Gerald Fenech

The Minister also updated the media on the situation regarding the recent massive influx of immigrants and confirmed that the Prime Minister will be visiting Libya shortly to discuss the immigration problem with top-level officials of the Libyan government.

On the report, Minister Borg said that it exonerated the government from any blame with the repatriation of Eritrean refugees that had allegedly been severely tortured and abused when they returned to their war-torn country. In her conclusions, Magistrate Abigail Lofaro stated that after examining the evidence, hearing witnesses and dealing with other ancillary matters, the government was exonerated of any blame and had acted under the due process of law in every circumstance.

Amongst the conclusions in the report, it was stated that the Police Commissioner scrupulously observed the law and process with regards to the Eritrean refugees. It also said that the police went about their duties in a proper manner by interviewing every single candidate and also warning them on the perils of not applying for refugee status. The Refugee Commissioner also observed the law in dealing with the Eritrean nationals, the report stated.

In his concluding comments on the report, Minister Borg said that the document showed that the Maltese government acted prudently and diligently in every step of the way and could not be put to blame for any negligence in the situation. Dr Borg said the UNHCR was continually informed on the process regarding the Eritrean refugees including those who, for some reason, chose not to apply for asylum. He also said that there were 14 court sessions that called 48 witnesses and examined 88 documents.

Asked by the Malta Independent on Sunday for an update on his meetings with his Italian counterpart, Giorgio Pisanu, Minister Borg said that the meeting was very productive and that it had lasted for an hour and a half, which was longer than he expected. He said that the talks examined the whole refugee situation and that a conclusion to the Libyan embargo situation was close at hand although at this stage, it was still too early to announce any progress on the matter.

TMIS also asked on reports in an Italian newspaper that the 80 immigrants had in some way violently resisted members of the AFM as they were being escorted in Maltese territorial waters early yesterday morning. Brigadier Carmel Vassallo confirmed that the immigrants had resisted the AFM but said that no violence had occurred. He also said that when the AFM attempted to provide the immigrants with blankets, these had already lifted anchor and had departed on their own. They are currently in Italian waters although as yet, no further news was known on their situation, Mr Vassallo concluded.

Responding to questions by journalists, Minister Borg reiterated that the process regarding the Eritrean refugees was consistent with international law and no one could have had any knowledge that the repatriated refugees were to suffer such unimaginable torture, which was not yet proven, he added. He also revealed that he had a meeting with the Libyan Interior Minister in Algeria before his meeting with Minister Pisanu earlier this week and also confirmed that he would be visiting Libya in the ‘very near’ future to continue discussing the immigration problem.

The Minister said that Malta is in favour of creating some sort of refugee accommodation centers in countries outside the EU and is lobbying for this solution in international discussions. He added that Malta has the highest rate of refugee approvals which amount to 53 percent, surely a good certificate for the country. Parliament has also unanimously approved a law in which any immigrant who feels that his case is taking too long to be decided can now now apply for a pledge, the Minister added.

The exact figures of refugees currently detained in closed centers as are as follows: Armed Forces of Malta: 489, Ta’ Kandja Police Complex: 82, Half Far: 106. Commissioner Rizzo said that around 100 police were involved in the detention operations with Brigadier Vassallo confirming that 120 AFM personnel were full time on the job.

In his conclusion, Minister Borg praised all those NGO’s and voluntary organizations who were assisting in this vast humanitarian effort and added that the Bon Pasteur Home in Balzan had accepted a further 70 refugees for a total of 370 which was indeed laudable. He called for a concerted effort with regard to this problem and also confirmed that he would continue working assiduously to make the case for Malta as a special one so that assistance from the EU may be forthcoming to deal with this ever mounting problem.