Updated: Migrants' rescue case remains unresolved
A total of 111 migrants rescued outside Maltese waters remain on board their rescue destroyer the Spanish Admiral Juan de Borbon, which is under Nato command, as the situation remains unresolved.
The migrants, rescued on Sunday morning, were being brought to Malta but Malta refused them entry arguing that since the rescue had taken place close to other countries, they should have been taken there.
The government confirmed this evening there have been no developments since yesterday when Malta asked Nato for explanations.
The migrants were rescued 78 nautical miles away from Tunisia, 88 nautical miles from Lampedusa and 141 nautical miles from Malta.
Home Affairs Minister Carmelo Mifsud Bonnici said yesterday that was only informed of the decision that the migrants were being brought to Malta 18 hours after the rescue and when the Spanish ship was just 40 nautical miles from the island.
Malta asked the Nato command in Naples why the immigrants were being brought here and whether similar requests for disembarkation were submitted to Tunisia and Italy. No replies have as yet been received by the Maltese government.
The Spanish Government said late yesterday that the destroyer never received instructions from Nato to go to any particular country.
It is currently just outside Maltese waters.
According to Spanish media it is awaiting instructions from the alliance for the disembarkation of those rescued.
The migrants were rescued after the engine of the boat they were in failed. A tug boat's crew tried to render assistance but were unable to repair the engine.
Malta's rescue coordination centre issued a notice of ships in distress and assets on site were obliged to assist.
A baby and a pregnant woman were evacuated from the ship and brought to Malta for medical treatment on Wednesday and yesterday. But Army commander Brigadier Martin Xuereb said the warship had medical facilities on board and the migrants are safe.
Dr Mifsud Bonnici said he discussed the issue with his Spanish counterpart and told him that the ship's "unilateral decision was strange".
There has been no communication with Italy.
The minister insisted this was not a stand-off with Spain or Italy but Malta, as a sovereign state demanded respect.
Earlier, media reports quoted a Nato spokesman saying that following Sunday's rescue the Ghanaian, Tunisian and Libyan migrants were on Monday transferred onto the warship in accordance with the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS) protocol.
The reports also claimed the warship proceeded to Lampedusa but the Italian authorities refused it entry and directed the vessel to Malta.
Dr Mifsud Bonnici said Malta had no information that Italy had refused the disembarkation of the migrants.
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Nancy Galea
Jul 16th 2011, 03:55
Listen this is crazy that little Malta has to take in so many migrants....Where the heck is the EU here? What is going on.....Malta should have never joined the EU is the 1st place! Do you really think all of Europe cares about little Malta; the answer is NO! For them Malta is a dumping ground....."they don't give a rat's ass about Malta!
How on Earth can little Malta take care of so many migrants when its own people are struggling to make ends meat! Not to say I feel bad for these people but come EU help out here! This is an outrage!!! Maybe send them back to a country where its not so bad and where they will find comfort in there own religion......After all Malta is the second most Catholic country in the world and I think we want to stay that way......As for Italy and Malta.....why all on them? No wonder why we are fighting....we are the only ones taken in all these poor people....What a crazy world we live in!....May God help us and the migrants......
Mr Mario P. Sciberras
Jul 15th 2011, 17:49
I think the easier we make it for these people to come to Europe the more of them that will come. The problem is in Africa. Wherever possible it is wise to solve problems at source. They were nearer to Tunisia than to Lampedus so send them there.
I think most of this is an organised racket anyway.
Nancy Galea
Jul 16th 2011, 04:10
I totally agree!!! It's even better for these people to be in a country with they're same religion.....When they come to Christian countries they mix up and it's not good......It causes many problems with families. You know what they say marry your own kind and there will be less problems down the road. When people mix
religions and all....that equals= mess. I have a dear Muslim friend I adore and she adores me...but never in a million years would she marry a non-muslim and never would a marry a non-Christian.....We agree it's a not a good thing to do...Call me old fashioned but I think Im right......
Mr Tony Camilleri
Jul 15th 2011, 17:47
NO Problem here.
They are on a Spanish warship.
A warship is considered as an extension of the State territory so much so that it enjoys immunity and no one except the State to which it belongs can exercise any jurisdiction.
Now since they are on Spanish territory, according to the eu DUBLIN II Convention, that member country cannot allow them to proceed to another eu country.
So really there's no problem,.
The Spanish warship must now take them to SPAIN in terms of the DUBLIN II Convention.
Pure and simple.
Mr Tony Camilleri
Jul 15th 2011, 14:08
L-ebda bastiment speċjalment tal-Gwerra ma għandu dritt jibqa' fl-ibħra territorjali imma biss jgħaddi u jibqa sejjer u lanqas jieqaf.
1982 Law of the Sea Convention
Article 17
Right of innocent passage
Subject to this Convention, ships of all States, whether coastal or land-locked, enjoy the right of innocent passage through the territorial sea.
Article 18
Meaning of passage
1. Passage means navigation through the territorial sea for the purpose
of:
(a) traversing that sea without entering internal waters or calling at a roadstead or port facility outside internal waters; or
(b) proceeding to or from internal waters or a call at such roadstead or port facility.
2. Passage shall be continuous and expeditious. However, passage includes stopping and anchoring, but only in so far as the same are incidental to ordinary navigation or are rendered necessary by force majeure or distress
or for the purpose of rendering assistance to persons, ships or aircraft in
danger or distress.
Article 19
Meaning of innocent passage
1. Passage is innocent so long as it is not prejudicial to the peace, good
order or security of the coastal State. Such passage shall take place in
conformity with this Convention and with other rules of international law.
2. Passage of a foreign ship shall be considered to be prejudicial to the
peace, good order or security of the coastal State if in the territorial sea it
engages in any of the following activities:
(a) any threat or use of force against the sovereignty, territorial integrity or political independence of the coastal State, or in any other manner in violation of the principles of international law embodied in the Charter of the United Nations;
(b) any exercise or practice with weapons of any kind;
(c) any act aimed at collecting information to the prejudice of the defence or security of the coastal State;
(d) any act of propaganda aimed at affecting the defence or security
of the coastal State;
(e) the launching, landing or taking on board of any aircraft;
(f) the launching, landing or taking on board of any military device;
(g) the loading or unloading of any commodity, currency or person contrary to the customs, fiscal, immigration or sanitary laws and regulations of the coastal State;
(h) any act of wilful and serious pollution contrary to this Convention;
(i) any fishing activities;
(j) the carrying out of research or survey activities;
(k) any act aimed at interfering with any systems of communication or any other facilities or installations of the coastal State;
(l) any other activity not having a direct bearing on passage.
A warship is considered to be an extension of the territory of the state to which it belongs. So they are presently on Spanish territory. They are on a warship and are safe and sound. Since they are already on Spanish territory, the Spanish warship has to take them to SPAIN according to the DUBLIN II CONVENTION. Suck it Spain.
No ship especially a warship exercising the right of innocent passage through the territorial sea may stop unless it is incidental to navigation but should expeditiously continue on its passage.
1982 Law of the Sea Convention
Article 17
Right of innocent passage
Subject to this Convention, ships of all States, whether coastal or land-locked, enjoy the right of innocent passage through the territorial sea.
Article 18
Meaning of passage
1. Passage means navigation through the territorial sea for the purpose of:
(a) traversing that sea without entering internal waters or calling at a roadstead or port facility outside internal waters; or
(b) proceeding to or from internal waters or a call at such roadstead or port facility.
2. Passage shall be continuous and expeditious. However, passage includes stopping and anchoring, but only in so far as the same are incidental to ordinary navigation or are rendered necessary by force majeure or distress or for the purpose of rendering assistance to persons, ships or aircraft in danger or distress.
Article 19
Meaning of innocent passage
1. Passage is innocent so long as it is not prejudicial to the peace, good order or security of the coastal State. Such passage shall take place in conformity with this Convention and with other rules of international law.
2. Passage of a foreign ship shall be considered to be prejudicial to the peace, good order or security of the coastal State if in the territorial sea it engages in any of the following activities:
(a) any threat or use of force against the sovereignty, territorial integrity or political independence of the coastal State, or in any other manner in violation of the principles of international law embodied in the Charter of the United Nations;
(b) any exercise or practice with weapons of any kind;
(c) any act aimed at collecting information to the prejudice of the defence or security of the coastal State;
(d) any act of propaganda aimed at affecting the defence or security of the coastal State;
(e) the launching, landing or taking on board of any aircraft;
(f) the launching, landing or taking on board of any military device;
(g) the loading or unloading of any commodity, currency or person contrary to the customs, fiscal, immigration or sanitary laws and regulations of the coastal State;
(h) any act of wilful and serious pollution contrary to this Convention;
(i) any fishing activities;
(j) the carrying out of research or survey activities;
(k) any act aimed at interfering with any systems of communication or any other facilities or installations of the coastal State;
(l) any other activity not having a direct bearing on passage.
As a lawyer you know the law Dr CMB.
SO NO.
Don't allow the illegal immigrats to be landed in Malta and order the Spanish warship to continue with its passage through the territorial sea expeditiously and take the illegal immigrats to SPAIN.
Mr Joe Gatt
Jul 16th 2011, 10:45
Thank you Mr Tony Camilleri
Mr Joseph Aquilina
Jul 15th 2011, 12:14
"Dr Mifsud Bonnici said Malta had no information that Italy had refused the disembarkation of the migrants."
Yes of course not, the NATO command is in Naples, all they had to do is instruct the Spanish ship to go to Malta rather then to Lampedusa!! ... great ... ask NATO to investigate Italy as well ... that is what a country which "a sovereign state [that] demands respect" would do!!
Mr Joseph Aquilina
Jul 15th 2011, 12:10
Minister Carm Mifsud Bonnici you know that Italy has more say in NATO then us. REPORT ITALY TO THE UN!! With their actions they have showed they are not our friends nor our allies. They defame us in front of the whole world and then come and ask sorry after!! This situation can not continue and Malta should not accept to be bullied by a far-right governed Italy. This is the time to stand up - and report them to the UN!!
Mr Ernest Vella
Jul 15th 2011, 12:03
Li l-JRS ghandhom ragun mhux il-logika u s-sens komun biss jghidulek ghax kieku kont int minflokhom l-istess kont tghid. Il-JRS bhala istituzzjoni fi hdan il-Knisja qeghda titlob rispett lejn id-dinjita tal-bniedem u xejn izjed. Malta biex tiehu r-rispett li jixirqilha ghanda tghin lil dawn il-bnedmin hutna, u tehodha qatgha bla habel kontra l-UE, u tuza l-veto fejn hemm bzonn.
Raymond Sammut
Jul 15th 2011, 13:00
@ Mr Ernest Vella
What you are saying covers only the obvious. Everyone with an ounce of decency would agree to "...rispett lejn id-dinjita tal-bniedem...". There is never any need for anyone to say the obvious; like you are doing.
You go on to say: "...u xejn izjed". The truth is that JRS are asking for far more than "izjed". Here is what TOM reported in an earlier article today:
“JRS understands the states’ legitimate concerns regarding the long-term implications of allowing the migrants to disembark on national territory but believes that people are more important. Attempts to limit the number of irregular arrivals should never be at the cost of human rights.”
The Maltese people are people too, and therefore they too are "important". Furthermore, the Maltese people do not have more spare land to share, and Malta's small economy is never far from becoming like the Greek economy.
JRS have never explained what they mean by "the cost of human rights". The Maltese people are human too, and therefore they too have rights. One of their sacrosanct rights is to protect their land and their economy from irregular arrivals.
If "irregular arrivals" were not detrimental to the small space that the Maltese have on their small island, and to the proper functioning of their small economy, the JRS may then be in a position to lecture about human rights. But even then, their lecturing would still be unnecessary because arrivals would be regular.
The JRS are passionate about what they "believe" in, but do not seem to want to acknowledge the bigger picture of the real world we live in.
C Muscat
Jul 15th 2011, 11:41
Issa aqwa jahsbu li jistghu jghaddu z-zmien bina bhalma qed jaghmlu fis-sirj u fil-libya. l-aqwa li qedghin mal-mejda u l-aqwa li ahna ewropej. Mhux ta b xejn ghamlu biex inaqqsu li studenti minn spanja. Ghaziz Prim Ministru taghna l-maltin kollha u nispera mieghek hemm Joseph Muscat araw li ma jippruvawx jidhku bina u jivvintaw. Mela jigu jghidu li kienu l-eqreb lejn malta. U N NATO TRID tghidlna kif daw telqu mil-Libya metadin imdawra minn NATO u ma hallewx vapuri tal-merkanzija jidhlu meta kellhom kollox sew minn Malta. Cittatini Maltin ta kull kulur noqghodu attenti. Mhux ta b xejn bdew jigrilhom il-hsara l-ajruplani francizi biex jigu malta.!!
Andre Grech
Jul 15th 2011, 11:29
Jekk ghandhom xi problema Spanja johduhom pajjizhom ghax fejn irridu ir-regoli tal-bahar jobduhom u fejn ma jridux jamlu li jfetlilhom jahsbu ghax huma artijiet kbar jahsbu li huma xi allat
Joe Fenech
Jul 15th 2011, 11:27
STOP SAYING "IMMIGRANTS". These are ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS and INVADERS. In the past, we had the courage to battle people invading our land. Today we've got no guts.
Mr Anthony Borg
Jul 15th 2011, 18:19
I agree - everyone knows that these people are seeking a better life elsewhere - good luck but not here please. We do not have enough space for ourselves let alone foreigners who take to a boat and go "elsewhere". And how come these drifters always have engine trouble when nearing a foreign country?
J. De Bono
Jul 15th 2011, 10:11
Personally i think this is a great opportunity to set an example and have the migrants sent back. If Malta doesnt take a stand here we are going to lose the microscopic bit of respect that Europe has for us and just step all over this island as they please (they already do let be honest). Nato is currently bombing Libya to rubble claiming they want to help the Libyan people remove a dictator yet when it comes to doing anything other than bombing they fall short and let us clean up. It simple, France and the rest of Europe are happy to bomb Libya for its oil and assets however when it comes to taking responsibility for the people they does absolutely nothing, send the boat to France, Germany or Spain, they certainly have the means and the costs to them are nothing in comparison to the assets they will steal from the Libyan people once this is over.
Mr Raymond Milford
Jul 15th 2011, 10:10
If no decision can be reached as to which country the immigrants are to be sent then by all means
drop them off at a UK port after instructing them on how to claim political asylum: they will then be
assured of some sort of future without the need to work.
Ms Louise Vella
Jul 15th 2011, 10:06
'UNACCEPTABLE SITUATION' - says JRS. How many people on these islands does Joseph Cassar of JRS represent? Would he favour having a referendum to see how many Maltese agree with his stand on illegal immigrants?
Mr David Bonello
Jul 15th 2011, 11:27
Agree with Ms Vella 100%. Mr Cassar will get the answer if he wants a referendum on this issue!!!!
Mr Tony Camilleri
Jul 15th 2011, 14:06
The Campaign for National Independence CNI http://www.cnimalta.org/ had collected more than 30,000 signatures in a few days for the government to curb illegal immigration but as yet both political party whips in Parliament have not found the time to be presented with the petition.
They are ignoring those who signed the petition.
They should not be surprised if they reciprocate at election time.
j brincat
Jul 15th 2011, 09:40
Juan de Bordon can proceed to Spain which is a very fast country unlike tiny Malta!
(jb)
Mr Mario P. Sciberras
Jul 15th 2011, 09:29
I agree with the JRS suggestion....as long as the country accepting these people is not Malta. If they land in Malta we would be stuck with them.
Joseph Sammut
Jul 15th 2011, 08:55
NATO should take them to Benghazi away from strife: those that need care, take care of them and repatriate them back to Benghazi. Why complicate things. This is doubly humane - towards them and us Maltese.
Brian Azzopardi
Jul 15th 2011, 08:42
Once I had the pleasure to learn from a certain religion that I have forgot what is its name ( but I know that there are a lot who say that they are ready to die to defend it on these islands) which stated that its followers should :
-feed those who are hungry
-quench those who are thirsty
-dress those who are naked
-give shelter to the homeless
-visit the sick
-visit the prisoners
-bury the dead
Now can anyone help me remember what was the name of that religion. I know for sure that its leader was crucified because he preached the above.
-
A. Schembri
Jul 15th 2011, 09:02
Well I am sure you do not follow it Mr. Azzopardi if you forgot which one it is. I suggest you continue following the one you believe in, not the ones you can;t even remember the name of.
Charles Sammut
Jul 15th 2011, 09:06
But it's leader did not teach his followers to be gullible and stupid.
On the contrary, when He went to His Father's house and found it full of tradesmen selling sacrificial animals and changing money, He made a whip and chased them out of His Father's house and overturned their tables. He did not reason that these people had a family to house, feed and clothe. He kept His house in order.
Is that so difficult to understand? The so called Christian attitude has turned Africa into a beggar continent, depending on the rest of the world for handouts. People like you have turned the Christian principle on its head. Help them by all means but in their own continent and not in our house.
Mr john vella
Jul 15th 2011, 09:35
@Brian Azzopardi
Is this the same religion that changed the commandments to please an Emperor? the one that say Peter built his material church in Rome when Peter was never in Rome? the same one that has so much property in Malta all is closed behind gates and fancy doors? Is this the one that the inside few enjoy while the rest keep hoping? Is this the one that made three crusades, promising heaven to all that died and let stealing and rape on their way to liberate Jerusalem?
I think if the leader who died on the cross had to come and see candle light in front of images of dead humans (second commandment Thou shall not make false image). He will say this is not my church.
Sorry my friend I can not help you because I guess even HE will find it hard to find it.
Ms C. Dimech
Jul 15th 2011, 09:37
your point being? JUST for your information, Italy is catholic too, the only difference is that they shout louder it seems. Kudos to our minister. They have ascertained the safety and well being of these immigrants on this boat and that should suffice to quench your religious thirst. Alternatively you can also redirect your appeals to the Italian government who just turned them away without batting an eye, i hear the pope live there too!!! p.s. where are your comments when the rest of the population is calling for the minister's resignation over a fresh boat load of illegal immigrants?? Get it NOT ALL MALTESE ARE READY TO BANG THEIR CHEST AND TEAR THEIR HAIR OUT OUTSIDE THEIR PARISH CHURCH!!! i thought that the divorce debate taught us that much!!!
Mr John Dee
Jul 15th 2011, 10:21
Must not apply in Italy then, eh?
Stephen Koludrovic
Jul 15th 2011, 11:03
From what I understand about your statement, we do moist of what you say.
We fed them, and then they threw the food back to us, as they claim its not good enough for their palate.
We quenched them, and they threw hot water, and squirted urine on their helpers.
We gave them shelter, and they smashed their furniture using table legs as clubs.
We give first preference to their sick at the polyclinics before even our own. Free medicines to them, under payment to most of us.
We also give them clothes and blankets, something that we sometimes do not give to some of our own unfortunates.
We also give them some pocket money, from which some of them have managed to start a business, such as selling some of that powdered stuff.
We give them freedom to follow their own religions, free schooling, freedom to work.and most important freedom to leave!!!
Mr Joe Gatt
Jul 15th 2011, 11:18
Brian Azzopardi
The issue of illegal imigration, is not primarily a religeous issue.
Anyway most if not all, of those on board are ECONOMIC migrant, not refugees.
But you should really address your queery to the JRS, they should be able to answer you.
Whilst your comment above are 100% valid, permit me to add a couple more, like
With the very limited local resource available, it all comes out thru Tax Money, you should know
It takes resources, lots of it, to help others out of their predicaments,
ie, accomodation, food, transportation, water and electricity, Medical care, jobs ect ect
Especially when we are constntly being reminded that our welfare, pensions system ect ect is unsustainable.
Charity begins at home.
It has become very hard for the Maltese, to make a decent living, make a Home, buy their food, pay their hefty bills, educated and care for their young, Medical care ect ect.
This has become an uphill struggle for them.
Malta on the other hand is too small and overpopulated, some may even think space is not a problem.
It amazes me that some do gooders want to go to Heaven at the expence of others, who may have different priorities and needs in life, and may be struggling to cope,
All those do gooders with such mentality I say
Put your money where your Pen is in this case, and do something about it
You see theirs NO FREE LUNCH to the local Bunch, yet they are being asked to support their uninvited , and most of the time unwanted guests
Money talks, Bulls..t walks, and Charity begins primarily at home, should one opt not to think so,
One may always donate one`s wages to his neighbour, as no one`s stopping anyone from doing it.
That should be up to them individually, their OWN choice.
Mr Charles camilleri
Jul 15th 2011, 16:06
Brian should we feed, dress, give shelter etc to all the refugees coming from all over Africa ? Pls give us an answer. If in the affirmative tell us how.
David Scerri
Jul 15th 2011, 18:53
and this is what happens.......
feed....they will eat every thing you got, and not thank you
quench.......they will drink till drunk
dress........they dont want old, they want dessigner
shelter....... and whey will bring the rest of the tribe
sick....... they all are, so they dont have to work and claim assistance
prisoners..... thats what we will become
dead..... hopefully soon..........
and this is what people are like today..........
Stephen Koludrovic
Jul 15th 2011, 08:15
For once I do agree with the JRS, irregular immigrants should be dismembered in the nearest port.
Tunisia 78 nautical miles
Lampedusa 88 nautical miles
Malta 141 nautical miles
With the shortage of the tourists that Tunisia is having, they have more than enough space to place these immigrants in some of the empty holiday complexes available,
Ms Isabelle Luca Borg
Jul 15th 2011, 08:27
I hope you mean to say 'disembarked' and not dismembered!!!
<<Dismemberment is the act of cutting, tearing, pulling, wrenching or otherwise removing, the limbs of a living thing>>
S. Camilleri
Jul 15th 2011, 08:46
Dismembered!!!!! ?
Stephen Koludrovic
Jul 15th 2011, 09:37
He.He. never realized I typed that . So sorry.
Mr K. Zammit
Jul 15th 2011, 09:48
Dismembered ??? My God now now we need not be that drastic a simple re-direction to go back where they came from is enough. We are not savages after all.
Mr Andrew Grech
Jul 15th 2011, 11:08
relax guys, he surely meant to write another word... kemm sirna nahtfu fil-kelma dan l-ahhar!
Joseph Vassallo
Jul 15th 2011, 11:46
Dismembered? Is that a slip of the tongue Stephen or is it what is going through your head?
Mr JC Sullivan
Jul 15th 2011, 13:51
Freudian slip or not - brought a smile to my face because ALL know what the honourable gentleman meant to say.
Mr Peter Bonello
Jul 15th 2011, 08:14
u daw il-Gizwiti x'jipretendu? Ghal naqra norganizzaw flights ghal min irrid jahrab ghal kwalunkwe destinazjoni fl-Ewropa! L-uniku post fejn ghandhom jindbaghtu huwa lura fl-Afrika!!
Mr Joe Gatt
Jul 16th 2011, 03:00
Mr Peter Bonello
That particular Warship carries Helicopters, a regular flight is not actually needed.
Helicopter can land in restricted spaces, like for example one particular Square in Rome.
Charles J. Buttigieg
Jul 15th 2011, 08:11
The Spaniards messed it up.They are the ones who should fix it.
Daniel Walker
Jul 15th 2011, 09:07
How did they mess it up? Are you referring to the Spanish rescuing people in need? I guess you would have preferred that they let the boat sink...
Alfred Bugeja
Jul 15th 2011, 11:10
Daniel, the Spanish commander messed it up because he did not follow the SOLAS and SAR conventions and thus did not proceed to the nearest port to disembark the persons he rescued.
You see, there are rules and laws that have to be followed. Even in such cases.
Hans Maerker
Jul 15th 2011, 11:45
@ Daniel Walker... Either you're twisting the words intentionally around or you don't get it. The 'war ship' is under Spanish command. Malta was the farthest distance away (most miles) from the rescue site, yet still the Spanish commanded ship went all the way to Malta here, trying to dump them off at an island that can't handle the vast number of rescued people. Besides, they didn't have to as international law requires to bring them to the - nearest - port and not to the farthest away one.
If you want to talk about humanity, then think about a larger picture here. Malta's government has an obligation to the Maltese population as well. What good does come out of accepting even the non-mandatory people on this island and then some day cannot even feed the Maltese properly due to an overpopulated island? Malta's infrastructure is limited due to its size and can handle only so much.
So, please... before you ask so provocatively about 'letting a boat sink' get your facts straight. The rescue operation was done and the Spaniards could - and should - have brought them to the nearest place.
Mr Michael Buhagiar
Jul 15th 2011, 08:04
JRS - you'd better support our government on this matter and stiop meddling in state affairs which are not your concern. Your concern should have been with the mission to stop divorce from being introduced in Malta and NOT whether these illegal immigrants are sent to Malta or not. We will not accept other countries' obligations.
Ms Louise Vella
Jul 15th 2011, 07:59
JRS director Joseph Cassar says: “Attempts to limit the number of irregular arrivals should never be at the cost of human rights.” So here we have it. JRS does not want the state of Malta to limit the “number of irregular arrivals”, that is, the number of illegal immigrants arriving in Malta. For a long time I have been asking the same question. What is the number of illegal immigrants that JRS wants Malta to accept – 100 or 1000 or 10 000 or 100 000 or one million? Now we have the answer – a number without limit.
Please choose the reason of your report below: