Brussels, 27/04/2009 (Agence Europe) - Meeting in Brussels on Friday 24 April together with the European Commissioner Jacques Barrot, the home affairs ministers of Italy, Roberto Maroni, and Malta , Carm Mifsud Bonnici, sought solutions on a dispute between the two countries on the reception of migrants rescued from the Mediterranean. After a long meeting, the two representatives failed to agree, but promised to work together on other aspects of the fight against illegal immigration. "No real solution came out of this meeting", said Michele Cercone, the spokesperson to Mr Barrot. "This is essentially a bilateral issue between Italy and Malta", he stressed. Italy is of the opinion that migrants rescued in the Maltese search and rescue zone should be brought to Malta. The latter, on the other hand, believes that migrants should be disembarked at the closest port, which in this case happens to be Lampedusa. Mr Barrot also announced that the Commission would make a proposal to establish an "obligatory solidarity system" between the member states, as opposed to a "voluntary" system of division, like that stipulated in the European pact on asylum and immigration. Even though there is little chance that a system of this kind will be accepted, Mr Barrot declared that he would put it to the home affairs ministers. The commissioner also indicated that Frontex should have more involvement in facilitating the repatriation of illegal immigrants and in assisting with identification. Lastly, he stressed that Europe must throw all of its weight behind negotiations with Libya to prevent immigrants from leaving its shores. (B.C./transl.fl)