Malta has been putting pressure on the EU for help in dealing with the illegal immigrant problem, and has been asking for support from the other member states.
According to the EUobserver, Malta wants to change the conclusions that were reached in this week’s meeting between EU leaders whereby the decision was that more cooperation was needed with the countries of origin and transit of illegal migrants.
However, this decision was not satisfactory for the Maltese government who are urging that member countries take a stronger stand especially those with extensive sea borders who are encountering the same problems.
Minister Michael Frendo stated that certain sea areas, such as the Mediterranean, are more vulnerable to the problem of illegal immigration, and therefore EU assistance should be targeted towards these areas.
The Maltese government wants to set a concrete date for a future conference on illegal immigration in Tripoli, with the participation of countries like Eritrea, Sudan and Ethiopia. A similar meeting was called for a year ago, but never took place.
Until now more than 300 illegal immigrants have landed on Maltese shores, and it is estimated that more than 500 people have lost their lives during the crossing from North Africa to Europe.
Read more about this issue on MaltaMedia's special feature:
Lanċa Ġejja u Oħra Sejra: Malta and its migrations.
See also:
Illegal immigration issue to be raised in Luxembourg
By MaltaMedia News - Jun 11, 2006
© Copyright 2006 - MaltaMedia Online Network
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