Alternattiva Demokratika – The Green Party strongly deplores the attitude being taken by the Berlusconi government vis a’ vis Malta as regards Frontex Search and Rescue operations in the Mediterranean.

Arnold Cassola, Alternattiva Demokratika Chairperson, said, “If reports in the papers stating that Italy is refusing to take survivors picked up in the Mediterranean to Italian ports are true, this is really an appalling attitude. The Italian authorities know well that international rules clearly lay down that survivors have to be taken to the closest safe port.”

“Malta and Italy have jointly been asking for responsibility sharing from all Europe on this issue,” continued Prof. Cassola. “It is ironic therefore that Silvio Berlusconi’s government is the first one to renege on responsibilty sharing.”

“The European Greens will continue insisting on responsibilty sharing with the European Union. Alternattiva Demokratika asks Prime Minister Gonzi not to give in to the bullying and arrogant attitude of his colleague in the People’s Popular Party (PPE), Silvio Berlusconi,” concluded Arnold Cassola.

Permalink: Berlusconi stop bullying, responsibility sharing starts at home – AD