Alternattiva Demokratika has strongly deplored Italy's objections to accept illegal immigrants rescued during Frontex patrols.

Party chairman Arnold Cassola described Italy's refusal to take survivors picked up in the Mediterranean to Italian ports as "an appalling attitude". "The Italian authorities know full well that international rules clearly lay down that survivors have to be taken to the closest safe port," he said.

The Times last week quoted EU sources as saying the start of patrols were being delayed by Italy, which was objecting to take any of the illegal immigrants that could be plucked to safety. Instead, Italy wanted all such migrants to be brought to Malta.

"Malta and Italy have jointly been asking for responsibility sharing from all Europe on this issue. It is therefore ironic that (Italian Prime Minister) Silvio Berlusconi's government is the first one to renege on responsibility sharing," Prof. Cassola said.

He said the European Greens would continue insisting on responsibility sharing with the EU and called on Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi not to give in to the "bullying and arrogant attitude" of Mr Berlusconi, his colleague in the People's Popular Party.