Brussels, 29/03/2010 (Agence Europe) - The Commissioner for Internal affairs, Cecilia Malmström, announced on Monday 29 March, that she was in favour of discussions with the Maltese authorities after their refusal to participate in European External Border Agency (Frontex) operations if new rules on rescuing migrants at sea were applied. The Commissioner indicated that, “of course we are going to have discussions with this country. It is important that Frontex can operate in cooperation with Malta, not only because it is a country in the middle of the Mediterranean but also because the boat season is just about to begin”. This statement follows declarations made the day before by Maltese prime minister, Lawrence Gonzi, who rejected his country participating in Frontex operations if new rules of engagement were applied. Gonzi specifically referred to a decision recently adopted by the Council of the EU and European Parliament to structure EU external maritime border surveillance (EUROPE 10106). According to the prime minister, new disembarkment rules for immigrants rescued on the high seas meant that these people can be disembarked in the country hosting the operation, in this case Malta, instead of the closest port, which is often Lampedusa (Italy). Mr Gonzi considers that this rule has “no sense” for Malta insofar as a boat in need of assistance, 15 minutes from Lampedusa with migrants on board, would be forced to make the three hour journey to Malta just because the Frontex operation was based there. Mr Gonzi declared that, “if they insist on retaining this rule, I'm sorry, but Malta will not take part (in the operation)”. In reaction, Ms Malmström pointed out that Malta had been present when the new measure was adopted. She concluded that, “Malta abstained but accepted this proposal. I will therefore continue dialogue with this country”. (B.C)