Partit Demokratiku today extended its support for the government’s stand against Italy’s imposing demands vis-a-vis the landing of migrants in Malta off Lifeline.

“The language used by Italy’s Interior Minister, and the veiled threat by Italy’s Deputy Prime Minister regarding the interconnector cable, are neither becoming of a modern western democracy, let alone a fellow EU member with whom we have always had cordial neighbourly relations,” PD said in a statement.

“But PD also suggests that the government should set an example by accepting vulnerable persons off the MV Lifeline on the basis of proportionality, in solidarity with Italy. This would equate to 1 or 2 children or pregnant women, or why not even a couple more, to highlight Malta’s willingness to cooperate (last year Italy took in 119,000 migrants, proportionately speaking that would mean 800 into Malta).  This move would show Malta is ready to bear our fair share of the migrant burden, and perhaps encourage other EU Member States to do like-wise.

Whatever the outcome, no lives should be put at risk for the sake of domestic political gain. The only solution to the dilemma lies in instigating asylum and return procedures in north African countries through heavy EU financial and human resource support,” PD said.