Mario Tabone-Vassallo

May 20th 2009, 10:49

Jekk Mina tippermettili nikkwotaha: PAROLE, PAROLE, PAROLE

Lawrence Martinelli

May 20th 2009, 10:29

All right....call me an obsessed old man but .....I've said it before sereval times.
" Dwarf Elephant " Malta can NOT afford to play soccer in the E.U Prenier Leaque.
The cross-roads position of Malta has always needed protection from " invaders ".
It's now a proven fact that the E.U. is just an inflated " Bruxelles Big Box ".
For protection and future development and , why not : Independence , the islands
has to rivert FULLY within the folds of the inherited English Speaking world.

john fenech

May 20th 2009, 10:20

Apropos, the Czech Minister said it all, “the matter has already been discussed several times in summits and repetition has to be avoided". The countries that are swamped by the arrivals of illegal immigrant do not need hot air, rhetoric sweet talk and useless hypocrite and demeaning repetitions!

What is demanded and expected are meaningful plans to help these immigrants in their country and strict control at the country of departure. To save lives stem the human traffic trade and relieve the European countries of this unbearable phenomenon.

So far the EU parliament has not pronounced its position on the repatriation of the illegal immigrants back to Libya. Therefore the political, legal and humanitarian fallout if and when Malta will be sent back the illegal immigrants to Libya is still unknown? Assuming that Libya will accept the illegal immigrants!

Etienne Bonanno

May 20th 2009, 10:01

If Europe needs immigration so much, why all the resistance to a burden sharing agreement?

The EU promised a "strong response" several times before and yet has never delivered, nor will it deliver this time. In order to provide a "strong response" it first has to get its act together and decide whether it wants immigrants or not. The bureaucracy in Brussels has never managed to decide that though, and is severely misjudging the extent to which the real European people (as opposed to the bureaucrats with the cushy jobs, that is) are opposed to immigration.

Europe does not need immigration - it needs a new set of values that puts priorities in their correct order.

H Dempster

May 20th 2009, 09:58

B y Barroso's no to the proposed summit, it goes to prove that they (the eu Bullies) are hiding behind thier finger as although they say that they want to help, when it come to real help , this never materialises. as far i am concerned all eu member countries and its meps should just disband .This is being run by a couple of money mongers and nothing more.

AFarrugia

May 20th 2009, 09:55

Therefore, seeing that the EU is saying no, we should seriously think to start sending back all illegal immigrants as soon as they are seen or land on our island. This will be a clear message to our counterparts in EU that we are fed-up of this laissez-faire against our nation.

M.Degiorgio

May 20th 2009, 09:53

We won't need a full member European summit or permission from European brass hats if the main countries involved, Malta, Italy, Spain, Greece, Cyprus amongst some others like England, France and Poland decide together and by themselves how to tackle the situation together.

philip pace

May 20th 2009, 09:51

Very nice to the Mount Olympus gods.
They must be afraid that it would open up a can of worms as some of the countries not mentioned in list are at fault for the MAD RUSH FOR AFRICA in the 1890s.
They are afraid as all the shamful independence given to the African states when the super European Monarchies sucked these African nations dry, would boomerang and they are morally and financially obliged to intervene and help.
After all they started the mess.
Democracy ,my foot!

Shame on you Barroso for not defending a small nation like our who is the target zone.

Doubly shame on you Kohouts as your words do not mean anything. You are there to serve the interests of big nations while we have to bear and grapple with anything that comes from Africa.

LEVEL PLAYING FIELD? It doesn't exist in Mount Olympus.

Luke Buttigieg

May 20th 2009, 09:48

Unfortunately it seems that Mr. Barroso wants to ignore the issue and allow all Africa to migrate to Europe. No mention of burden sharing or any help of the sort. Let's hope his time in the EC is soon over.

d. borg

May 20th 2009, 09:44

So much for solidarity. EU's idea of help is more funds to help immigrants in detention centres and integration. Our (the Maltese) idea is completely different. We do not want more funds but the halt of the influx of immigrants and the repatriation of those that are already here. Our vote on the 6th June should show a vote of no confidence in the EU.

john micallef

May 20th 2009, 09:35

so we now know where the lack of tangible response is comming from. so this will be it, malta and after all europe has had it!! punto e basta