The House of Representatives yesterday unanimously approved a Bill to empower the Prime Minister to extend Malta’s fishing waters and maritime jurisdiction – the latest example of our MPs coming together.
One must note that it is positive – despite petty differences, we have seen a mini-culture change lately, where our politicians have come together on matters that concern Malta as a nation.
This should be encouraged. What is also encouraging is that in debates such as the one yesterday, the opposition seems to have changed tack in the sense that it is not simply criticising for the sake of it, but is putting forward some valid arguments that should be taken on board by the government.
Going back to the matter at hand. Malta is treading cautiously in the wake of Libya and Tunisia proclaiming an extension to their Exclusive Fishing Zone.
One must note that Malta might be taking the right course of action because, so far, local fishermen have not been prevented from fishing in Libyan and Tunisian waters.
What is also worth bearing in mind is that the Bill passed yesterday does not only pertain to fishing, but also to oil exploration – a very sound pre-emptive move indeed.
It seems, however, that Malta is opting to go through bi-lateral channels at this point, tip-toeing across a tight-rope, in the hope of finding a solution without a diplomatic incident breaking out.
In the words of Foreign Minister Michael Frendo: “While it is our duty to safeguard the legitimate interests of the Maltese people, we will act within the terms of international law and mindful of the friendly relations that exist between all neighbouring countries, whether they are members of the EU or not.”
What does this mean, then? Malta is going to first try and resolve the issues by meeting bilaterally with Tunisia and Libya in the hope of brokering a solution. In fact, the house constantly made reference to the term “if a decision is taken to extend…”, suggesting that the government is holding onto the hope that it can come to an agreement with both countries on the issue.
One must also note that if Malta and Libya both have exclusive zones, there would have to be some sort of agreement because, quite simply, there is not enough space between the two countries to have a legally stipulated 200 nautical mile zone.
Seeing that the distance between Libya and Malta is less than 400 miles, then some form of agreement would have to be reached.
But all in all, in seems inevitable that we will have to protect our waters. Other states have done it, both in the EU and also in North Africa – and it would be better to do it now while it is the “in thing”, so to speak.
If we declare a similar zone in the near future, then our waters, fishing and oil exploration interests will be safeguarded for years to come.
If, however, we drag our feet and sit on the issue because we are afforded leniency by other countries, they might one day turn round and tell us to not enter their waters. And then where would be? In a rickety boat without a paddle.
It is good that the representatives of the Maltese people have agreed in principle that we need our own protection zone. However, now we need action – but, as the government put it, action in full respect of the law and our friendly neighbouring countries.