‘We have to look out for ourselves when it comes to deal with migration’ – Prime Minister
Prime Minister Joseph Muscat said yesterday that when it comes to the migration issue, “we will have to look out for ourselves”.
Speaking to journalists at the end of a European Union summit in Brussels, Dr Muscat said that he is however satisfied with the fact that there are plans to help African countries to control the influx of immigration.
Referring to the discussions related to the free trade pact with Canada, Dr Muscat expressed his disappointment that some EU member states are still sceptical on opening trade with the world and with countries like Canada, which he described as one of the most progressive countries in the world.
Canada in fact walked out of talks yesterday, unable to break a deadlock with the small Belgian region of Wallonia, which has been defying multinational efforts to have the pact signed next week.
Dr Muscat explained that, on a positive note, the discussions on Russia and Syria were very fruitful and praised the level of convergence on these matters.
Dr Muscat said that the government should make sure that our country is protected but also that lives that can be saved are saved. “We need to take human approaches. But we cannot wait for the European Union to start doing anything about it.”
Asked about Brexit, Dr Muscat said that UK Prime Minister Theresa May “confirmed most of the things we know so far” but discussions cannot start before next March when Article 50 of the Treaty of the EU is invoked.