This morning, the first group of immigrants who disembarked in Malta from aboard the MV Aquarius on August 15 have departed Malta to be relocated in France.
The immigrants were assisted by the International Office of Migration Authorities, local authorities, officials from the French Home Affairs Ministry as well authorities from the Embassy of France in Malta.
Deputy Ambassador Vanessa Salas Pouget - who was present at the airport this morning - said that this relocation effort represents a prime example of how European solidarity can achieve results to rapidly resolve cases requiring timely solutions to address humanitarian urgencies. She emphasised that this group of immigrants can now look forward to a safe life in France.
All 141 immigrants who arrived in Malta aboard the MV Aquarius on August 15 will be relocated to France, Germany, Italy, Luxembourg, Portugal, and Spain.
The relocation arrangement was part of an ad hoc solidarity agreement in response to the humanitarian crisis aboard the MV Aquarius which emerged following discussions between France and Malta and a number of European member states with the support of the European Commission.
On August 15 Malta made a concession allowing the vessel to enter its ports despite having no legal obligation to do so. Furthermore, Malta served as a logistical base in the MV Aquarius humanitarian crisis.
On August 13 Malta had also rescued a further 114 persons at sea. 60 persons from this rescue operation will also be distributed among other member states as part of the joint EU cooperation.
This is the second time such a voluntary solidarity mechanism was put into place, following that relating to the humanitarian crisis which concerned the MV Lifeline.
All countries except one (Italy), honoured the pledges committed in the ad hoc solidarity mechanism created to address the situation of the MV Lifeline.
from The Malta Independent https://ift.tt/2olKRvy
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