On Tuesday Maltese Prime Minister Dr. Lawrence Gonzi and his Italian counterpart Prof. Romano Prodi met in Chigi Palace, Rome.
During the meeting Maltese Prime Minister Dr. Lawrence Gonzi expressed his concern over the possibility that the centre of the Mediterranean becomes the focus of human traffick in the light of strict surveillance in the Canary Islands region. For this reason he outlined the urgency of the situation and stated that surveillance patrols in the Mediterranean are to commence immediately.
Speaking after the meeting he had with the Maltese Prime Minister, Prof. Romano Prodi stated that Italy is committed to join the Mediterranean surveillance patrol and help Malta with regards to the illegal immigration issue.
The Italian Prime Minister added that however, all European, Northern African and Mediterranean countries should join efforts to fight the problem. The Italian Prime Minister also pledge to offer his country’s sea and air surveillance resources to patrol the Mediterranean, however he added that is primal that more countries reinforce these efforts.
While addressing the press, the Prime Ministers emphasized that illegal immigration must be one of the European Union’s priorities. They called for a concrete common European policy regarding the issue . The forthcoming Frontex Surveillance patrols are essential however they cannot be carried out until Libya confirms whether it agrees that the EU mission will also patrol its territorial waters. The Prime Minister stated that they are hopeful that a solution will be found.
Discussions also focused on negotiations Malta will participate in in the upcoming years to join the European Energy grid. Prime Minister Romano Prodi said that given the short distance between Malta and Italy, the Italian government is ready to negotiate with Malta to provide Malta with the energy service. It is expected that Malta will join Sicilian grid by 2010.
On Monday European Union (EU) Justice Ministers were briefed about two border patrol missions to take place in the Mediterranean in a bid to control the arrival of illegal immigrants crossing over to Europe from the North African coast. However, the date as to when these patrol will begin were not disclosed. Another meeting concerning these patrols is expected to be held in Malta next week, according to The Times.
The Prime Minister was accompanied by Foreign Minister Dr. Michael Frendo, Head of the Prime Minister secretariat Edgar Galea Curmi, Ambassador of Malta for Italy Edward Melillo and Policy Co-ordinator of the Office of the Prime Minister Leonard Callus.
The Prime Minister returned to Malta on Tuesday afternoon.
See also:
No dates for Malta illegal immigration patrols
By MaltaMedia News
Jul 25, 2006, 11:02 CET
Gonzi and Prodi to discuss illegal immigration
By MaltaMedia News
Jul 8, 2006, 12:00 CET
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