Lawrence Gonzi steps up for Gaddafi, ‘we’re ready to do anything for EU to hammer out Libya agreement’

Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi today spelt out Malta’s complete support of Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi’s veiled threats to the European Union, calling for $5 billion to control his country’s porous borders.

Speaking on Radio 101 today, Gonzi even claimed that as long as the EU is satisfied that immigrants’ “human dignity” is respected in Libya, Malta was “ready to do anything to get the EU and the Libyan government on the same table and discuss an agreement.”

Gonzi even claimed that conditions inside Libyan detention centres, “as witnessed by an MEPs’ delegation led by Simon Busuttil… are not entirely bad”, in justifying Malta’s stand in favour of the Libyan repatriation deal with Italy.

Libyais criticised by international human rights organisations for its non-adherence of the Geneva Convention and its treatment of African asylum seekers passing through the country to make the crossing to Europe. Earlier this year, it expelled the United Nations High Commission for Refugees.

“The irrefutable fact is that the number of irregular immigrants this year was almost down to zero, because the Libyan government took steps to control its coast,” he said, referring to the Italo-Libyan repatriation efforts.

“I say that since this number is down, this means we have helped thousands of people escape death from the Mediterranean voyage. Controlling the flow of migrants at source surely contributes to less death. But we must be sure that we also work together with Libya that the people stopped at the border are treated with all human dignity.”

Gonzi today also expressed his total support of PN secretary-general Paul Borg Olivier, over his handling of the Nikki Dimech expulsion from the PN.

Dimech is being charged with bribery after admitting to having asked for commissions on a council contract. Earlier this week he was deposed as mayor after a vote of no confidence moved by PN councillors.

“One of our main reforms was having council executive secretaries employed by the department of local government, rather than councillors themselves. This was the reason that financial mismanagement inside councils was being investigated by the IAID and the police,” the prime minister said.

Councils have a €30 million budget.

“In the PN, when someone admits to criminal charges, we expect them to resign instantly until the entire process of justice is completed. I back Paul Borg Olivier in all his decisions. We expect the highest level of ethical behaviour from everybody.”

The prime minister took the opportunity to hit out at Labour for the abstention of its councillors on the Nikki Dimech vote of no confidence.

“Labour confuses people’s minds and supports those who admit to breaking the law,” Gonzi said.

“Political parties remain instrumental in fielding candidates for local council elections… Labour’s abstention is really disappointing for the Opposition leader. Words and deeds really show otherwise in this case. It seems there are still people in the country who do not share our genuine stand on corruption. And our agenda is straight, clear and principled.”

In other interventions, Gonzi said the government’s continued investment in health and the development of an oncology department at Mater Dei hospital belied claims by Labour that the PN would introduce fees for health.

Buoyed by positive tourism statistics, Gonzi noted the Oriflame conference which attracted four plane-loads of participants in August had confirmed the positive results of investing more in tourism.

Gonzi also fleetingly made reference to national airline Air Malta. “We still have to take a decision on Air Malta and it won’t be easy. Air Malta is a strategic asset for our country and we must help it stay on its feet, while still attracting other airlines.”