Mallia – EU needs Libya to prevent fatal migrant crossings

Home affairs minister Manuel Mallia made a renewed call for a common action on migration, to counterparts from the EU in a forum convened on migration flows and loss of life at sea in the Mediterranean.

Mallia was speaking in the aftermath of a tragedy where around 300 asylum seekers could have lost their lives in a shipwreck, while performing the dangerous crossing across the sea.

"We need to take concrete action here - words are not enough. And action must be taken on all the different fronts of this multifaceted challenge. It is a question of solidarity among the member states and with third countries, but above all, with the people who are risking their lives every day," Mallia said.

"Last week's tragedy is a stark reminder of the dangers related to the Mediterranean sea crossing. But let us also bear in mind the long and dangerous land journeys, also across the dessert that these persons undertake, as well as the exploitation they suffer throughout the different stages of their journey."

Mallia called on the entire EU to assume responsibility for the Lampedusa tragedy, appealing for stronger action against human traffickers, and to dissuade migrants from making the crossing by informing them of the risk of loss of life.

He however also said that transit countries should have the necessary asylum systems and infrastructure to receive and to process applications for international protection. "Clearly, the Union must press for this, using political pressure as appropriate and giving the transit countries all the required assistance, with the involvement, of course, of the EU Agencies and international organisations in this field.

"From the contacts Malta has had with the Libyan side, it is clear that Libya has the will to build up cooperation in these areas. We must therefore endeavour to pursue this track without delay - this is a tool that would enable us to address the different dimensions of migration and asylum in a comprehensive manner and it is therefore the tool that is most likely to lead to success in addressing the situation in the Mediterranean and preventing further tragedies."

Malta is supporting an Italian proposal for a task force that could also include joint operations under border agency Frontex.