Malta starts issuing 'Malta only' visas for Libyan visitors
Malta has started issuing Malta-only visas for Libyan citizens, while it has formally called on four other EU countries to join it in issuing Limited Territorial Validity (LTV) visas for as long as the visas stalemate between Schengen Area countries and Libya persists.
The Foreign Ministry said today that Foreign Minister Tonio Borg had over the past few hours had meetings with ambassadors of EU countries resident in Malta, where he briefed them about Malta's position and his talks in Tripoli last week with the Libyan Prime Minister.
Dr Borg said he would again raise the issue at the EU Foreign Ministers' meeting on Monday.
Malta, Dr Borg said, is proposing that the EU Mediterranean states should issue visas limited to their territories until the current dispute is settled.
He also formally made the proposal in letters to the foreign ministers of Spain, France, Italy and Portugal.
Dr Borg told the ministers that the current situation was leading to a serious rift in relations between the EU and Libya which would undermine the process of negotiations for an EU-Libya Framework Agreement.
It was in the EU's interest to continue to strengthen relations with Libya, particularly to safeguard progress achieved so far in areas such as the fight against illegal immigration and trade arrangements, Dr Borg said.
While Malta and other countries were continuing to seek a solution to the issue between Switzerland and Libya, an interim solution was urgently needed.
Dr Borg quoted from various provisions of the Schengen Agreement under which party states could issue visas with limited territorial validity "on humanitarian grounds, for reasons of national interest, or because of international obligations" .
He told the ministers that given the exceptional circumstances in which the citizens of their countries had found themselves in when being denied access to Libya, Malta was proposing cooperation between the five EU countries in the form of limited territory visas.
He said that his talks in Tripoli showed that Libya would consider the issuing of such limited Schengen visas as a satisfactory solution.
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N.Lawrence
Mar 18th 2010, 20:34
Malta starts issuing 'Malta only' visas for Libyan visitors
The bottom lines is Libya reciprocating this gesture for the Maltese. Somehow, I think not.
Raymond Calleja
Mar 18th 2010, 13:50
WHAT A NEWS!!!!!!! Malta have been issuing a Maltese visa for Libyans from the unfortunate date that we entered the shengen or worse from when we joined the EU.This is done frequently and cost the libyans 10LYD.Come on Dear Minister show us you care for your nationals and get us out of the shengen.
J.Camilleri
Mar 18th 2010, 08:28
Purely ignorance for all those here are trying to comment their idiotic mentality trying to rub in politics in this issue. Go to your keyboard only if your job is jeopardized like our jobs. Some of you are even typing here during your working hours whilst we are here sitting on a time bomb waiting to see if we are going to keep on earning our living. Malta will be in crisis if we all get the sack. Libya doesn't need us, we need Libya. Get us out from the Schengen.
Joe Mifsud
Mar 18th 2010, 11:20
I sympathize with you and with those who are in your situation. I hope it all works out for you.
Although it is true that Malta has substantial employees in Libya, does this imply that we are dependent on Libya? Should we just allow them to bully us into putting pressure on Switzerland when it has nothing to do with us? What sort of signals will we be giving to the rest of the world? That whenever you want Malta to do something just threaten us with job cuts (or some other dependency) and Malta will buckle under the pressure? I say, leave it to Switzerland and Libya to deal with their problems, but do not let Libya bully us!
As for schengen, I guess we might as well get out of it... what are the benefits honestly? No passport queues? UK seem to be doing fine without it.
T.Vella
Mar 17th 2010, 08:19
Seems like only a few commentators know what they are talking about, the rest "wake up", are you sure you're living in this word ? what is all this fuss for ?
Maltese Embassy have never stopped issuing visas to the Libyans even the Limited Territorial Validity LTV. So Dr. Borg is saying nothing new and if he really want to solve this problem once and for all just get us out of the Schengen ASAP.
Yes all of us Maltese working in Libya and Malta desperately need Libya much more then Libya need us.Really I don't know if I should laugh or cry when I see that most of the comments below gives this serious issue a political one, I guess it wouldn't a happy moment if we have to loose our job. For how long we can stay around and not going home to see our families ? there's a limit, and how long the Maltese who are stuck in Malta can wait without salary ? or their employers ? Please think before start writing silly comments.
Joseph Ellul - Sydney
Mar 18th 2010, 04:59
The fact is that the Swiss took a decision that affected the rest of Europe because Europe wants the Swiss banks to name and shame the tax avoiders who have illigal money there.
Swiss banks are full of American dollars and will try to help US oil companies to regain contracts in Libya. This will work well for Libya too and the Maltese if they are crafty enough to manage the situation. Not all is what it seems.
ALEX ABELA
Mar 17th 2010, 08:11
VISAS have been issued for MALTA only since we joined Schengan. Dr Borg do not tell us that you never new about this.
Maria Aquilina
Mar 16th 2010, 23:55
Thats what I call attitude!!!!Let's hope it serves to let our maltese citezens to enter libya especially those who earn their living over there.No government wants around 400 people jobless.Cause thats what it is if no solution to the matter is found.
Mark Spiteri
Mar 16th 2010, 23:43
To actually know how arrogant the Swiss Goverment is read the following article when it refers to countries in the mediterranean as "These countries" http://www.swissinfo.ch/eng/politics/Italy_slammed_after_siding_with_Libya.html?cid=8496018
colin stanley
Mar 16th 2010, 23:33
@Mr. A. Gatt.it was said during the time before the referendum, when Alfred Sant use to say it is better to have a partnership with the EU, than full membership I don't remember the exact person who said it but I am sure someone can tell us who it was, what I am sure about is, that it didn't come from the PL ,spokesmen !!!!!!! that's for sure.
Philip Micallef
Mar 16th 2010, 20:45
Well done Dr Borg, that's pragmatism. As for the negative comments, I would say, some people never grow up. " Ihhaltu l-hass mal qarahmar."
laurence Grima
Mar 16th 2010, 20:17
So now Schengen and all the fuss about it means a BIG FAT ZERO
matt azopardi
Mar 16th 2010, 19:49
lets hope that we start issuing these visas after the Libyans issue theirs too.
Marco Spiteri
Mar 16th 2010, 19:34
Well done Dr Tonio Borg keep up the good work !!!
Charles Zammit
Mar 16th 2010, 19:03
Dr Borg told the ministers that the current situation was leading to a serious rift in relations between the EU and Libya - Is the hon Minister kidding? Switzerland is not even an EU member and its irresponsible actions risk our relationship with Libya. Get us out of Schengen sooner rather than later - this is not acceptable to us dear Minister.
J Martinelli
Mar 16th 2010, 18:49
@ Denis Catania You have a habit of opening your trap before you know what you talk about. Prosit. I would have responded in a much coarser way had your adopted country not been the one who accepted the highest number of the refugees who landed in Malta. I like to give credit where credit is due. With regard to the Libya situation, the government chose not to take Joseph's advice of taking 'unilateral' action. Of course, what he had in mind was not the type of solution proposed by Dr. Borg, but as always, like you, he says a lot but explains nothing!
Denis Catania
Mar 16th 2010, 19:37
J Martinelli I'm proud of the U.S.A for taking over 300 illegals from Malta and turned them legal, I wish the U.S.A would take all 12,000 of them from Malta. The U.S.A have the room, resources and just as important, illegals have a better chance in the U.S.A once they get issued a green card by our homeland security. Maybe Canada can take one. Well since you brought up the PN and PL as usual. What would have been the reaction of PN supporters, had Mintoff been in this situation and went against an agreement with a number of European countries and opened the door for Libya. Is Malta's utilities cheaper than anywhere in Europe because we give in to Libya on a daily basis. Maybe Malta should include oil exploration to this deal. I'm not totally against this deal, but I would need to bargain and get what's due to Malta. Giving 12,000 illegals Libyan visa's to go back to Libya is another thing I would demand.
M. Cassar
Mar 16th 2010, 18:06
Can anybody please explain why does Mr. Adriano Spiteri bring Islam into the debate? Probably because this is the only front left for failures .
Chris Borg
Mar 16th 2010, 16:33
Mela sewwa. When we hear about arabs breaking the law in our country we want them deported .... and rightly so.
But if they break the law in another european country we show no solidarity what so ever.
Gadaffi manages to divide european coutries with minimal effort. Ara vera bla sinsla.
Joe Mifsud
Mar 16th 2010, 17:17
Nicely put Chris! The Swiss had all right to do what they did. If the Libyans had done what they had done (in Switzerland) in Malta, you all would be speaking differently!
Besides, it is not ALL Libyans that are being denied entry, but just the culprits. So, why is it that ALL Schengen passport holders are being denied entry to Libya? Why can't the Libyan Government just deny entry for Swiss Government officials, or all Swiss passport holders?
Instead of Malta putting pressure on the Swiss they should instead put pressure on Libya.
C.ZARB
Mar 16th 2010, 19:19
Europe's unity is a myth. Take the illegal immigration problem as an example. We are left to fend on ourselves while mainland Europe hides behind the Dublin treaty which forces immigrants to stay in our country, even if there is no future for them here. Even the US was more helpful then them. Solidarity is a myth in Europe.
Chris Borg
Mar 16th 2010, 19:59
Exactly Joe. I was under the impression that in all only 180 libyans were on the black list. Is Gaddafis action justified? Why all this brown nosing to him??
lgalea
Mar 16th 2010, 21:12
Joe Mifsud Including a 3-year old child that's on the list?
And a previous Minister for Foreign Affairs?
Is this the Swiss diplomacy that you are approving?
lgalea
Mar 16th 2010, 21:14
Joe Mifsud Why did Switzerland involve all the SCHENĠENN countries?
Why did it not limit the ban to Switzerland only?
So should expect Libya not to retaliate in a similar manner?
Chris Borg
Mar 16th 2010, 21:40
I Galea, do you know what schengen countries have no border checks between them?
How can Switzerland not involve all the schengen countries if it has no border control?
Do you have the details about the crime commited and by whom?
From what I can gather, had it been commited by an ordinary person they would have kept him under arrest.
Joe Mifsud
Mar 17th 2010, 10:15
@Igalea
Like Chris has pointed out how else can the swiss keep them out due to schengen borders?
Irrespective. My main point was that 1. they only banned 180 people (culprits + perhaps family etc - I am not commenting on the ethics behind this). So, why can't the Libyan government do the same and ban the Swiss Government officials and their family? Why do they have to ban all schengen countries? I know why... because they want to bully other schengen countries to put the pressure on switzerland... and that's exactly what they have achieved!
Take the analogy, three kids Sara, Luke and Mark. Luke owes Mark money and Sara owes Luke money. However, Luke and Sara fought, so Sara decided not to pay back Luke. Luke then told Mark (who has nothing to do with the quarrel) that he will not pay Mark back unless Sara pays back first. Now, isn't that childish! What does Mark have to do with the quarrel?
Replace Sara, Luke and Mark with Switzerland, Libya and Malta respectively; and replace owes money with 'has to grant access to'.
Andrew Gatt
Mar 16th 2010, 16:32
@ Colin Stanley : 1. who is this someone that said that if we don't join the EU we will be alone with the Arabs ? Never heard it the way you're saying it. 2. who ever said that we do not need the Arabs ? Never heard it. And that is why Minister Tonio Borg should be proud with the outcome following talks in Tripoli. Dear Colin, twisting of facts is of no good !
Joseph Scicluna
Mar 16th 2010, 16:06
@ frans sammut
your calender is 13 years old!
Adriano Spiteri
Mar 16th 2010, 15:48
Mr Catania,
anything can be done if there is a will. Illegal immigrants are here to stay simply because there is no will from this pathetic PM to send them back. Moreover his marionettes are happy moving their arms, shoulders and tongues.
Now we can acomodate Libyans because that is what Maltese (administration) is concerned about. They can trade their principles for money even with a Libyan nincompoop who had nice words for us Europeans ("mother's wombs testify to our victory (Islamic) ").
We're a third world country in all but name. No matter how much this 'Nationalist' and 'Christian' leadership portrays itself as European: it remains reminiscent of a crappy Socialist party. It will now welcome the Libyan leader against the public's will.
The public is against the Piano project, against welcoming Gaddafi and against most of 'Nationalist' party's agendas. These people are finished. They will suffer the most humiliating defeat ever in the next general election. Dr Gonzi is taking care of that.
Muscat. Pat
Mar 16th 2010, 15:44
After Mintoff wrote volumes on how a micro nation should defend its intersts, the PNled government has finally learned the first page. Prosit!
Alfred Cassar
Mar 16th 2010, 20:22
Pat, there's a 'small' difference. The PN government does it very diplomatically and Mintoff used to do it 'ala salvagga'
M. Cassar
Mar 16th 2010, 15:30
A Chinese wise man once said: Best victory is the victory you achieve without going to wars.
This is a living example for a successful performance of diplomacy from Minister Borg and a model for all good politicians for that matter. Failure politicians are those that lie and believe their own lies then get scrambled in illegal wars that creates tensions, archives nothing, bankrupt coffers and now screaming and being stewed in [oil] and are now desperate for a strategic plan (or escape?) to exit battle grounds.
@ Mr. Denis Catania please refer this message to the rascals and Jackasses over there at the other side of the Atlantic please!
John Micallef
Mar 16th 2010, 15:28
Hbieb,nistennew u naraw l-impatt tagha din il- mossa. Ghax it can work both ways.
Sugeriment: La wasalna sa hawn, Malta jekk ma tigiex rizolta l-problema sa nhar it-tnejn wara il- meeting li ha jsir, inhoss sincerment li jmissa tohrog mis-Schengen b'effet imedjat.
Nahseb meta dhanlna fix-Schengen ghagilna bhan- nghag ta' bendu.
Nispera li din il haga nistghu nohorgu minna minhajr penali etc
debbie tully
Mar 16th 2010, 15:23
I agree with Mario, malta was and its still issuing visas for Libyans to enter Malta, even during this dispute. I agree with that so we show that we want to be there for them as well. Malta has been caught in the middle imbasta viva europe. they did not consider the people like us that we live there. I have trust in Tonio Borg and i am sure that he is doing his best.
victor vella
Mar 16th 2010, 15:03
Prosit Tonio the PN Goverment is showing one and all that we can do more then what is seen being done, we stand four square behind you.
ahmed sagi
Mar 16th 2010, 15:01
( apart from the clash of the two govrments - swiss & libyan) Which even dosn't interist libyan citizens ) i think that malta made it convienent to both libyan and maltese persons to manage thier business , because swiss goverment which kept libyan huge funds in it's banks during the embargo didn't care about it's image in the world , considering that move as a sole business deal strike.
it's time for the italian , german, and other important europian powers , the prodigal switzerland will be back sooner, not later.
Charles V
Mar 16th 2010, 14:56
I hope we will get better treatment at the Airport upon arrival to Libya!!
colin stanley
Mar 16th 2010, 14:44
I remember before we jioned the EU someone telling us that if we don't jion the EU , we will be alone with the Arabs,Now we are begging the Arabs, so we did need the Arabs after all !!!!!!!
Anthony A. Mifsud
Mar 16th 2010, 14:18
Prosit Dr. Borg.
At long last mella ejja ha niccaqalqu, What has taken you so long?
Malta will walk out stonger then the Swiss now I hope that the libyans will receprocate and let all the maltes Passport holders to enter libya.
nisper li naslu ximkien.
Toni
C. Sapiano
Mar 16th 2010, 14:17
Good move. The government is protecting the Nation's interest.
Denis Catania
Mar 16th 2010, 15:26
And why can"t we do the same when it comes to the refugee treaty and consider Malta full up.
Paul Barrett
Mar 16th 2010, 14:12
This makes absolute common sense - Europe is still "protected" because it is virtually impossible to leave Malta for mainland Europe without the correct paperwork.
Denis Catania
Mar 16th 2010, 14:06
And why can"t we do the same when it comes to the refugee treaty and consider Malta full up.
M Cassar
Mar 16th 2010, 14:05
Don't count the chicks before they hatch. This has been thought to me when I was 8 years old. I guess it doesn't count for everyone. Let's see if Libya reacts positively and allows the Maltese in its territory first. If it does the trick then well done to Dr.Tonio Borg and Pn.
Michael Seychell
Mar 16th 2010, 13:58
We have shown that when necessary we can be 'sharks' and not fisjh-bait 'MAKKU - as Dr. Sant and Joe Muscat used to preach and write during their meetings and in the media..
With this decision Malta has shown that Malta's sovreignity has been protected once more.
Prosit Dr. Tonio Borg and PN Goverment.
Michael Seychell
Tal-Pieta
Andrew Gatt
Mar 16th 2010, 13:55
Well done Minister Borg and PN Government. PAROLE NO , FATTI SI' SI' SI'. Keep it up !
Mario Desira
Mar 16th 2010, 13:53
I was under the impression that Malta was already issuing LTV visas for Libyan citizens. (A Libyan citizen used to get his LTV visa in 3 to 4 working days whilst he had to wait for almost 3 weeks to get a schengen one).
So my question is very simple, given that the only way to enter or leave our Islnd is either by plane or sea (where there are passport controls), can't we remove the visa entirely for Libyan citizens?
Frans Sammut
Mar 16th 2010, 13:49
These developments evince that Malta is really and actually becoming "another" Switzerland in the Mediterranean. Good. Some progress is being made after all.