Prime Minister Joseph Muscat has told Sky News that a a United Nations force should police Libyan ports to stem the tide of immigrants if richer countries refuse to help frontline states.

He also accused Northern European leaders of "hypocrisy" over the handling of immigration into Europe.

Speaking before today's European Council meeting, Dr Muscat again promised to be less co-operative on important Euro issues like bailouts if countries like Malta do not get more assistance.

"We could have said 'tough luck' when they wanted money for the bailouts. But we did the right thing. We need solidarity now."

He said that immigrants who do not pass muster for legitimate immigration should be repatriated by Europe working as a united body.

"Europe is trying to tackle a problem with tools of the past. It's like trying to send an e-mail on a fax machine." 

"It is a European problem and global problem."

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