News | Sunday, 15 March 2009

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‘Rational approach’ to solve immigration problem – AD

Alternattiva Demokratika - The Green Party expressed its satisfaction at the level of debate held in Parliament to discuss illegal immigration on a motion tabled on Monday.
“The proposals made by members from both sides of the House are congruent with AD’s consistent position on the matter, which always advocated a balance between the need to implement solidarity according to international obligations, and the urgency to protect the national interest,” chairperson and MEP candidate Arnold Cassola said.
“Rational and firm proposals are the only way forward to produce a sustainable solution for this phenomenon, and to allay the mass hysteria propagated by ignorance, fear and extremist views,” Cassola said.
He said Malta should demand concrete aid from the EU without abdicating from its obligations, and pursue diplomatic work to reach an agreement with the Libyan government, with the EU as a driving force.
“We agree that detention centres should be better equipped in order to preserve detainees’ dignity and well-being, but at the same time there must be a crackdown on any type of illegality and disrespect of the rule of law. Proposals such as the education of detainees regarding Maltese society and culture and their employment in useful work, are identical to what AD has been always been proposing.
“It is also of utmost importance that the EU, Maltese and Libyan authorities crack down on the inhuman traffickers who are exploiting the migrants. Penalties for people caught trafficking human beings should be greatly increased,” Cassola said,
The party also said it was important to revise the Dublin II Convention and Frontex operations. MEP candidate Yvonne Ebejer Arqueros said it was good to see Commissioner Jacques Barrot declared the start of responsibility-sharing on the part of other European countries in the near future. “However, we demand that this co-responsibility on the part of the EU materialises and is put into place today before tomorrow.”

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