Minister for Foreign and European Affairs Evarist Bartolo reiterated Malta's call for more EU support and aid to reach Libya during a Foreign Affairs Council meeting, with a particular focus on healthcare and COVID-19 medical supplies.
Operation Irini, the EU naval mission tasked to enforce an arms embargo in Libya, was launched months ago, however Malta announced it would withdraw participation. On the issue of 'Irini', in which Malta suspended its participation, there are a number of issues tied with migration.European Union Minister for Foreign Affairs Josep Borrell, in remarks following the council, said that he has highlighted the migration issues facing Malta among member states and that the situated with 'Irini' is still "unsolved".
Malta confirmed that the issue at the moment is still unsolved.
Discussions on migration are taking place between Malta and a number of member states on the situation of the 160 migrants at sea and the matter is still not settled.
Malta also noted the increase of migrants coming through the Central Mediterranean route, which in April saw a further 300% compared to the same month last year, a ministry statement read.
Covid-19 challenges
It was noted that from the outset the collateral damage caused by COVID-19 on the region is greater than the ravaging virus itself. 27 million people in Africa is being pushed into extreme poverty. The effects in Africa will reach the Sahel and eventually the Maghreb as temporary workers in Africa are already losing their jobs.
Minister Bartolo detailed how the last two nights have been very difficult for Libya, which has become a veritable humanitarian crisis on our doorstep.
"My appeal for funding to assist Libya through the United Nations, as voiced at our last Foreign Affairs Council Meeting, is even more relevant today than last month, and the needs are much more acute. Half of the most vulnerable person suffering from the Libyan crisis are women and children, and the other half are migrants", stated Minister Bartolo.
He underscored the importance of supporting the United Nations to deliver the programme for humanitarian needs in Libya, noting that in spite of enormous challenges, "the UN and our humanitarian partners have continued to reach the most vulnerable people in Libya."
He emphasised that his request to the European Union was to deliver on the 100 million euros as soon as possible.
Foreign ministers also discussed the Middle East Peace Process. Malta reiterated its position in support of the international rules-based approach in line with the UN Security Council Resolutions, reaffirming its support to the Two-State Solution, and calling for the re-commencement of negotiations for an interim Association Agreement with Palestine, in tandem with a fresh round of the EU-Israel Association Council. M
inister Bartolo underlined that the EU needs to talk more to our partners in the Middle East, not about them.