Stop the bombing to stop migration - Maroni
The Italian parliament should block financing for air strikes in Libya, Italian Interior Minister Roberto Maroni said today in a reflection of growing unease in Italy about the operation.
"Italy and other European governments should put the money into developing democracy, not bombs," said Maroni, a leading member of the anti-immigration Northern League party in coalition with Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi.
"As long as there are bombs, refugees will arrive and they will need assistance," Maroni said, following the arrival on Italian shores of boats with thousands of African migrant workers escaping Libya in recent weeks.
"Something isn't working and we are the only ones to suffer a negative impact. We've had more than 20,000 refugees arrive from Libya," he said.
"I therefore hope that the war finishes soon because only a new government can handle this," he added, referring to a controversial immigration agreement between Italy and Libya that blocked migrant flows but is no longer in force.
The Northern League party is Silvio Berlusconi's last major political ally and its votes keep the legally-embattled prime minister in power.
The Northern League's electorate wants more money to be invested in boosting Italy's near-zero growth economy instead of overseas military missions.
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Mr Joe Xuereb
Jun 15th 2011, 22:07
It says here - Radio/TV Times magazine(for UK). Today, Tuesday. On BBC2. @7pm to 8pm Malta will need a bit of tweaking, a bit of fiddling with the knob to synchronise. The blurb in the magazine-cum-TV Guide says:
This World: The Invasion of Lampedusa
Just 70 miles off the north African coast, the tiny Italian island of Lampedusa has seen the arrival of over 40,000 migrants in the wake of this year's Arab uprisings, WIPING OUT(my capitals) the local tourist economy and sending locals onto the streets in protest. A visit from embattled Italian premier Silvio Berlusconi provided a short-term reprieve, but the arrival of thousands more Libyans seeking asylum promtpted panic in Brussels and the closure of some European borders. Is the celebrated Schengen Agreement - and with it freedom of movement within the EU - now at risk?
Should make interesting watching, a must-see.
I will scan the papers tomorrow to see if the British version of JRS - I think the J stands for jesuits - has anything to say. I imagine there is a JRS in Britain but if it does exist, it keeps a low profile. This is England after all.
With regard to this repor (Maroni said......). Forget for a moment the immigrants from all over and concentrate on the Tunisians that were the subject of the documentary cited above. There they were in Lampedusa, taking care of each other (one guy even wrapping a scarf round his friend's neck) and many, behaving like they were on a trip to the seaside, laughing their heads off. This in spite of the 'hardship'. The Lampedusans were up in arms (one even shouted, 'send them to Malta'). Any help from the islanders was begrudgingly given with the result that the Tunisians said 'Italy is horrible; it is to UK that we want to go AND WE HAVE A RIGHT TO GO WHEREVER WE'LL BE HAPPY. Berlusconi visited to placate and promised to vacate the island - its tourist industry entirely destroyed - and he kept his promise. The problem is, the numbers that left were soon replenished by fresh boat-loads.
Now, I dare say that living along the border Tunisia/Libya is not a picnic. These young healthy Tunisians have just ousted their President (if I'm not mistaken). What makes them think that they deserve a dubious reward such as 'we have a right to roam to be happy'. Is wanting to be happy good enough reason to claim political asylum? And in England at least, one will need much more than a scarf to keep himself warm. Which reminds me; the friend that was putting a scarf round his neck then counted the layers of clothing that HE had on. He counted SEVEN. Well, hopefully he'll get it into his head that northern Europe is no Miami and he'll turn back. And forget about the right to roam and be happy.
Alfred Falzon
Jun 15th 2011, 21:48
Minister Roberto Maroni of minority coalition party Lega Nord, which is notorious for its anti-Mezzogiorno stance and is now in a better position to dictate to weakened Silvio Berlusconi's government, always seems to have a magic solution up his sleeves!
In Italy, the Lega Nord has become a rogue party constantly undermining Italian unity, with some of its members even going to the extremes of tearing the national flag to push their message through!
His recent unjustified diatribe against Malta for refusing to toe the Italian Government's line, that of sharing the burden of all immigrants on their way to Lampedusa or Sicily, is a clear reflection of his leader Umberto Bossi's political egocentrism and xenophobia.
Following last Sunday's and Monday's referendum, both Silvio Berlusconi's PDL and Bossi's Lega Nord are no longer in a position to dictate! They now represent a dwindling minority propped up by an artificial majority in the Italian Parliament!
As PD Leader Bersani rightly stated, in the light of the obtaining situation in Italy, the only place where Berlusconi et al feel safe is in Parliament, just like ruthless Gaddafi's hide-out bunkers in Tripoli.
Outside Parliament, the severely weakened Italian government coalition partners are akin to squeaking minnows!
Mr Fabian Borg
Jun 15th 2011, 20:26
The illegal immigration problem has been with us for almost ten years now. Bombing in Libya started only months ago. Maroni, stop your ignorant statements and concentrate on defending Europes borders.
Michael Vella
Jun 15th 2011, 18:06
I always wonder how the hell idiots like Maroni are elected to represent people....Gaddaffi threatened this would happen (on a much larger scale though) and in typical fashion, when the going gets slightly tough, Italy's Interior 'minister' wants to throw in the towel....typical of the 'corageous' Italians really....
Mr Joe Gatt
Jun 16th 2011, 00:53
@Alfred Farrugia
` Would it not have been better if that same amount of money were invested in social and economic development and reforms for the benefit of all the people of Libya instead of total destruction by NATO members`
The Armaments Industries will resupply and rearm the new Libya, this creates many jobs and business, the reconstruction will do the same to the Prefered Companies.
The Funds for all this lies buried deep, waiting to be pumped up, beneath the Libyan Desert.
Unfortunately, War creates Business and trade too.
Alfred Farrugia
Jun 15th 2011, 17:32
What is the total cost of the war in Libya? What is the share of Italy? Would it not have been better if that same amount of money were invested in social and economic development and reforms for the benefit of all the people of Libya instead of total destruction by NATO members, over and above the destruction caused by the Libyan government itself?
Who has listened to the interview given by former US Congresswoman Cynthia Ann McKinney?
http://rt.com/news/nato-libya-mckinney-us/
Who knew about O-I-L (oil, Israel, and logistics)? Is it possible that French President Nicolas Sarkozy was so zealous to go to war because of his conscious or subconscious perception derived from Jewish roots (his mother’s father was a Jew from Salonika in Greece), in spite of his Catholic upbringing, and apart from his domestic political expediency? Watch McKinney’s interview.
Alfred Falzon
Jun 15th 2011, 22:12
@Alfred Farrugia
What's all this anti-Jewish stance about?
What has the bloody crackdown on the civilian people of Libya by Gaddafi's regime (from which Syria's Assad has taken a cue) to do with Israel and Sarkozy's Jewish roots if any?
Have you addressed such a question to "cool" chess player Gaddafi re the total cost of lethal weapons imported by his regime for so-called defence purposes and now being used to butcher his people!
Do you subscribe to the rogue Iranian president's vow to wipe Israel off the world map?!
The latest on-site documentary shot by the all-Maltese NET TV news channel team on Misurata, Benghazi and outlying districts has the right answers to your query!
You may wish to see a repeat of this highly interesting and exclusive newsroom special next Sunday at 12.30pm with a follow-up next Monday at 9.30pm (2nd Part).
Mr Robert Callus
Jun 15th 2011, 17:29
Is Maroni delusional after the Referendum result or what?
Democracy while Gaddafi is bombing the people? Let's say, hypothetically speaking, that Gaddafi turns good and democratic overnight. Does Maroni honestly believe the Libyan people will forgive him and trust him again? That they work with him on the path of democracy, like brothers?
The Libyans have overcome their fears. Now there's no turning back.
Charles J. Buttigieg
Jun 15th 2011, 17:21
Invading Libya would stop the invasion of the Libyans.
Mr R Bartolo
Jun 15th 2011, 16:44
Summary of Maroni's speech:
Let Gaddafi kill them instead.
Mr Joseph Calleja
Jun 15th 2011, 17:11
Nice comment. If Mr Maroni means what he says, why doesn't he and Italy pull out of Nato and or stop Nato from using Airfields in Italy to fly bombing missions to bomb Libya? Paroli si, fatti no.
M. Cardona
Jun 15th 2011, 16:43
The Humanitarian concern featuring in UN resolution 1973 is one big joke. War in Libya is nothing but a war for resources being played by key players against other key players to safeguard/launch own interests and oust rivals.
Alas little Malta and not so little Italy lie in the proximity and bear the consequences, whereas the key players are distant from the consequences.
Mr R Bartolo
Jun 15th 2011, 17:21
As usual, no lack of the "it's all about the oil" comments.
Apparently considering that the status quo (Gaddafi in power) is / was a far better guarantee of stability in supply than during or post- any revolution, is too much to expect of people with an agenda.
Mr Joe Gatt
Jun 15th 2011, 20:30
@Mr R Bartolo
This conflict was never anticipated, and once the ball was rolling, the oportunist where there waiting for easy picking.
Do you see any conflicts elsewhere, where there`s no resources. Supply of energy, the Prime mover, and same for vast deposits of various Minerals, must be guaranteed.
It is all to do with, who will control the Rebels in the end.
The French were quick on the draw followed by the Britts, the Italians alas, came in late, so they already know that there is little to gain.
All that the USA has to do, is to stay by the proverbial side, throw its weight when and where required,
but finally reap all the benefits.
Might has been and always will be, RIGHT
Mr Martin Cassar
Jun 15th 2011, 16:38
Stop the bombing to stop migration - Maroni
Well said Mr. Maroni.
But without bombing and killing how the allies get control over Libya’s oil pipes, ops sorry I mean ‘protecting the civilians’ ?
Before you start using military force you need to know what are the objectives. Is it the removal of Gaddafi? If Yes, then clearly a no-fly zone is just one element in a long list of other elements. If it's to protect Libyan civilians from Gaddafi’s hired mercenaries, one must ask 'From European or African mercenaries or what? For how long the operation should last? And most importantly who will foot the bills?
http://euobserver.com/9/32228/?rk=1
European mercenaries fighting for Gaddafi, expert says
EUOBSERVER / PARIS - Between 300 and 500 European soldiers of fortune, including EU nationals, are working for Colonel Gaddafi in Libya, a leading criminologist has said.
The European mercenaries are mostly specialists in heavy weapons, helicopter technology and tactics and command fees of several thousand US dollars a day.
The majority come from Belarus, Serbia and Ukraine. There is a significant amount of Polish helicopter experts. Belgian, British, French and Greek nationals are also involved.
http://euobserver.com/9/32228/?rk=1
The mightiest military alliance in modern history is three months into an operation against a small poorly armed regime – yet too many Nato allies are beginning to run short of munitions and resources!
The so called international community no-action in Syria and Yemen (No-Oil producing countries) descried Nato’s operation in Libya and leave us with a big question: who would fall first, Mr. Berlusconi, Mr. Sarkozy, Mr. Obama or the Col. of Libya?
Bombing and sanctions are not effective tool in this situation, and, of course, as Libya has shown, the use of force does not provide answers. It appears to me both our old man KMB and Mr. Dalli were very correct!
Costs are going to quickly mount up for France, Italy and Britain if Col. Gadaffi simply plays the long game which of course he is entitled to do!
The Col. of Libya can be every thing bad except a fool!
Mr Saliba Francis
Jun 15th 2011, 15:50
And I always thought that the illegal emigration form Libya had existed for years before the NATO bombing started!
MALCOLM SEYCHELL
Jun 15th 2011, 16:54
A fair comment, but lately illegal immigration was controlled. Now the problem is much bigger and it will get worse
Mr Joseph Calleja
Jun 15th 2011, 17:06
MR Saliba, I agree with you on this one.
Peter Xuereb
Jun 15th 2011, 15:45
That is like being British in the 1930s and saying "Stop the opposition to Nazi Germany in order to stop the migration of Jews". In essence you are no better than the ones responsible for the original reason of the migration.
Actually I am near convinced that if we stop efforts towards undermining Gaddafi's rule, he will just have free permission to do anything he likes to enforce revenge on those who rose against him. Before you know it: half of the Libyan population is either in Malta or in Lampedusa.
So Roberto Maroni's proposal could easily and horribly backfire on all aspects.
Warmer Libri
Jun 15th 2011, 15:13
Every one can see the selfish way of thinking from our European parlimentary officials! of course the immigration is a big concern! but what about the people in all along Libya who are under continous threat of NATO attacking during the day and the night? what about the children, women , elderly people who are under continous severe stress because of the silly NATO attacks! NATO and Gaddafi are the same for the innocent libyans. Italy unfortunately played the dirty role in this dirty war by providing its bases to NATO. FOR ALL THE REAL PRODEMOCRATIC WORD, NATO DIRTY WAR ON LIBYA SHOULD STOP IMMEDIATELY AND THE INTERNTIONAL COMMUNITY HAS TO IMMEDIATELY IMPLEMENT THE NEEDED TOOLS FOR A REAL DEMOCRACY AND ALL THE PEOPLE OF LIBYA SHOULD BE ABIDE TO THAT TO STOP THIS UNNECESSARY BLOOD SHED>GOD BLESS YOU ALL.
Mr Damian Agius
Jun 15th 2011, 15:39
Yes NATO should get out, what an evil bunch, I mean how dare they get involved after all the whining about the West not doing anything...
Just one thing, when Ghaddafi's armour rolls all over the poor rebels no one should say a word. This would have ended long ago if Ghaddafi was allowed to do his dirty business, his armour and artillery could have finished them off.
But no, as usual the West feels sorry for them and gets involved and then what happens, they get blamed that's what happens. NATO this, NATO that, the US is evil, its all we hear and yet when something happens who do we go crying to? We go crying to them, then when they help we proverbially spit in their face and blame them. Maybe the West should have helped Ghaddaffi, I mean they get the blame either way, might as well take the cheaper option.
Peter Xuereb
Jun 15th 2011, 15:50
"NATO's Dirty War" saved more than it killed, that is for sure. Unfortunately we live in a reality where if evil has to be stopped, it has to be forced to do so by force of arms. In any case collateral damage has been really minimal and in numerous cases the Libyan regime was forced to fake the civilian deaths since most deaths were military.
Also there were already efforts to implement democracy. Don't forget that this started out as a peaceful protest by Libyans towards reform of the country and to allow such democracy. Unfortunately Gaddafi's response was to wage a war on such protesters, claiming they are "Al-Qaeda terrorists". It ain't a wonder then that more than half of Libya is convinced he needs to go.
Mr Joseph Calleja
Jun 15th 2011, 15:10
Mr Maroni, one simple solution. Send them back to where they came from. The more you take in, the more they come. I say, if it could be done, get rid of Gaddafi as soon as possible, the sooner the better and your troubles would be over, maybe? If you turned back the first boat you would not have all these problems. Something to think about. The only people that benefit from all this is the bleeding hearts who get paid to babysit.
Joseph Grech Attard
Jun 15th 2011, 15:44
"Send them back to where they came from." An excellent example of love of neighbour!! Quite racist, I must say,
Mr Joe Gatt
Jun 15th 2011, 15:53
Mr Joseph Calleja
War is a total failure of Diplomacy and extreme waste of resources, Mr Maroni is right use the money to make the peace, as Bombs will only create more turmoil and conflict. It is the Libyan people that are being blown to peices.
Might is right, and as things stand at the moment it may be ok for us, but, lets say the whole picture is reversed, then Gaddafi would be Bombing the Sh..t out of us, what would you say then?
Then would you agree with Mr Maroni?
I would certainly hope so.
Mr Joseph Calleja
Jun 15th 2011, 17:03
@ Mr Attard
Racist? why not explain that to the people of Lampedusa or the Italian people in general? Why not explain that to the rest of the Maltese people who think the way I do, but are afraid to say it.(excluding, you bleeding hearts of course). Neighbors don't come here and infringe on our way of life, so unless you have ulterior motives don't call me a racist..
@ Mr Joe Gatt
Mr Gatt I hate war as much as you do. But whether we agree with it or not there is already a war going on and neither Nato or Gaddafi are willing to stop it. Those are the facts. Remember Mr Maroni like his leader are fighting for their political life and would say anything to save his political life. Nato did not start the war, Gaddafi and the Libyan people did. Italy is part of Nato and they are contributing to the Libyan war just as much as any other Nato country. So as the Italians say " Paroli si, Fatti no." As usual, Mr Maroni keeps sticking his foot in his mouth, so consider the source. Italy is one of the sponsors of this war and he does not mind the killing innocent people, but he is very upset about illegal immigrants?
Mr Charles Cremona
Jun 15th 2011, 14:58
Maroni is right Gaddafi will never leave Libya, France and Britain are getting worried because it is costing them a lot of money the USA does not want to get involved and they will be shortly be looking for a way out, probably a divided Libya. They never taught in a million years that Gaddafi will survive the airial bombardment but he has proved them wrong and they don't know what to do.
Mr Joe Gatt
Jun 15th 2011, 17:10
@Mr Charles Cremona
The Allies definetly want Gaddafi out, but they also want to pull the Strings after he`s gone, they are assuming.
The problem is that the Rebels, want and need NATO`s assistance to defeat Gaddafi, but they are openly saying that they do not want to be controled afterwards as a result.
So NATO is just putting pressure on both Gaddafi and the Rebels for diferent reasons, one by Bombing the Rebels just by holding back a little, letting Gaddafi gainiing some ground for a while.
They continue to put pressure till both sides give in, they hope.
Yet there`s another conflict being fought in the background, a struggle between the Allies, as to whom will be in Total Control in the End.
This whole campaign was initially about protecting innocent civilians, was`nt it? Does it seems so, still??
Ah, how Sweet the Smell of Power, Oil and Money.
Mr Joseph Brincat
Jun 15th 2011, 14:55
AT LEAST HE SAID SOMETHING WORTH THINKING ABOUT
Mr Daniel Jones
Jun 15th 2011, 16:37
Was it the bit about the Italians being the only ones to suffer?
Mr R Bartolo
Jun 15th 2011, 16:43
It's a pity you didn't (think).