Labour MEP Marlene Mizzi has tabled a parliamentary question in the European Parliament asking the Commission for information on the type of assistance it was willing to provide to countries outside the European Union, such as Libya, to combat the problem of irregular migration.

Ms Mizzi referred to the recent statements made by the Libyan Prime Minister Ali Zeidan in bilateral meetings with Maltese Prime Minister Joseph Muscat during which Prime Minister Zeidan had declared that his country needed the assistance of international organisations to combat effectively the problem of irregular migration.

Ms Mizzi said: "Last week, the Libyan Prime Minister made an explicit request for assistance in order to help his country to be able to take concrete measures on the human tragedy that is irregular migration.  I am therefore asking the European Commission to indicate what kind of concrete assistance it is willing to provide to those countries bordering the European Union who want to find a dignified solution to this problem.”

Ms Mizzi urged the Commission to assist in concrete terms  countries   like Libya control the exodus of irregular immigrants at origin, an exodus  which was  mainly affecting   peripheral members states like Malta.

When referring to the stand taken by Dr Muscat, Ms Mizzi said “this is a  national issue and we should tackle it as a united nation.  We should all be united behind the  PM who , after seeing the country’s plight  being ignored for many years by the other members of the Union, has left him no option but to stand up and be counted. We should back this stand.  This is no time to resort to partisan politics and seeking political kudos. This is the time to stand united in the interest of these  people and in the interest of our country.”