Neville Gafa’ involved in secret AFM-Libya deal: The Headlines – The Sunday Times

The Sunday Times claims that a secret agreement between the Armed Forces and the Libyan Coast Guard was brokered by OPM official Neville Gafa’ to intercept migrant boats headed towards Maltese waters and return them to the north African country.

The Sunday Times reports that “Malta has secretly negotiated an agreement with Libya that sees the Armed Forces of Malta coordinating with the Libyan coastguard to intercept migrants headed towards the island and returned to the war-torn North African country.

The agreement for “mutual cooperation” was struck between members of the AFM and the Libyan coastguard, with government official Neville Gafà acting as an intermediary. Mr Gafà, who works out of the OPM in an undisclosed position, has faced repeated allegations of bribery linked to the issuing of medical visas to Libyan nationals, claims he denies.

A senior government source told The Sunday Times of Malta that talks between Mr Gafà, the AFM and the Libyan authorities, on the subject of cooperation, first started around a year ago.

“We reached what you could call an understanding with the Libyans. When there is a vessel heading towards our waters, the AFM coordinates with the Libyans who pick them up and take them back to Libya before they come into our waters and become our responsibility,” the source said.

He added that had the agreement not been reached with Libya then the island would have been “drowning in migrants” by now.

A spokesman for the Prime Minister said last night that bilateral meetings on various sectors are held on a regular basis and Malta always acts in accordance with applicable international laws and conventions. ”

In another story, the paper that there are as many as 17 illegal batching plants across Malta and Gozo, however, the booming construction sector has left the Planning Authority with little option but to consider granting amnesties.