Ill-timed request

Apart from breaking Maltese law by overstaying his visa, a crime punishable by deportation, Taddel Guma Al Madrous's request for Malta to grant him refugee status (August 18) is both ill-timed and ill-advised. Mr Al Madrous even had a Labour MP "demand" in Parliament that his case be viewed favourably by the powers that be (July 27). Libyan diplomats know how Maltese politics are played, otherwise why would an uncle of Mr Al Madrous and former Libyan ambassador to India appeal to a member of the opposition rather than to the Interior Minister directly?

The timing of Mr Al Madrous's appeal could not have come at a worse time: Malta's EU membership and its long-standing good relations with Libya are being touted both as prestige-enhancing as well as potentially beneficial to Malta from a financial standpoint. It would not make sense to do anything to sour such a relationship.

Also, despite Libyan officials' protestations that their government is doing all that is possible regarding the thorny issue of illegal immigration, there is much more that Libya can do that is within its capabilities and which can put a halt to the trafficking in human cargo that threatens to overwhelm us all. After all, two million undocumented foreigners in the market for all types of seaworthy craft must cause no small amount of internal security headaches to a country known for its strict entry and exit permit requirements. Gamesmanship is within the purview of both governments.

Mr Al Madrous has stated that he no longer feels safe here in Malta and should he be granted refugee status he would move to London. This is just as well since it is doubtful that the Maltese government could guarantee his safety anyway. Then again if he truly fears for his life, I question his true motive for choosing Malta as his refuge. In the past, borders and distance have not deterred the Libyan secret services. Their reach is indeed long.