Malta's 'solution' worries Brussels

Andy Mills

Mar 19th 2010, 20:58

Adrian Vella @ In a previous post, I asked a basic question. Did Gaddafi's son have a diplomatic passport or not? if yes, then the Swiss were wrong to arrest him, if not, then the Libyans should provide him with one to avoid these messes.

You seem to miss understand what diplomatic immunity means, authorities are within their rights to detain a diplomat if they believe he or she is a danger or a threat to members of the public, (beating up servants would constitute such a threat), prosecution is another matter, for this to happen the country of origin would have to waive the diplomats immunity. Also immunity normally only applies to the country to which the diplomat is accredited, in other words if i am accredited to country A and commit a crime in country B my immunity will not normally apply .

Many country's abuse this system, and behave like Libya, with the ruling dictators giving their children full diplomatic immunity, (the immunity of heads of state) so they can behave like thugs anywhere in world.

Martin Cassar

Mar 19th 2010, 15:44

@ @Igalea

Hit the following links please. Thanks.
Ms. Merkel says errant states should be kicked out of eurozone

http://euobserver.com/9/29706/?rk=1

Here you can also read how much the EU respect human rights!
http://euobserver.com/9/29699/?rk=1

Robert Scullion

Mar 19th 2010, 14:46

@Igalea

Ah so you make things up, and when someone challenges you, you tell them to look it up. How can I look up something that you invented?

I'm not sure why you introduced the deficit examples, other than perhaps to change the topic as you suddenly realised you couldn't find a source to your made up facts. Still, nice to see you missed out Malta, so I'm guessing by that regard you believe that the Government has a sound Finances then.

"And stop misquoting me about the death penalty because I didn't say it is in the Lisbon Treaty" .... why? Suddenly realised that when challenged on it, you can think of a good excuse to cover up your made-up stories.
Say, this link shows you said the Death Penalty was part of the Lisbon Treaty in the first comment ....
http://www.timesofmalta.com/articles/view/20091027/local/lisbon-treaty-not-radical-just-right

malcolm seychell

Mar 19th 2010, 02:04

Who cares, Europe will soon collapse due to its communist mentality.

Each country has its own identity and priorities. European countries should work close together, but they can never be one super state. It will collapse within a few years and a useless war between us might pop up again.

I wish that next time the government shows the same determination when it comes to illegal immigrants.

mario mifsud

Mar 18th 2010, 21:14

Oh my God ! Brussels is worried!
Were they worried when we had illegel immigrants influx ..not all
Were they worried because Maltese were left stranded because of work in Libya ..not all
SO WHO CARES

N.Lawrence

Mar 18th 2010, 20:39

Malta's 'solution' worries Brussels--

PROSIT!

D.Galea

Mar 18th 2010, 18:27

I admit I don't know much about these diplomatic issues & I can only look up from the perspective of a common Maltese citizen but what's preoccupying to me is the fact that many are misunderstanding the issue here where it is not of whether there are technically possible solutions but of support & solidarity, the principal tenet of the E.U. Malta as on many issues is juggling about without being clear & this is making other E.U. members very uncomfortable, just because we gain the support of another E.U. member on an issue or two doesn't mean they have the same standing on the whole vis-a-vis Brussels. I sense we are lacking communication with E.U. block & now were at a point where we are getting dangerously careless about it.

a.dalli

Mar 18th 2010, 18:14

Sur Catania and your like;
You may want to know that 10% of the Business generated in malta has to do with Libyan markets. So the discussion is not only about the number of Maltese that officially work in Libya - believe if you can a lot more do, but we are also worried about the companies that operate in malta that services Libyan market - thousands I am told. SO please do us all a favour and shut up.

Martin Cassar

Mar 18th 2010, 17:52

Part 2

Unless the Swiss government elaborate how a list to ban 180 Libyan nationals including Governments figures and head of a state and 3 years old kids could provide immune to Switzerland, the Swiss will be left in the cold in already troubled financial world thanks to USA ex Bush useless wars that didn’t achieve a thing yet putting the world at the edge of bankruptcy, less secured, creating conditions for what’s called terrorism and most importantly paving the way to the Communists Chinese dragon to swallow Wall Street!

To condense: The Swiss have set a dangerous precedent by using Schengen rules as a political tool. Also the Swiss were equally precarious putting human rights related matters into referendum.

Martin Cassar

Mar 18th 2010, 17:48

Part 1
Brussels ' no solution' worries Malta.

The big questions behinds this Visa-spat are:
Is EU foreign policy and all EU set of values passing a severe test?
Do we [double-standard] the use of our values and use own beautiful values as political tools?
Will this dispute divide the EU? Yes.

For all the people that to mocking Liby: when they start running their cars on electricity, then swear at them as much as they like. But as long as they are filling their cars oil, they should watch what they say.


Reminder to all: The EU's slogan of unity and the rest of EU bla bla bla will evaporate the minute an important t business relations are put at risk.

To condense: The Swiss have set a dangerous precedent by using Schengen rules as a political tool. Also the Swiss were equally precarious putting human rights related matters into referendum.

George Cremona

Mar 18th 2010, 17:21

In my opinion Home Affairs Commissioner Cecilia Malmström opposition to "any proposition or initiative that would in effect call into question the very notion of solidarity between the countries that apply the Schengen rules" does not castigate Malta's initiative. Because Malta's initiative has the same national connotations as the Swiss initiative has. Of course the livelihood of 500 Maltese workers who are badly effected by Libya's retaliation to the Swiss ban, is a national concern. And it is our Government's duty to see that such a situation does not prolong too far. After all Malta has nothing to do with the Swiss/Libya affair. So Commissioner Malmstrom should also take into consideration Malta's case and show his solidarity with the Maltese workers who besides all are members of the European Union while the Swiss are not.
It's only fair and just that members would be given preferential treatment than others that are not. Charity begins at home.

Danika Vella

Mar 18th 2010, 16:23

ok, so Home Affairs Commissioner Cecilia Malmström was opposed to "any proposition or initiative that would in effect call into question the very notion of solidarity between the countries that apply the Schengen rules"

but they are not opposed to any initiative which would call in question the solidarity with countries who have business ties with Libya, such as Malta, for instance, and who need to travel to Libya frequently.

talk about brotherly love.

Mark Satariano

Mar 18th 2010, 15:54

Maybe Denis Catania will find me a job as a cleaner in one of our Detention Centres for illegal immigrants (if I loose my job in Libya). I wonder where he got that 1000 figure. Let us solve one problem at a time.

Robert Scullion

Mar 18th 2010, 15:49

@Igalea

My you've been busy .. lets see
"Ask any member country's authorities and they will tell you that criminality has exploded since the SCHENĠENN agreement was put into effect."

Any chance of a source to prove this, or would it be the same source that said the Death Penalty was contained in the Lisbon Treaty?

Denis Catania

Mar 18th 2010, 15:22

Piggyback an anti illegal immigration deal with any proposal whether it's with Libya or the EU. This might be our big chance. Remember this visa problem touches 400 Maltese jobs. Malta"s illegal immigration problem touches 1,000's of Maltese jobs.

Michael Bartolo

Mar 18th 2010, 14:18

An interim solution should be found by asking Libya to make the exception rather than by putting into jeopardy the Schengen scheme. For example Libya in recognition of its long time friendship and special relationship with Malta should leave the situation of the visas for Maltese as it was before the crisis with Switzerland. After all what are friends for!

lgalea

Mar 18th 2010, 14:12

So WHAT.
We do not care a hoot about the brussels sprouts worrying about what we do.
It's NONE of their business.

C. Scerri

Mar 18th 2010, 14:12

@ Charles Sammut

Lmited Validity Visa's are allowed by Schengen - vide http://www.immihelp.com/visas/schengenvisa/limited-territorial-validity-visa.html

This is a transit or short-stay visa that is exceptionally issued in special cases (including national interest), for humanitarian or other specific reasons. The LTV visa authorises a foreigner entry and exit exclusively through the territory of one or more Schengen member states, for which the visa is valid.

So Malta and any other country have a righjt and we are not breaking any rules. And the Commission knows that.

Oscar Mezzaluna

Mar 18th 2010, 14:11

Ho la moglie Maltese che non può entrare in Libia dove lavoro anche io, mentre noi Italiani possiamo entrare ed uscire senza nessun problema. Perchè il Governo Maltese non si da da fare come ha fatto Berlusconi???

Mark Satariano

Mar 18th 2010, 13:32

It seems we are back to square one. A lot of talk and very little concrete action. As far as I know Malta's Embassy in Tripoli have been issuing Malta only Visas for donkey's years. I ask our Foreign Minister, was this some diplomatic breakthrough ? One thing is for certain, many Maltese workers are stuck in Malta and in Libya. I, for one, haven't seen my family since mid-Jan this year. Many business in Malta thrive and survive because of their Libyan Market. Yet we find certain people making stupid comments because they think they have nothing to loose if the situation deteriorates. May I remind these short-sighted people that Malta is a small country with a small economy, so one hitch can cause a domino effect for all of our industries. I advise Dr. Tonio Borg that he should tell Brussels that Malta will back out of Shengen unless the treaty is ammended. Switzerland has no right to impose its will on the rest of the Shengen signatories with the excuse of solidarity. Wake up guys, this is not solidarity, its just pure LEGALIZED DICTATORSHIP under the disguise of Shengen.

a.dalli

Mar 18th 2010, 13:25

The best solution for Malta, that is if Libya accepts, is to go strictly bilateral and to do away with visas and allow Libyans without visa into Malta.

As for Cecilia Malmström she would be better checking on Sweedish interests in Libya before she opens her mouth.

Kenneth Galea

Mar 18th 2010, 13:17

Mr EU Commissioner we do not give a toss whether you are happy or not. You did NOTHING to save Malta from the invasion of the illegal immigrants. So it is time that Malta thinks of its own national interests. Libya is a very volatile country and it is important to keep its regime happy at all costs as long as Gaddaffi keeps the illegal immigration well under control. Malta has a lot to lose if it upsets Libya.

A Galea

Mar 18th 2010, 12:53

Did Switzerland consult with the other Shengen parties prior to taking such unprecedented measures against another state? Why then should Malta allow Brussels to interfere in its decision making? The cracks in the so called solidarity of the EU are becoming more obvious by the minute... At least Malta is not simply sitting back and following orders

Christian Sciberras

Mar 18th 2010, 12:52

Adrian Vella - "Having said that, the Swiss had no business escalating this issue by involving other countires through the Shengen agreement."

Don't know how much you know about the story, but it was Libya that barred entry to ALL countries.

Switzerland kept the issue between itself and Libya.

Lawrence Zammit

Mar 18th 2010, 12:50

Europe A la Carte!!

M Cassar

Mar 18th 2010, 12:42

We went to all this trouble and yet are maltese workers still forbidden entry into Libya? So much for the friendship between the 2 countries and a peaceful diplomatic agreement. I hate to say it but I told you so, there is only one other solution.

T.Vella

Mar 18th 2010, 12:41

As they say " charity begins at home " so for once we should think what's the best solution for Malta and don't give a dame what Brussels or any other countries think. Who cares if we loose our jobs and business generated between the two countries ? no body except our families.
Do we have to lick EU bottom so to pleased them in any way and forger our own problems ??

Charles Sammut

Mar 18th 2010, 12:35

How can Malta issue LTV visas when anybody in Malta can travel to another Schengen country without passport control?

Are we seeing the early signs of EU disintegration? Angela Merkel yesterday said that those Euro countries that do not conform to the strict monetary policies of Euroland should be kicked out. Then what?

I was always of the opinion that the way the EEC morphed into the EU was a recipie for chaos. We have 27 countries, speaking almost as many languages with different interests and priorities all pulling in different directions. A veritable Babel.

E. Ciantar

Mar 18th 2010, 12:27

The only real solution to this impasse is to have the good bilateral relationships between Switzerland and Libya restored to what they were before all this started. The two countries need to unwind the situation. And the EU and Malta can both put their weight in achieving that.
Malta has good relations with both Switzerland and Libya. It is no use for us to take sides. Are we not, like Switzerland, a neutral country?
If diplomacy fails when needed, I wonder why we have it in the first place. Walking away from, or undermining Shengen, is not a long term solution - it creates further future issues.

E.Muscat

Mar 18th 2010, 12:14

Very soon we will get the thanks from our southern neighbour:boatloads of immigrants!

Roberto Buontempo

Mar 18th 2010, 12:14

I just read the following (from swissinfo.ch) and it dosn't look good:

A top Libyan has welcomed as a "step forward" an acknowledgment by canton Geneva that damages should be paid to Hannibal Gaddafi after his police photo was published.
Libyan Public Security Minister Abdel Fattah Younes al Abidi on Wednesday welcomed the comments but said Switzerland must meet other Libyan demands if ties between the two countries were to improve.

"It's a step forward," Abidi told Reuters.”But they must still reverse the decision to ban the construction of minarets... and also remove the list of Libyan people forbidden from entering Switzerland."

Tyrone Camilleri

Mar 18th 2010, 12:06

Malta's 'solution' worries Brussels...

What worries Malta is that a Brussels "Solution" is nowhere in sight !!

Peter Sullivan

Mar 18th 2010, 12:06

Schengen treaty was of no particular benefit to Malta, since we didn't need visas anyhow to travel to all EU countries.

The black list issued by Switzerland should not be acceptable by the Schengen Treaty, as the reasons given for the list was for security reasons !!!! Come on Switzerland pull the other leg !! As if the people on the list are a security threat !!! Why is it that they travel all over the owrld including USA !!!!! Just a poor political excuse that has caused unnecessary hardship to many Maltese families and other European families (Italy / France / Spain / Germany / Portugal / Cyprus / Greece / any other EU trading partner of Libya).

All EU countries that have been affected should blacklist Swiss products as a retaliation to their selfish actions.

Paul Barrett

Mar 18th 2010, 12:06

This is all so stupid. Switzerland must be told by the EU Commission to justify individually each and every one of the "banned" individuals. If the ban is not legitimate or the evidence weak then they should be ordered to remove the individual from the list.
In the meantime, because of our unique situation of being an Island which already demands an ID to leave, we are not a danger to the rest of Europe by opening our doors to Libya.

Dominic Vella

Mar 18th 2010, 11:50

Switzerland implemented a needless ban for their selfish interests, Malta broke the ban and mortally wounded the Schengen solidarity for our selfish interests. It doesn't really matter who is right in this because it shows weakness in the European Commission concept. All the countries play lip service to the European cooperation goals, but cheat on their obligations wherever possible.

Adrian Vella

Mar 18th 2010, 11:47

In a previous post, I asked a basic question. Did Gaddafi's son have a diplomatic passport or not? if yes, then the Swiss were wrong to arrest him, if not, then the Libyans should provide him with one to avoid these messes.

Having said that, the Swiss had no business escalating this issue by involving other countires through the Shengen agreement.

Our Government is showing some teeth on this and rightly so as they are protecting the workers and businessmen who through their sacrifice and hard work are generating much needed foreign currency towards our economy.

I am glad to see that both the PL and PN seem to be agreeing on this important issue as it is of National Importance and should be considered above party politics.

j.spiter

Mar 18th 2010, 11:45

"any proposition or initiative that would in effect call into question the very notion of solidarity between the countries that apply the Schengen rules"
What about solidarity between EU countries when it comes to illegal immigration and Malta? The sooner we get out of the EU the better for MOST of us.

J Martinelli

Mar 18th 2010, 11:43

@ Ramon Casha et al

The problem started between Libya and Switzerland and should have been resolved between the two. But no, Ghaddafi has no difficulty in using other innocent bystanding countries in order to have as much leverage as possible. He and his fly-by-city-corner type of government have check-mated the Shengen zone countries.

Whatever agreement reached by the two would include the freedom of movement throughout Shengen of the 180 Libyans considered personae non gratae, or else the dispute will go on to the direct detriment of Malta.

The EU cannot have it both ways by condemning Malta's position while favouring Libya to the detriment of at least one of its own member States!

Malta should perhaps also send a message to Libya by putting Ghaddafi's visit on hold or canceling it altogether!

Charles Caligari Conti

Mar 18th 2010, 11:22

Switzerland is not a member of the EU and therefore should not be given the possibility of being part of the Schengen area agreement. What a cheek !! - to solve their problem the Swiss opted to involve all the members of the Schengen area - this is clearly abuse of the Schengen agreement.

The Swiss should concentrate on making their own cheese and let the rest of Europe continue trading with Libya.

Switzerland - Hands off please !!

J.Farrugia

Mar 18th 2010, 11:17

What worries us Maltese citizens and bread winners for our families that once again we are in a state that Malta can no longer decide for it self . Did 6000 Maltese workers not being able to call on their duties towards their wives and kids "worry Brussels" .......No ...No One worried about how this was to effect the little people on that tiny island ......but now Malta's solution worries them .... ?!!! I encourage all to look beyond as not all that glitters is gold and we just got a little taste of bare metal !!!!

Ramon Casha

Mar 18th 2010, 11:03

Good, I'm glad that Brussels is worried - it should be.

The whole Schengen idea is based on countries that trust each other. For that to work, the countries must not abuse that trust. Switzerland has done just that. They were trusted with the visa ban in order to facilitate cooperation in security, and instead they used it to drag half of Europe into their diplomatic spat. The Schengen countries must prevent this kind of thing from happening again, or the Schengen agreement will be on the rocks.

John Azzopardi

Mar 18th 2010, 11:00

Again, this also shows how weak the EU leadership really is. Always remember, strong leadership in the world is always backed by military power. To think otherwise, it's insane. that is why we have massive illegal immigrant flows from Libya, etc. etc. If you had a strong frontex, a strong military, you will be able to do what Italy did last year. Return the the illegals to their point of origin. This whole issue is all connected.

John Azzopardi

Mar 18th 2010, 10:58

This is definitely not good. These Libyans who are on the list may be able to get into European (EU Countries) because of Schengen.

M Borg

Mar 18th 2010, 10:22

"any proposition or initiative that would in effect call into question the very notion of solidarity between the countries that apply the Schengen rules".
SOLIDARITY?!? Who is showing solidarity with us contractors that have invested thousands in Libya and we have our own contractual obligtions that we cannot fulfill? Hon.Tonio Borg please for this time only ignore the commission. we need a solution today before tomorrow! The losses being made are unimaginable! it is our countries interest to solve this issue not the policitians!

Roberto Buontempo

Mar 18th 2010, 10:21

Well done Malta!