Human trafficking at the roots of irregular immigration – Giulio Terzi

Italy's foreign minister Giulio Terzi insisted that controlling irregular immigration doesn't start and stop at controlling the borders and frontiers but by tracing and breaking down criminal organisations pushing human trafficking.

Addressing the Maltese parliamentary committee for Foreign Affairs, the Italian minister said that the upcoming 5 5 summit should focus on finding ways to combating irregular immigration to its cores.

"It is a complex issue since in all our policies we must always protect the rights of the individuals. The starting point is understanding what causes irregular immigration and what prompts people to leave their country," Terzi said this afternoon.

He said that criminal organisations were exploiting political and financial problems in countries to push forward human trafficking.

"But we are not the only countries in Europe facing this problem," the foreign minister said, referring to the influx of migrants suffered by both Italy and Malta.

Terzi went on to say how Italy was in full support of defending human rights: "Italy is one of the few countries with a record number of having implemented UN sanctions. Sanctions are costly for the government, but it's how the strongest message is sent out."

Terzi welcomed the appointment of the new president in Somalia, which he said represented a positive step forward. He said that bilateral cooperation between nations was also another positive way how to tackle the issue.

"As independent nations, there is so much we can do. So what remains is political action. Italy, for example, has an ongoing important relationship with Eritrea. We are trying to open channels of communication... but it isn't easy."

On tackling immigration at EU level, Terzi said that among other things Frontex should be reinforced and funding provided to tackle other migratory issues.

Referring to the uprising in Syria, Terzi insisted that there was no one in the European Union who believed that President Bashar al-Assad should remain in power.

"Democratic elections should definitely take place in Syria, but under the supervision of the United Nation and without the presence of Assad," he added.

Apart from immigration, Terzi said the 5 5 summit would provide an opportunity for countries to discuss the economy, energy and transportation.

Referring to the interconnector plans between Malta and Sicily, Terzi said that the project was "a priority" for the Italian government.

"We have advanced on the regulatory and authorisation aspects of the process. I believe we are on the right track and we are confident that the whole process will be finalized by the end of the year," he said.

Terzi however added that there "could be some problems with local government".