The rhetoric has gone up a notch, with Prime Minister Joseph Muscat’s saying that he will consider using Malta’s veto in EU negotiations in an effort to draw attention to Malta’s boat people problem.

No one even knows what term to use any more. They were originally called clandestines, but to get the full effect of the slur – it was Klandestini. Then the term illegal immigrants came into use – perhaps slightly better. Then they were referred to as irregular immigrants. After that it became migrants. Eventually, Malta opened up to the term asylum seekers.

Now, all of a sudden, we are back to the term illegal immigrants, which was used by the Prime Minister this week. Whether or not it was intentional, National Security Minister Manwel Mallia referred to them as irregular immigrants during the same press conference as addressed by Dr Muscat.

We have already gone on record in yesterday’s leading article in saying that though the arrival of boat people is a problem for the country, the most important thing is to save lives. After that, it is offering as much humanitarian assistance as possible to them. As we said, let us not lose our humanity. Everyone agrees with Dr Muscat’s position insomuch that Malta needs help. By help, we mean help to integrate African nationals into our society and turning them into a productive and integrated asset. But on the other hand, we also need help from other nations in resettling them. Dr Muscat made a good point the other day, he said that just as Europe showed help towards countries that are in financial trouble, it should also show help to Malta in terms of humanitarian relief.

Dr Muscat has not minced his words. He said that he will consider using his veto if Malta is not helped. He has not specifically said that he will do it, he has left himself room to maneuver and will see how far it gets him. But there is something else that makes people worry – push-backs.  Many cannot reconcile with the idea of pushing immigrants back to their port of origin. The PM has gone on record and said that Malta will continue to do its duty in saving lives. But in saying push-back, does the PM mean that Maltese vessels will escort boats all the way back to Libya, or does he mean patrols that just prevent boats from passing through and pointing them back in the other direction. That, surely, is just a tragedy waiting to happen. It will result in drownings.

Of course, it is all part of the complex dance of diplomacy, but we really have to question some of the comments made. EU Commissioner Cecelia Malmstrom said that the current situation is not a crisis. The PM curtly hit back by saying that if this is the case, then Sweden ought to consider taking them on. Saber rattling and following up within the EU is one thing, but hitting back with such remarks is another completely.

This should not be about threats of using vetos, remarks and counter remarks. It is a human problem. It is a problem that has been caused by humans and is not being addressed by fellow humans.