Alternattiva Demokratika criticized Simon Busuttil yesterday for stating that spring hunting will re-open in 2008.

Dr Harry Vassallo, Chairperson for AD said: “AD has been the only party with a consistent policy against spring hunting. Unlike the PN and the MLP we have never seen hunting as a flexible issue that can be toyed with during election time.

“While hunters and AD do not have the best of relations, we are proud to say that we have always been honest with them, both with regard to AD’s stand, and with regards to the future of spring hunting in Malta. We are and will remain opposed to hunting in spring but insist on the hunters’ right to be properly informed about the future of hunting.

Ralph Cassar, spokesperson for the environment said, “both PN and MLP must stop playing electoral tricks on both hunters and the anti-hunting lobby. On one hand the PN tries to pacify the anti-hunting lobby by halting spring hunting just 10 days before the actual closing date, and on the other we have people like Simon Busuttil who promises that this government will open spring hunting in 2008.”

Cassar added: “The MLP must make its stand on hunting crystal clear. It is useless to speak vaguely on this matter. Both hunters and the anti-hunting lobby should know where they stand. At least the MLP should have the decency not to treat hunting issue as a vote grabbing exercise.”

Referring to the Hunting Federation’s statement withdrawing its political neutrality, Dr Vassallo said, “The FKNK will have considerable difficulty choosing between the other political parties which have proved themselves unreliable to every stakeholder on this issue. Neither one of the other political parties can promise to defy the EU successfully except for a very short time”. The law is clear and will be fully enforced sooner or later.

Dr Vassallo concluded; “Hunters should stop trying to hold Malta hostage. Labour and PN should stop negotiating the ransom with the FKNK. As regards spring hunting, the political class should isolate the hunters. In Europe there is, thankfully, no chance of spring hunting being permitted, irrespective of who is in parliament.”