Deal reached brings end to saga of 49 people stranded off Maltese shores
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An agreement on a deal has been reached which will bring to end the saga of a group of 49 long-suffering migrants disembarking in Malta from two NGO rescue ships for distribution among eight EU countries. The agreement was announced on Wednesday morning by Prime minister Joseph Muscat.
Most of the 249 migrants brought to Malta by AFM patrol boats in December will also be taken to other EU countries. 220 persons will be relocated to other member states or be returned to their county of origin” Dr Muscat said.
Germany, France, Portugal, Ireland, Romania, Luxembourg, the Netherlands and Italy will be supporting the relocation effort.
“I personally thank the European Commission for coordinating this major effort,” Muscat said. “It’s very reassuring that it understands our concerns and the it took a leadership role in this regard. The operation to transfer the migrants onto AFM vessels will start as soon as possible, after which the NGO boats will be asked to leave our waters immediately.”
“Malta is a very small country and it is in our nature to assist those in distress, but as Prime Minister I cannot shirk the responsibility of safeguarding our national security and national interest. As I have insisted, this case will not act as a precedent and I have been given reassurances that we will have the support of EU institutions in this regard.”
