2 comments so far.Tanker MT Salamis on its way to Syracuse in Italy
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Update: The tanker MT Salamis is on its way to Syracuse, where the Italian authorities have accepted, and will welcome the immigrants on board
In a statement from the Office of the Prime Minister, it said that this was made possible, following intense diplomatic discussions that had been taking place over the previous hours between the Governments of Malta, Italy and Greece.
The Prime Minister, Dr Joseph Muscat, thanked the Prime Minister of Italy, Enrico Letta and said that through this decision, relationships between the two governments and countries will continue to grow.
Dr Muscat said that during this crisis, the position of Malta was always sound and legitimate and sent a clear signal.
The Prime Minister thanked Minister Emanuel Mallia as well as the the Brigadier of the Armed Forces, the Attorney General and the officials of the Office of the Prime Minister and Minister of Interior who had worked together with him during this delicate period.
In a statement earlier today by the Ministry for Home Affairs and National Secturity on the current situation of the MT Salamis, it said that “the Maltese authorities are informed that the MT Salamis has made small movements towards Maltese territorial waters.
“Similar movements are considered normal outside non-territorial waters.
“The authorities have once again made it clear to the Captain of the MT Salamis that the ship does not have permission to enter Maltese territory.”
Eralier today the European Commissioner Cecilia Malmström urged the Maltese authorities to take action, saying, “At this point in time, it is the humanitarian duty of the Maltese authorities to allow these persons to disembark. Sending the ship back to Libya would be contrary to international law. The master of the ship has dispatched an urgent medical request as the injured woman needs immediate hospitalisation.
“While understanding the particular migratory pressure that Malta is facing, the Commission urges Maltese authorities to let these persons disembark as soon as possible.”
Again after so many years humiliated, Malta got respect thanks to our prim minister Joseph Muscat.
@Mr. Bonnici
Wrong, This is a bigger humiliation as Italy should not have accepted those illegals. They back stabbed Malta. Are we not supposed to play the game together as EU members. The only good outcome was that the Salamis was not permitted to enter Maltese territory.
The EU has to give illegal migration a disincentive .
Australia`s new policy of ” No visa no entry ” is working well. The EU got to implement a policy similar to it. Other wise Europe as we know it will soon disappear.
Gozoroo