Malta Demands Conditionality in Development Assistance

Maltese Foreign Minister Michael Frendo yeterday raised the issue of irregular immigration during the Informal Foreign Ministers Meeting, also known as Gymnich, which was held at Celtic Manor, in Newport, Wales.

Minister Frendo was quoted saying by The Times that ACP (African Caribbaean and Pacific) countries receiving development aid from the EU should play their part in carrying out their obligations according to international trade agreements. He said that development aid agreements signed with these countries should be accompanied with effective repatriation and reintegration agreements.

During his intervention, Dr. Frendo also welcomed the new package on irregular immigration as proposed by the European Commission where a common asylum policy is being proposed. A detention period of six months is one of the Commission's proposals.

The topic of irregular immigration was put on yesterday's agenda after a joint request by the governments of Malta and Italy.

Link: European relations with African, Caribbean an Pacific (ACP) countries