The Maltese Home Affairs Minister, Byron Camilleri, told The Malta Independent on Sunday that Armed Forces of Malta saved thousands of lives over the years. His remarks came when he was speaking about the migration situation in the Mediterranean.

Camilleri said that the Maltese government is criticised daily for collaborating with the Libyan Coast Guard in the cases of boats leaving Libya, adding that he sincerely believes that this is the best solution to save lives and that lives are always at risk the moment they are placed at sea, not just when they reach Malta’s Search and Rescue area.

"We started noting that even human traffickers from Libya began changing their routes to avoid Malta, when Malta made great efforts for those who are abusing the system to be returned to their country of origin.” He added.

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