Brussels, 03/05/2010 (Agence Europe) - On Friday 30 April, European Internal Affairs Commissioner Cecilia Malmström formally noted Malta's decision not to take part in operations by the European external border control agency (Frontex) this year, but said that she understood Valetta's position. “We discussed the Commission's position and Malta's position, and we respect each other's point of view. There are no hard feelings,” she is reported by the Times of Malta as saying after a visit to the island. During her trip, the commissioner met Maltese Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi, Justice and Home Affairs Minister Carmelo Mifsud Bonnici and NGOs. Malta recently decided to take no further part in Frontex operations, citing a significant reduction in the numbers of illegal immigrants in Malta (see EUROPE 10129). The decision is more probably linked to the new rules of engagement for sea patrols recently adopted by the EU. Malmström said that she believed the new rules were in Malta's interest and that the country was welcome to change its position whenever it wanted. The new guidelines mean that migrants rescued at sea will be taken to a port in the country hosting the anti-immigration operation rather than the nearest safe port as has been the case for years. Malta opposed this change, which was sought especially by Italy. After meeting the commissioner, Mifsud Bonnici said that Malta had “retained its position”. (B.C./transl.rt)