The Nationalist Party this afternoon expressed satisfaction that a solution was found for the 102 migrants who were saved by the tanker Salamis but were refused entry in Malta as the ship disobeyed Malta's orders to head back to Libya.

In its statement the PN said the government had been facing similar situations for years and the Nationalist government had always worked to find solutions which respected the dignity of the vulnerable individuals caught in such situations.

It reiterated its support to the government to obtain effective solidarity from the EU on the issue of irregular migration.

Through clearer structures of solidarity, a matter such as that of the Salamis would have been concluded much quicker and with full respect to the dignity of those on board the tanker. Dialogue and diplomacy were the most effective tools for solutions to such issues to be found, it said.

The PN also condemned the insults written to European Commission Cecilia Malmstrom in the past hours and appealed to the people to show respect and tolerance with those who were carrying out their duties.