Libya’s request for EU aid

Michael Falzon’s contribution (The Sunday Times, September 5) constituted unfair criticism in my regard.

I never said that the EU should accede to Libya’s request for €5 billion per year to stem illegal migration.

What I did say to The Times was that Libya’s request for assistance in controlling its desert borders, and therefore directly also restricting migration flows towards Europe, is a justified claim; in fact, it is being discussed with the EU within the context of a framework agreement.

This process is being actively supported by Italy and Malta; describing such a statement as “immoral” and making “the end justify the means” is preposterous.

By engaging Libya and assisting it, within reasonable parameters in its surveillance of its 7,000-km border, one could also engage it in other matters, including providing legal remedies to refugee protection.