The European Commission and High Representative responsible for foreign policy, Federica Mogherini, has articulated her efforts to highlight the importance of migration in the UN-lead Libyan peace talks in a letter to MEP Miriam Dalli.

In earlier correspondence between the two, Dr Dalli urged Ms Mogherini to give prominence to migration in discussions on the instability in Libya. Dr Dalli's letter had garnered the support of another 64 MEPs.

“I have reached out to Libyan participants in the political dialogue and conveyed to them the urgency to reach a political agreement in order to be able to engage with the EU on this pressing matter. I also encouraged them to begin working together on shared challenges such as migration, not just because of the urgency and gravity of this but also as a trust-building measure that could bring closer cooperation,” Ms Mogherini said.

 “I agree that the ongoing Libyan conflict has created an ideal environment for criminal activities of traffickers. Stabilising Libya is essential in order to prevent further loss of life off the Libyan shores,” she added.

Dr Dalli said that ensuring stability in Libya was a priority not just for Malta but also for the whole of the EU. The instability in the region was a key aspect not only because of migration, but also in terms of ensuring peace in the area, Dr Dalli said.

She said it was a pity that not all EU governments awerere prepared to show solidarity on the migration problem.

“This is entirely unacceptable, as is the fact that countries such as Malta are subjected to strict Dublin rules. On my part, I am committed to keep up the pressure to change this state of affairs,” Dr Dalli said.

The letter was also sent to the United Nations Special Envoy, Bernardino Leon, who is leading the Libya peace talks. In his reply Leon confirmed that immigration would be included as part of the peace talks.