Immigration still a priority for Malta and Italy

Malta and Italy would continue to insist that illegal immigration be taken up at an EU level even though the flow of migrants had abated, Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi said yesterday on his return from Rome.

Dr Gonzi met his Italian counterpart Silvio Berlusconi during a whirlwind trip to Rome during which the two countries discussed foreign policy, defence and home affairs issues.

During the meeting, the Italians did not reiterate last year's request to take over Malta's search and rescue area, Dr Gonzi said when asked.

He said Malta's stand on the anti-migration patrols by Frontex had not changed and the country would not participate in the operations as long as the rules of engagement did not change.

The rules laid down that rescued migrants were to be taken to the country hosting the operation, something which Malta disagreed with.

However, Home Affairs Minister Carmelo Mifsud Bonnici, who, along with Foreign Affairs Minister Tonio Borg, accompanied Dr Gonzi, said both countries would pressure the EU to make the repatriation of immigrants to their country of origin the principle remit of Frontex.

Dr Borg said even the Italians were sceptical of Frontex because they did not want to upset the balance achieved through their agreement with Libya.

The bilateral agreement, which among others includes the immediate repatriation of rescued migrants to Libya, came into force last year and, ever since, Malta and Italy witnessed a drastic drop in immigrant arrivals.

During the meeting in Rome, both countries reaffirmed their strong relations and discussed the possibility of Mr Berlusconi visiting Malta.