Libya migration deal is for you, Muscat tells party faithful in Safi – MaltaToday
Prime Minister describes the past week as a historic one in which European leaders sought to address the concerns of the people
Prime Minister Joseph Muscat hailed the Libya agreement as a historic first step in tackling migration to Europe
We did what they used to say was impossible. We facilitated an agreement between Italy and Libya that wont solve everything;but it will help our neighbour to no longer act asa sieve for people who have risked their life in crossing a desert, only to then have to risk their lives to cross the sea and come to Europe, to Malta, to Safi, where they are forgotten, he continued.
Muscat said that he understood the concerns of those opposed to the agreement but insisted that doing nothing was not an option.
People were concerned that nobody was listening to them. These are good families, families that want to help but who cannot do so if the numbers are too big.
While Europe had an obligation to help those who are being bombed and who are suffering persecution, Muscat said that anyonecoming in search a better job needed to pass through official channels. The European Union is coming to its senses and working to solve this problem, he said, adding that the agreement will also see help being given to third countries.
Now that we have started making progress we must work on the second part. We must now set up humanitarian corridors for these people. If you deserve to be given refuge, you should be able to get on a plan to start a new life.
Onthe newly-announceddevelopment of a new 315-room luxury hotel to be built on the former Institute of Tourism Studies site at St Georges Bay, Muscat emphasised that this is further proof of the governments commitment to creating employment and driving economic growth.
In the week where everyone thought we were only thinking of international affairs, we got the largest local investment ever seen in Malta. Even better than that, it will be creating 1,500 new jobs.
According to Muscat, such a project will be bringingtourists that paymore, and this means that employers will have to pay employees more for their services. In addition to this, he said that the project will also contribute to developing a better service industry, with better quality jobs.
Turning to criticism over the governments valuation of the land the hotel will be developed on, Muscat said that the government had not estimated the value itself. For the first time, we got one of the best auditing agencies to estimate the value of the land. They gave a professional estimate, the likes of which the country has never seen.
Furthermore, he said that a clause had been introduced to ensure that if the value of the land changes in the future, the government will beentitled to more money. If today, you can build 100 flats that is the price, but if that changes and you can build 120 flats in the future, you must pay more. This is how we protect the nations assets, he stressed.
Briefly addressing criticism levelled against him by the opposition some over his visit to a pastizzi shop with four European heads of state, Muscat said that the government had no problem having tea in a small shop, with the people.
We dont mind this, we are proud to be the children of workers, we are proud to be rising from humble beginnings and to be lifting the country with us.
On the announcement this week, that the US fantasy sports giant DraftKings will be basing a part of its operation in Malta, Muscat said that this was part of the governments vision for a truly cosmopolitan country. This country is capable of obtaining even better results. It can lift itself from mediocracy, this is a country that is capable of being top of the league.
Finally, the Prime Minister said that the government would continue to rise above divisive and negative political rhetoric. Those who have no arguments to make must rely on dividing and provoking their opposition. People understand this, and can see through it, he said indirectly referring to allegations against minister Chris Cardona that have dominated this weeks news cycles.
People are capable of deciding in their own homes, that which is right and that which is wrong. They can also feel that some people are genuine and sometimes make mistakes, as well as see that some people are bitter and intentionally being divisive. My promise is that over the coming months the government will not descend to this level. We speak on the level of those who have aspirations and who are fed up with the politics of division. We want to speak to those who want to work towards solutions.
Read more:
Libya migration deal is for you, Muscat tells party faithful in Safi - MaltaToday
- More than 1,200 migrants arrive in Crete amid influx from Libya - MSN - July 8th, 2025 [July 8th, 2025]
- Libya Passenger Car Industry to Witness Strong Growth, Expected - openPR.com - July 8th, 2025 [July 8th, 2025]
- BP, Shell eye return to Libya with fresh oilfield study deals - Quantum Commodity Intelligence - July 8th, 2025 [July 8th, 2025]
- BP to Explore Oil Development Opportunities in Libya with National Oil Company - MarketScreener - July 8th, 2025 [July 8th, 2025]
- BP and Shell to explore oilfield prospects in Libya - Arabian Gulf Business Insight | AGBI - July 8th, 2025 [July 8th, 2025]
- Greece detains 1,200 migrants in three days as arrivals from Libya surge - The Independent - July 8th, 2025 [July 8th, 2025]
- Libya extends condolences to US over Texas flood tragedy - The Libya Observer - July 8th, 2025 [July 8th, 2025]
- Al-Sisi calls for unified efforts to hold elections in Libya, urges withdrawal of foreign forces - Daily News Egypt - July 6th, 2025 [July 6th, 2025]
- UNSMIL calls for investigation into death of government critic - The Libya Observer - July 6th, 2025 [July 6th, 2025]
- Is a friendly in Libya coming? Bara would have already reached an agreement - FC Barcelona Noticias - July 6th, 2025 [July 6th, 2025]
- Big Oil Bids in Libya's First Exploration Tender in 18 Years - Crude Oil Prices Today | OilPrice.com - July 4th, 2025 [July 4th, 2025]
- Trkiye rejects EU declaration over deal with Libya | Daily Sabah - Daily Sabah - July 4th, 2025 [July 4th, 2025]
- Fresh pushback from Ankara over opposition to Turkey-Libya marine borders deal - eKathimerini.com - July 4th, 2025 [July 4th, 2025]
- Egypt hosts secret talks between Sudan's Burhan and Libya's Haftar in bid to mend ties, sources say - Middle East Eye - July 4th, 2025 [July 4th, 2025]
- Libya's Energy Exploration Tender: Chevron and TotalEnergies Among Key Contenders - News and Statistics - IndexBox - July 4th, 2025 [July 4th, 2025]
- Greek PM Mitsotakis and Commissioner Brunner Discuss Curbing Migrant Flows from Libya - tovima.com - July 4th, 2025 [July 4th, 2025]
- How LA 2028 And U.S. Security Policy Are Disrupting Global Travel: Impact On Iran, Haiti, Libya, Senegal, And Venezuela, Here Is What You Need To Know... - July 4th, 2025 [July 4th, 2025]
- Libya: Battling conditions with organic growing - Hortidaily - July 4th, 2025 [July 4th, 2025]
- Trump Advisor Boulous: Elections are the only solution to end Libyas crisis - The Libya Observer - July 4th, 2025 [July 4th, 2025]
- Oil Tanker Suffers Unexplained Blast Weeks After Russia Call - Bloomberg - July 2nd, 2025 [July 2nd, 2025]
- Mitsotakis Wants EU to Keep Libya from Sending Refugee Boats - The National Herald - July 2nd, 2025 [July 2nd, 2025]
- No injuries or pollution after explosion at oil tanker off Libya, says Greek operator - eKathimerini.com - July 2nd, 2025 [July 2nd, 2025]
- 2 Greek warships begin patrolling off Libya to prevent flow of irregular migrants - Anadolu Ajans - July 2nd, 2025 [July 2nd, 2025]
- Libya's economy showed recovery in 2024, remained resilient despite reliance on hydrocarbons and ongoing political and security instability: World... - July 2nd, 2025 [July 2nd, 2025]
- Belarusian PM to Hammad: Minsk eyes cooperation with Libya in agriculture, industry, and healthcare - The Libya Observer - July 2nd, 2025 [July 2nd, 2025]
- Libya rejects European interference in maritime agreement with Turkey - The Arab Weekly - June 29th, 2025 [June 29th, 2025]
- The Prime Minister of Eastern Libya threatens Greece - - Greek City Times - June 29th, 2025 [June 29th, 2025]
- Three Libyan companies win awards in Athens International Olive Oil Competition - Libya Herald - June 29th, 2025 [June 29th, 2025]
- Explosion Reported on Crude Tanker Off the Coast of Libya - The Maritime Executive - June 29th, 2025 [June 29th, 2025]
- Libyan and Omani Economy Ministers meet agree to activate several existing agreements and hold a business forum - Libya Herald - June 29th, 2025 [June 29th, 2025]
- Libya, Trkiye defend deal as Greece sustains objection | Daily Sabah - Daily Sabah - June 29th, 2025 [June 29th, 2025]
- Greece deploys 3 warships in the Eastern Mediterranean between Turkey and Libya - The Libya Observer - June 29th, 2025 [June 29th, 2025]
- Economy Ministry warns against speculation on the Dinar, assures gradual stability of exchange market - The Libya Observer - June 29th, 2025 [June 29th, 2025]
- Libyan Italian Forum concludes with the signing of 98 MoUs - Libya Herald - June 28th, 2025 [June 28th, 2025]
- Greek Political Tensions Resurface Over Turkey-Libya Pact - Greek City Times - June 28th, 2025 [June 28th, 2025]
- UN urges renewed political and climate action in Libya amid humanitarian and governance crises - africanews.com - June 26th, 2025 [June 26th, 2025]
- Warehouse fire and explosion in Ajkharrah injures 18 - The Libya Observer - June 26th, 2025 [June 26th, 2025]
- Pakistan urges all stakeholders in divided Libya to address outstanding issues through dialogue - Associated Press of Pakistan - June 26th, 2025 [June 26th, 2025]
- Libya, Turkey sign MoU on offshore areas, Athens reiterates rejection - eKathimerini.com - June 26th, 2025 [June 26th, 2025]
- Remarks at a UN Security Council Briefing on Libya - United States Mission to the United Nations (.gov) - June 26th, 2025 [June 26th, 2025]
- Pakistan urges continued intl support for peace in Libya - RADIO PAKISTAN - June 26th, 2025 [June 26th, 2025]
- Greece to deploy frigates off Libya to curb increased migrant flows, PM says - Reuters - June 24th, 2025 [June 24th, 2025]
- Libya's Al-Khadim airbase becomes a hub for Russian arms in the Sahel - RFI - June 24th, 2025 [June 24th, 2025]
- Greek Navy Deploys Warships To Thwart Surge Of Migrant Vessels Off Libya - Marine Insight - June 24th, 2025 [June 24th, 2025]
- MSF remains ready to resume medical activities in Libya - MSF - June 24th, 2025 [June 24th, 2025]
- Greek Navy Sending Refugee Hunting Patrols Near Libya - The National Herald - June 24th, 2025 [June 24th, 2025]
- New appointments for Stability Support Apparatus and Judicial Police Authority - The Libya Observer - June 24th, 2025 [June 24th, 2025]
- Greece plans to deploy navy ships off Libya to 'send a message' to migrant smugglers - MSN - June 24th, 2025 [June 24th, 2025]
- CBL penalizes three banks over unauthorized customer fees - The Libya Observer - June 24th, 2025 [June 24th, 2025]
- Analyst doubts impact of Berlin talks on Libya - Libyan Express - June 22nd, 2025 [June 22nd, 2025]
- General Authority for Exhibitions discusses strengthening cooperation with Turkey - The Libya Observer - June 22nd, 2025 [June 22nd, 2025]
- Qatar reaffirms commitment to work with partners to achieve peace in Libya - The Peninsula Qatar - June 22nd, 2025 [June 22nd, 2025]
- Libya's parallel government rejects Greeces drilling moves in the Mediterranean - The Libya Observer - June 22nd, 2025 [June 22nd, 2025]
- At least 60 people feared dead after shipwrecks off the coast of Libya - Al Jazeera - June 20th, 2025 [June 20th, 2025]
- IOM Reports 60 Migrants Missing in Two Deadly Shipwrecks off Libya - International Organization for Migration - June 20th, 2025 [June 20th, 2025]
- Russias Potential Withdrawal from Syria and Pivot to Libya - New Lines Institute - June 20th, 2025 [June 20th, 2025]
- Soccer fans storm field in Libya and a Portuguese referee is injured during a suspended match - Houston Chronicle - June 20th, 2025 [June 20th, 2025]
- Gaza-bound activist convoy retreats to Misrata after being blocked in east Libya - France 24 - June 20th, 2025 [June 20th, 2025]
- Libya : Moscow fears being excluded from the Berlin process - Africa Intelligence - June 20th, 2025 [June 20th, 2025]
- Tunisia calls for stronger ties with Libya and Algeria - Libyan Express - June 20th, 2025 [June 20th, 2025]
- Activists stopped in Libya and Egypt ahead of planned march to protest Gaza blockade - The Times of Israel - June 20th, 2025 [June 20th, 2025]
- UN envoy: Hate speech threatens Libyas unity and stability - The Libya Observer - June 20th, 2025 [June 20th, 2025]
- Libya is without justice, peace and a functioning state - Arab News - June 20th, 2025 [June 20th, 2025]
- At least 60 people feared missing in two deadly shipwrecks off Libya, IOM says - Yahoo - June 20th, 2025 [June 20th, 2025]
- Injustice By Design: Need for Comprehensive Justice Reform in Libya - Human Rights Watch - June 4th, 2025 [June 4th, 2025]
- Tripoli Just Flipped: Why the U.S. Cant Afford to Miss This Moment in Libya - Middle East Forum - June 4th, 2025 [June 4th, 2025]
- Mi-26s and T-62s: What Russia's military backing of Haftar means for Libya - AL-Monitor - June 1st, 2025 [June 1st, 2025]
- Libyan political parties call for inclusive political process - The Libya Observer - June 1st, 2025 [June 1st, 2025]
- Libya protesters call on PM to quit in third weekly march - The New Arab - June 1st, 2025 [June 1st, 2025]
- Libyan ambassador checks on community in Alexandria after storm - The Libya Observer - June 1st, 2025 [June 1st, 2025]
- Two summits for Egypt, Algeria, and Tunisia on Libya before end of year - The Libya Observer - June 1st, 2025 [June 1st, 2025]
- 11 Sudanese migrants killed in a car crash in the Libya desert, authorities say - ABC News - May 30th, 2025 [May 30th, 2025]
- Libya Arrests Three for Storming NOC Amid Threats to Oil Supply - Crude Oil Prices Today | OilPrice.com - May 30th, 2025 [May 30th, 2025]
- France supports the renewal of the arms embargo on Libya - France ONU - May 30th, 2025 [May 30th, 2025]
- Libya's Eastern Government Warns Of Force Majeure on Oil Ports and Fields - Crude Oil Prices Today | OilPrice.com - May 30th, 2025 [May 30th, 2025]
- Turkey's strategy towards Libya: analysis of regional dynamics and future perspectives - - iari.site - May 30th, 2025 [May 30th, 2025]
- Libya's eastern-based government says it may announce force majeure on oil fields, ports - Reuters - May 28th, 2025 [May 28th, 2025]
- Haftar vows military will have final say at key moments - The Libya Observer - May 28th, 2025 [May 28th, 2025]
- Sharing influence in Libya, Russia and Turkey work for calm after Haftars threats - The Arab Weekly - May 28th, 2025 [May 28th, 2025]
- Tripoli Just Flipped: Why the US Cant Afford to Miss This Moment in Libya - The Times of Israel - May 28th, 2025 [May 28th, 2025]