Labour MEP Alfred Sant told a meeting of Socialists and Democrats in Brussels that migration was a security problem as well as a humanitarian one.

He emphasised that in the current circumstances all boats should be blocked from leaving the Libyan coast.

"This is not only a humanitarian problem. This has become a security problem," the head of the Maltese Labour delegation said during a debate on the recent tragic events in the Mediterranean.

"This tragic death of 900 human beings has shocked all Europe. Following these tragic events in the Mediterranean, Europe can't keep banking on the hope that a solution to this problem will be made after an agreement is reached between the various parts in Libya. We must make sure that all boats won't be able to leave the Libyan coast.’ Dr Sant said.

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