The government insisted yesterday that the resolution approved by the EP included two important amendments that were not included in the original motion and which were a very important aspect of the whole issue.

In a statement it issued yesterday afternoon, the government noted that the resolution acknowledged the Maltese authorities’ efforts to curb abuse related to hunting and trapping.

The government added that the EP also withdrew the fourth proposal, in which the EP regretted the Maltese government’s decision to allow spring hunting and trapping and would call on the government to reconsider the decision.

This indicated that MEPs approved the resolution on the understanding that the government was determined to curb abuse and observe the agreement with the EU, while acknowledging the reality of Maltese tradition.

The government said that while it was committed not to tolerate abuse or a breach of the regulations, it wanted to ensure the implementation of negotiations between Malta and the EU.

Meanwhile, in a separate statement, the Labour Party said the EP vote was a condemnation of the Nationalist government and confirmed what the MLP has been saying, that the Nationalists deceived environmentalists, hunters and trappers before the country joined the EU.

The MLP said the vote was simply a vote of direct censure against the Nationalist Party, which must now carry the responsibility for its actions.

Among their proposals, Labour MEPs had stated that Malta, as an EU member, must abide by European regulations.

Labour MEPs abstained from voting for or against the resolution as they did not want to be accomplices with the Nationalist government, said the MLP.

Alternattiva Demokratika – the Green Party welcomed the vote in favour of the resolution that supports the European Commission’s decision to open infringement proceedings against the Maltese government for violation of the Birds Directive.

AD said the EP vote strongly urged the commission to redouble its efforts to persuade the Maltese authorities to comply fully with community law.

AD chairperson Harry Vassallo said “the vote is not against Malta, but rather, it is in favour of the majority of Maltese citizens who wanted to join Europe to get rid of illegalities, lack of respect for the environment, lack of access to the environment and this type of parochial politics”.

Dr Vassallo commented on the amendments as proposed by Maltese MEPs, which he said were all intended to continue allowing the practice of spring hunting. He said this showed that both major political parties were willing to ridicule Malta with their parochial mentality.

AD reaffirmed its stand that any fine imposed on Malta as a result of the government’s stand with regard to hunting, must be paid by the hunters themselves and by the Nationalist Party, since this fiasco was solely their fault and not the taxpayers’.