Updated - Adds PL comments - The Nationalist Party said today that comments given in an interview yesterday by Opposition leader Joseph Muscat were shocking.

The party was referring to a comment by Dr Muscat that Italy had been safeguarding its national interest when it refused permission to a Maltese patrol boat to take migrants to Lampedusa. He said that Malta should take a similarly firm stand.

The PN said that through their actions, the Italians had ignored international law and obligations. Malta had suffered as a result.

"Irresponsible" comments by Dr Muscat only served to boost those who ignored international obligations and had acted against Malta's interests, the PN said.

It said Dr Muscat's comments were shocking and incompatible with Maltese values.

The PN said that while remaining firm and insisting on help from the other EU countries, Malta must continue to respect international law and human dignity.

The party also regretted that Dr Muscat chose to be partisan on the issue of immigration.

PL REACTION - "Government policy has failed"

The Labour Party said it would continue to defend the national interest and it felt the Gonzi government should be doing the same.

In a statement, the party said the government should admit that its policy on illegal immigration had failed.

While other countries were putting their interests first, the government was being weak.

The government should respect human life while being firm and letting no one abuse of Malta, the party said.