Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi has urged the United Nations to review the Law of the Sea Convention, 15 years after it came into force.

"It is necessary to see the 1982 convention in the light of some pressing contemporary problems which are either addressed inadequately, or not addressed at all," Dr Gonzi said.

"Among these deficiencies are the provisions dealing with piracy, illicit traffic in narcotic drugs or psychotropic substance, the rules relating to the protection and preservation of the marine environment, and the rules dealing with submarine cables and pipelines. Examples of omissions are the trafficking of human beings, the safety and security of navigation, the transportation of weapons of mass destruction, and climate change."

Dr Gonzi, who was addressing the General Assembly of the United Nations in New York, also referred to the forthcoming Copenhagen summit on climate change and said it must signal a turning point.

"Malta strongly believes that it is the duty of all countries, large and small, rich and poor, to contribute their fair share in this concerted effort which must be global if it is to succeed."

In his speech Dr Gonzi spoke on the conflict in the Middle East and renewed Malta's call on both parties to fully engage in resumed peace negotiations.

He also spoke on illegal immigration and said Malta always dealt with this situation with great responsibility, humanity and benevolence, paying due respect to every human being without exception.

"At the same time, the problem of illegal immigration is an international phenomenon driven by external factors which cannot always be prevented or even mitigated by the countries directly affected by the problem. We therefore feel that the United Nations should address the issue of illegal immigration in a holistic way so as to find solutions to a humanitarian problem that Malta and others, especially in the Mediterranean, are currently facing."

Dr Gonzi said Malta appreciated the efforts of those countries that had come forward to help it cope with this phenomenon, including the United States, France, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Portugal, Slovenia and Slovakia.

"My government also hopes that other countries will come forward to assist in alleviating the burden which Malta carries - a burden so acutely disproportionate to the country's population, wealth and land area. "