Brussels, 05/06/2007 (Agence Europe) - On Monday, the Maltese foreign minister denounced the inconsistency of immigration policy in Europe, saying that too much was being asked of his small island state, especially when it came to hosting illegal migrants that do not legally come under its responsibility. This reaction came after Franco Frattini, the immigration commissioner, slammed the attitude of Malta on Sunday when it refused to rescue shipwrecked migrants on the coast between Malta and Libya (EUROPE 9438). “Malta has always given assistance to people who are in danger at sea”, said Michael Frendo, according to The International Herald Tribune. “It was Libya's responsibility to rescue these migrants, and yet why isn't anyone pointing fingers at Libya?”, he asked. The minister wanted to clarify the situation by highlighting the fact that international law discharges Malta of its responsibility in so far as the migrants were in the Libyan search and rescue zone. He pointed out, moreover, that he had received assurance on the part of the Libyan authorities that reportedly undertook to save the illegal migrants. The minister went on to question Mr Frattini's attitude, saying: “If the European Commission is sincere in its indignation, then it should push other EU countries to share the burden. Malta cannot become a holding area for all of Europe”. Ministerial discussions are awaited next week on this theme during the Justice and Home Affairs Council in Luxembourg. (bc)