Memo: Malta considering push-backs: statement by Home Affairs Commissioner, Cecilia Malmström

In a statement on 9 July 2013, the European Home Affairs Commissioner, Cecilia Malmström, expressed concern regarding statements from the Maltese Prime Minister about the possibility to send back persons recently arrived to Malta.

The Mediterranean island nation of Malta was the first destination for many refugees. Malta had been criticised by the EU and the Council of Europe for its efforts to keep the refugees out, but the rest of the EU could be seen to be part of the problem. The related hyperlinks examine all the issues

EUObserver, 10.07.13: Outrage over Malta's plan to kick out asylum seekers http://euobserver.com/justice/120817

ESO: Background Information: The Pope 'Embraced the Lepers of Today' http://www.europeansources.info/record/the-pope-embraced-the-lepers-of-today/

BBC News, 10.07.13: Malta cancels migrant deportation to Libya http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-23253648

Blog: MaltaToday, 05.07.13: Immigration and the return of European elections http://www.maltatoday.com.mt/en/blogsdetails/blogs/Immigration-and-the-return-of-European-elections-20130705

Wikipedia: Illegal immigration in Malta http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Illegal_immigration_in_Malta

Malta Today, 09.07.13: 102 migrants brought to Malta this morning http://www.maltatoday.com.mt/en/newsdetails/news/national/102-immigrants-brought-to-Malta-this-morning-20130709

The Times of Malta, 10.07.13: Plan to send migrants back to Libya blocked (via PressEurop) http://www.presseurop.eu/en/content/news-brief/3955781-plan-send-migrants-back-libya-blocked

Deutsche Welle, 14.07.13: Dispute over Malta's cold shoulder for refugees http://dw.de/p/197Uj

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