Learning tricks
“We look forward to learning some of your tricks on how to achieve our targets,” Prime Minister Joseph Muscat told EU Foreign Affairs Commissioner Federica Mogherini at Castille yesterday Photo: Michael Camilleri
The Maltese government did not take instructions from any country to refuse permission for a Soviet tanker on its way to Syria to refuel in Malta, Foreign Minister George Vella said yesterday, stating that Malta took this decision on its own.
International and local media reported last week that the government initially gave permission to a Russian military replenishment fuel tanker to berth and refuel in Malta on its way to Syria, but then withdrew the permit following American and British pressure.
A note verbal issued on 20 October and published by the media shows that the government had given diplomatic clearance to the RFS Dubna to enter Malta between 4 and 6 November, but later withdrew the permission.
Addressing the media in the presence of EU Commissioner for Foreign Affairs Federica Mogherini, Dr Vella said Malta did not want to be part of a “war machine.”
But he insisted that this does not necessarily mean that Malta will not allow Russian vessels – not warships – to refuel in Malta should they request to do so in the future.
“Contrary to reports, there was no country that told Malta what to do. We are wise enough not to be part of any country going into Syria to perpetrate the atrocities that are happening there.” He also said that the decision was driven by the humanitarian wish not to see the situation in Syria worsen
“The decision not to refuel the Russian fleet in the Mediterranean was simply taken on our own responsibility, fully conscious of our Constitutional constraints.”
For her part, Commissioner Mogherini said that there was no EU directive instructing member states not to support the Russian war vessel.
Presidency
During the meeting with Foreign Affairs Minister George Vella, the two discussed a number of important topics, including migration, security, the unification of Cyprus, and the Mediterranean. During the meeting, the two shared their ideas as to the objectives of Malta’s Presidency.
“When we saw that this flotilla was heading towards Syria, we decided not to be a part of this war machine.”
For her part, Federica Mogherini said that Malta is a bridge between the EU and Africa. She spoke of opportunities to work with Africa on partnerships, growth and migration. The Maltese Presidency will also be used to prepare for the next EU-Africa summit. Since taking up her post as EU Commissioner, she said, she has seen migration and Libya jump upwards in EU priorities, out of political choice and not because the situation was forced.
“I am sure the Maltese Presidency will help us face these challenges.”
Migration
Asked by The Malta Independent how the EU plans to tackle the sheer number of migrant deaths in the Mediterranean, the EU Commissioner said that “the EU has established operations in the Mediterranean, and its first purpose is to dismantle human trafficking operations at sea and on land. We are in international waters.” She said that some suspected smugglers have already been arrested, and this has already started to create disincentives. As you know this operation is also saving lives, and allowing others to do the same, she said.
As a human being, I felt deeply ashamed two or three years ago, when there were people dying in the Mediterranean and the EU as such was not present, and I feel proud with every single life we manage to save.
She said that what is happening in the Mediterranean is just the tip of the iceberg, as there are people dying in the desert and on the shores.
She also spoke of cooperation with countries of transit, like Niger, where the EU is now beginning to see results making it more difficult for human traffickers.
During the press conference, the Minister and Commissioner also told the press about their discussion held earlier yesterday morning. The Minister put a lot of emphasis on the link between the Mediterranean and Europe, and that the EU must realise that the Mediterranean is part and parcel of Europe, that EU security depends on the Mediterranean. He said that aside from problems, the region also offers many opportunities.