Updated: Mifsud Bonnici criticises Swiss visas decision

L Debono

Feb 17th 2010, 02:44

Mr. Peter Paul Borg I'm sorry to burst your bubble but it wasn't Switzerland that dragged Malta in this. Sit back and think for a minute. The Government of Switzerland for their own reason didn't issue Visas for the Libyan VIP's. You might not agree with this but the Swiss had their own reasons. In retaliation the Libyan Government decided to deny access to every one including in the Schengen zone including Malta and Italy. This is a political chess game that the Libyan Government is playing.

It is crystal clear that the Libyan Government doesn’t distinguish between business partners and others. Despite the friendship and business relationships that that Malta and Italy share with Libya their citizens were still banned from entering Libya.

Edric Micallef Figallo

Feb 16th 2010, 21:57

I'm wondering, Swtizerland takes action against Libyan nationals and Libya hits out at other States. The culprit for some is Switzerland, doesn't sound right to me. Enjoy applauding, in a way or another, the actions of a rogue state and dictatorship who has a history of excellent diplomacy on its back.

Stefan Kottmann

Feb 16th 2010, 21:12

Isn't Dr. Mifsud Bonnici the same person who, on national television, said that a signed confession is acceptable proof of guilt? Human righs case law apparently disagrees if a lawyer was not present during the interrogation. I ask this question, because if I am correct, then it is a bit of a stretch for him to be so alarmed about citizens' rights. It would also be a bit off because he says that '(the Schengen Rules) should not be used as an instrument of political retortion' when the 'right to a lawyer' law recently put in force seem to be nothing but an instrument used to increase his or the government's popularity with those who cannot read the fine print of this deceitful piece of legislation, whilst at the same time giving people rights that leading lawyers warn people not to resort to, because of the negative and unfair implications this brings about. If we talk about obligations and citizens' rights, let us be fair.

Peter Paul Borg

Feb 16th 2010, 20:10

Regardless of how much wealth and how much highly regarded Switzerland is, Malta should be firm about this matter and not allow such attitudes to be taken for granted, especially when damaging Malta's relationship with Libya, a fellow neighbour with whom we share the Mediteranean Sea. Thanks to Switzerland's attitude, Libya's relation with all Schengen states has been negatively affected. Switzerland has ignored all other Schengen states and insulted Libya. This is not acceptable.
I thank Ministers Mifsud Bonnici and Borg for their immediate efforts to rectify this situation and hope for the sake of Malta's long relationship with Libya that a solution is found in the immediate future.

wally vella-zarb

Feb 16th 2010, 19:38

@ L.Debono

Switzerland, by acting unilaterally, has jeopardised the relations between Libya and the entire Schengen Zone. It has created problems for Malta, Italy, and the other Schengen countries that have a lot of business with Libya.

Edward Muscat

Feb 16th 2010, 19:19

Well said L. Debono. I say well done to the Swiss. Our politicians have yet to learn from them instead of inviting dictators to our country.

Matin Cassar

Feb 16th 2010, 18:57

The strong man with the long pipe
The Libyan’s oil pipes are long enough to influence the whole EU economies and policy makers, this of course goes to include our government.
In this specific spat, the Swiss government got it wrong. Unfortunately the Swiss government acted apolitically and against known and agreed-upon diplomatic norms.
At a summit of the eight most industrialised countries in Italy last year, the Libyan strongman called Switzerland a "world mafia" and said it should be split between France, Germany and Italy. What I mean this dispute its beyond what appears in the media to be a dispute over a Visa issue in connection with some travelers!
The Col. doesn’t actually talk in codes. However it appears that many EU politicians don’t know how to decipher his code. But wait, our politicians know how to decipher the the Col.'s code and are responding accordingly. Very wisely indeed. Well done to Minister Borg and Minister KMB.

L Debono

Feb 16th 2010, 18:09

I'm sure the Swiss Government has good valid reasons for denying access to the Libyan VIP's and not issuing the Visas.

The last thing that I would do if I were the Minister is gather all the facts instead of criticizing the Swiss Government. Switzerland is a highly regarded and wealthy country and it doesn’t pay to strain the diplomatic relations. Who knows Mr. Minister may be you haven’t got all the facts regarding this issue?