Azzjoni Nazzjonali leader Josie Muscat yesterday urged Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi to not sign the European Pact on Asylum and Refugees.

Speaking at a press conference, Dr Muscat said that since the burden-sharing provisions of the pact were voluntary, this pact would be about as successful as Frontex, which, he said, had failed.

Dr Muscat went on to say that not only was Frontex a failure, but had actually encouraged and attracted more migrants to Malta.

He also had words about the MLP, saying that while leader Joseph Muscat had urged the PM not to sign the pact, MP George Vella, speaking in Parliament last week, said the MLP was in line with the government on migration.

The AN leader said migration could potentially spell out disaster for Malta due to the huge numbers of migrants that arrive on these shores.

“When AN first raised the alarm, our officials were labelled racists and the problem was swept under the carpet. But the truth is now emerging and all parties are changing their positions,” he said.

Dr Muscat said the problem would become more acute if the families of those granted asylum in Malta were allowed to join them here. Dr Muscat said AN will hold a protest against the Immigration Pact on Thursday at 5.30pm at Valletta – however, it warned racists not to attend.

Dr Muscat said migrants should only be allowed in Malta for a month, after which they should be repatriated, sent to other EU countries, or put on seaworthy and provisioned vessels and allowed to go on their way.