EU-Libya reach agreement to control migration

Sean Grima

Oct 7th 2010, 12:48

It seems that in their ecstasy, the anti-immigrants have overlooked the fact that this is not a cash payment to keep migrants in libya, like the italian one.

The funding is there "to help protect and assist migrants and refugees, promote better management of migration in general and fund initiatives related to border surveillance.

Possibly, this may involve taking migrants who qualify for asylum to Europe on flights.

M.Bezzina

Oct 7th 2010, 05:53

EU= DICTATORSHIP in a polite way!!!

Ludwig Flask

Oct 6th 2010, 17:54

EU = Libya as USA = Israel !

Tommy Cassar

Oct 6th 2010, 13:56

This is a confirmation if indeed there was any need, that the illegal immigrants are in no danger when in Libya and that all the horror stories that are invented by the illegal immigrants and the NGO's who are now going to lose their money from the EU are all that. FALSE STORIES, FIBS.

Joe Bonnici

Oct 6th 2010, 13:54

All illegal immigrants must be expelled also from Malta. They are unwanted and unwelcome by the vast majority of Maltese people as witnessed by all polls.

Paul Caruana

Oct 6th 2010, 11:56

"It is my objective to put the protection of fundamental rights of all people involved in migratory and asylum flows at the centre of our efforts in the EU relationship with Libya," EU home affairs commissioner Cecilia Malmstroem said in a statement.

How nice of her.....and not a word about stopping clandestine migration into europe (read Malta and Italy). So basically, the 50 million euro per annum will be used to assist illegal migrants in Libya until they manage to catch a boat coming to Malta/ Italy!

Joe Gatt

Oct 6th 2010, 11:08

I would like to know how the money will be spent and how the EU plans to check Gaddafi on how he will spend this money. This is our money and I think it would be better spent on creating jobs in EU countries like Spain and France.
Gaddafi has enough Petro-dinars to guard his borders properly. Maybe the money would be better spent if the EU sent some German or Scandinavian experts to help him organise the Libyan civil service and eliminate the corrupt practices and bureaucracy that has taken over. Then maybe they would start seeing who is crossing their borders illegally.

ASpiteri

Oct 6th 2010, 09:17

we should start celebrating this great day every year. actually we should turn it into our one and only national day!

Roderick Micallef

Oct 6th 2010, 09:07

This is ridicilous to say the least, just because the whole EU countries face an issue (which has been existing in a form or another for decades, since the 1st world war to be exact) of illegal immigration, the EU is not taking adequate measures for this issue but is relying on a country like Libya.
The EU should be able to control illegal immigration and to also ensure that Libya doesn't aid or promote the illegal immigration to gain cash from the EU with the excuse of controlling the issue instead.
Every one knows that any controls put in place by Libya would be a far cry for basic human rights, however the EU prefers to give cash to Libya instead of facing the problem face front and eradicate illegal immigration from it's origins, the continent of Africa.
So much has been said about the EU but as I see it when it comes to real issues, real topics the EU has still a long, long way to go. At times I wonder whether the EU would still exist in a time of crisis like war or major global disasters?

L. Petersen

Oct 6th 2010, 08:55

Sounds like a step in the right direction. Critics: Read between the lines. If you "translate" the politically correct rhetoric, Malmstroem seems to to say:

"We realize it's better that illegal immigrants and refugees are stopped and taken care of in Libya rather than Italy or Malta, so in order to encourage Libya to stop as many as possible and treat them reasonably, we will pay the extra costs to them."

This is a much more realistic approach that the Utopian idea that all Africans should have the right to come to Europa and seek asylum.

Claire Busuttil

Oct 6th 2010, 08:54

Once again, Col. Gadaffi, is showing it`s nature!!

John Micallef

Oct 6th 2010, 08:39

i dont want to read the article, with libya you celebrate when it's done & commissioned, not when you sign. & Both Berlusconi, Mercen & Sarkozy already experienced this!!

albert leone ganado

Oct 6th 2010, 08:28

These are the type of agreements we should welcome and support as they come as a great relief to us. The saga of illegal migrants flowing from Africa to the \North African coast hoping to make it to the European mainland is purely a EU problem and our tiny island was inordinately bearing the brunt. Malta being the first port of call these illegals often ended up here. Last year's agreement between Italy and Libya from which we benefited immensely pointed the right way ahead. Agreements with Libya are only a first step. Europe must take cognisance of the uncontrollable desire of many in the poorest corners of Africa of bettering their existence. The ideal solution is to strive for an Africa without strife. Reception centres close to points of unrest must be set up to accommodate refugees . Europe must also give hope to those who see our countries as an El Dorado by allowing a controlled flow of legal migration . Perhaps a system like the American lottery for green cards and one which gives qualified Africans a chance to spend a limited skills learning period in Europe is the way forward.

Louise Vella

Oct 6th 2010, 08:18

The key phrase is: "if implemented". This seems like a good agreement because it will stop the influx, but we have to see the small print. Above all, we have to see if the agreement will be as successful as the agreement between Italy and Libya to push back the boats.

It still leaves the government with the task of rounding up those illegal immigrants not entitled to refugee status (from Nigeria, Ghana and so on) and organising EU charter flights to send them back to their home countries. Are the police doing their duty?

Mike farrugia

Oct 6th 2010, 08:16

Very good. So now we will be funding illegal immigrants coming to Malta and their families in Libya to assist them in their final part of their journey.

gcForte

Oct 6th 2010, 08:16

I have my doubts how this is going to effect us, because African immigrants do not want to stay and settle in Libya,so they are going to explore other venues of how they are going to enter Europe. Obviously Malta will remain one of their choices. There are other northern African countries that are being used and can be used by the immigrants, if they will find it hard going through Libya, they will use Tunisia, and Egypt. Morocco and Algeria remains an options. Now the big question is ,,Are these countries going to claim the same amount of money, like Libya ? I think that regarding Malta, the problem is going to get bigger,because all the countries involved are doing everything to close their doors for the illegal immigrants, and they are going to find it easy to enter in our country. Maybe I am wrong,and I hope that I am.

Carmel debono

Oct 6th 2010, 08:13

Is the price inclusive for the return of those migrants that managed to escape to europe since???

Robert Agius

Oct 6th 2010, 08:01

Some financial crisis Europe is facing. Seems like they have a lot of money to spare, except for the ones who voted for them....no, wait, they don't even get voted for. Welcome to the neo-democratic continent where decisions are too difficult for 'common people' to make so these bunch of unelected bureaucrats decide for us.

Of course, oil rich Libya needs our money to take measures in order to control flow of migration (is this such a problem for them or are they using these people?) and ensure they protect fundamental human rights.

Anthony_Borg

Oct 6th 2010, 07:34

"Would the Commission’s home affairs spokesman, Michele Cercone, kindly advise the UE citizens about the relevant details of this milestone cooperation agreement?"

Thank you