Nationalist MEP Simon Busuttil yesterday commended draft measures unveiled by the European Commission last week to strengthen the EU's external borders and fight illegal immigration.

Calling the package "an achievement for Malta", Dr Busuttil said in a statement that the EU executive's initiatives show that the island's illegal immigration problems have to be solved within the EU framework and that the EU is listening to Malta.

The package contains three communications dealing with the evaluation and future development of Frontex, the creation of a European Border Surveillance System (EUROSUR) and tools for an integrated European Border Management Strategy. The initiative on the future development of Frontex, Dr Busuttil said, is a step in the right direction, particularly with regard to the proposal on "setting up of specialised branches of the agency in the member states, through which the agency may operate for the practical organisation of joint operations and pilot projects".

European Justice Commissioner Franco Frattini last week told The Times that Malta is in an ideal location to host such a branch for the agency's operations in the Mediterranean.

Dr Busuttil also expressed his support for the ambitious proposal for Frontex to acquire its own equipment for border control and surveillance while becoming engaged in return operations.

The proposals will now be discussed by the EU Council and the European Parliament.