Meloni tells Med9 states to be 'fast and united' on migrants

(ANSA) - ROME, SEP 27 - The nine Mediterranean and SouthernEuropean Union member states that form the EUMed9 need to workon a common and coherent position to make action on migrantsmore effective, Premier Giorgia Meloni has allegedly said in aletter to Italy's partners in the group ahead of a summit inMalta on Friday, diplomatic sources said on Wednesday.
   Meloni also reportedly told the other EUMed9 states that it isimportant to insist on the rapid implementation of thecomprehensive approach to migration agreed at the specialEuropean Council meeting in Brussels in February.
   On that occasion, the Council recognised that migration is aEuropean issue requiring a European solution and agreed to focuson increased external action, the effective control of externalborders, and internal aspects of migration management.
   The sources said the letter also makes reference to the recentMemorandum of Understanding between the EU and Tunisia onmeasures to curb irregular migration from the north Africancountry in exchange for financial support.
   Meloni reportedly sent the letter to EUMed9 member statesCroatia, Cyprus, France, Greece, Malta, Portugal, Slovenia andSpain, as well as to European Commission President Ursula vonder Leyen and European Council President Charles Michel. (ANSA).