In a letter to MEP Miriam Dalli, the Vice President of the European Commission and High Representative responsible for foreign policy, Federica Mogherini articulated her efforts to highlight the importance of immigration in the UN-lead Libyan peace talks. In earlier correspondence between the two, Miriam Dalli urged Mogherini to give prominence to immigration in discussions on the instability in Libya. Dalli's letter garnered the support of another 64 MEPs.
“I have reached out to Libyan participants in the political dialogue and conveyed to them the urgency to reach a political agreement in order to be able to engage with the EU on this pressing matter. I also encouraged them to begin working together on shared challenges such as migration, not just because of the urgency and gravity of this but also as a trust-building measure that could bring closer cooperation,” said Federica Mogherini.
Mogherini said that she is in full agreement with Miriam Dalli and the MEPs who supported her initiative that there is a sense of urgency because unless the situation is dealt with, things will take a downward turn in the coming months. “I agree that the ongoing Libyan conflict has created an ideal environment for criminal activities of traffickers. Stabilising Libya is essential in order to prevent further loss of life off the Libyan shores,” added Federica Mogherini.
In her letter, Mogherini explained the European Commission's efforts since the Mediterranean tragedy of the 18th April and the following days. This included the presentation of the European Commission's Agenda on Migration.
The High Representative for Foreign Policy said the European Union is determined to address the challenge by mobilising all its instruments. She further mentioned different aid programmes including two new initiatives with the International Red Cross to help immigrants and other vulnerable people in Libya. Mogherini noted that addressing the situation is in the interest of the international community as a whole.
In her comments MEP Dalli said that the situation in Libya remains a priority within her parliamentary work. “Ensuring stability in Libya is a priority not just for Malta but also for the whole of the EU. The instability in the region is a key aspect not only because of immigration, but also in terms of ensuring peace in our neighbourhood,” Dr Dalli said. “With regards to immigration the answer provided by Federica Mogherini shows that at least this time round the European Commission is taking the matter and its consequences on people of Europe more seriously. It is indeed a pity that not all EU governments are prepared to show solidarity on the matter. This is entirely unacceptable, as is the fact that countries such as Malta are subjected to strict Dublin rules. On my part, I am committed to keep up the pressure to change this state of affairs.”
The letter was also sent to the United Nations Special Envoy, Bernardino Leon, who is leading the Libya peace talks. In his reply Leon confirmed that immigration would be included as part of the peace talks.