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Matthew Vella
A US Department of State and Department of Defence joint report to Congress has described the Malta Freeport as a “potentially serious weapons of mass destruction (WMD) transhipment threat.”
The report, which details a request for the 2006 American spend on foreign militaries, claims the greatest concern to the US on the Freeport is the potential movement of WMD and missile-systems-related items.
“The threat of WMD and dual-use material transhipment through the Maltese Freeport is potentially serious. In 2004, the Islamic Republic of Iran Shipping Lines (IRISL) established Freeport as its Mediterranean hub. Also, Malta is close to other states of interest (Libya and Algeria),” the annual report stated.
With nearly one-third of all international maritime traffic passing through Maltese waters, the Freeport also serves as a transit link in the flow of goods to and from “sensitive areas” such as Libya, Iran and the Balkans.
For years, the US authorised millions for the Maltese army to beef up its security responses to threats to its border security. Funds took a dip when Malta, a signatory of the International Criminal Court, did not sign the US’s article 98 agreement which absconds American soldiers from international prosecution.
The joint reports claim Malta “felt pressured not to sign such an agreement” for fearing of endangering its EU candidacy. Despite the suspension of virtually all US military assistance, Malta remained a recipient of the Nonproliferation, Antitterrorism, Demining and Related (NADR) programmes, which provides funds for border security.
According to the April 2005 report, some 46 military personnel were trained as part of the counter-terrorism fellowship programme, which was withdrawn in July 2004 due to Malta’s ‘article 98’ status.
Malta’s funds dipped to a mere USD250,000 in NADR funds in 2004, after it had been the recipient of USD5.7 million in foreign military financing and international military education and training funds.
Malta’s ‘article 98’ status is currently under review after the US embassy to Malta asked Washington to waiver the suspension of funds.
mvella@mediatoday.com.mt
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