Labour MEP calls for national unity on migration, asks Commission on asylum policy aid

Labour MEP Marlene Mizzi has asked the European Commission what type of assistance was it willing to provide to non EU member states, such as Libya, to combat irregular migration.

In a parliamentary question addressed to the Commission, Mizzi referred to the plight of Libyan Prime Minister Ali Zeidan that Libya needed the assitance of international organisations in order to effectively combat this phenomenon.

"The Libyan Prime Minister has made an explicit request for assistance in order to help his country take concrete measures on the human tragedy that is irregular migration," Mizzi said.

"I am therefore asking the European Commission to indicate what kind of concrete assistance it is willing to provide to those countries bordering Europe who want to find a dignified solution to this problem."

The MEP, who called for national unity on irregular migration, said irregular migration was a human tragedy where countries like Malta did not have the necessary means to find a solution.

"We expect assistance by right and in the spirit of solidarity, which has always been part of the raison d'etre of the European Union. I also urge the Commission to assist in concrete terms countries like Libya, in order to control the exodus of irregular immigrants at origin, an exodus which is mainly affecting peripheral members states like Malta," Mizzi said.

The Labour MEP said irregular migration was a national issue and should be tackled with as a united nation.

"We should all be united behind the Prime Minister 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," Mizzi said.

"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."