Frontex rules ignore Malta's plight

I would like to express my utter disappointment at the news that the European Parliament has adopted new rules for Frontex operations which would impose heavier burdens on Malta if it were to host a Frontex mission.

I am disappointed that our EU partners, led by Sweden's Commissioner for Immigration Cecilia Malmstrom, think they can ignore the interests of the smallest member state and saddle it with new obligations on top of what is already an unbearable situation. I am saddened that the northern EU partners are so insensitive to the dangers that the hundreds of thousands of illegal immigrants at present massed in Libya represent if they were unleashed on the countries of southern Europe.

I am also disappointed that in what is potentially a national emergency, the Maltese MEPs indulged in a blame game between Nationalists and Labourites.

Finally, I am disappointed that in a situation that is crystal clear to all Maltese who have eyes to see, the government still needs time to "evaluate" the implications. Carmelo Mifsud Bonnici must realise that Malta's national identity, our security and our standard of living are all at risk.