Alternattiva Demokratika Chairman Harry Vassallo yesterday challenged Environment Minister George Pullicino to declare that there will be no hunting in spring. In a press conference yesterday, Dr Vassallo once again expressed his solidarity to BirdLife, following the arson attack on cars belonging to members of the organization on Sunday. He said that Dr George Pullicino, Dr Lawrence Gonzi and Dr Alfred Sant are all playing the same game. “They are incapable of taking a decision, saying only that they will stick to the decision taken by the European Union. Whoever really believes in the spirit of the Union should immediately implement the EU directives and declare a stop to spring hunting”, Dr Vassallo said.

The AD chairman said that a country should not be held for ransom due to the egoistic interests of some individuals whose votes the PN and the MLP are trying to attract.

Dr Vassallo said that having AD in parliament, forming part of a coalition government, will ensure that European values will continue to inspire how politics are carried out in our country.

During the same press conference, Architect Carmel Cacopardo challenged Mepa Chairman Andrew Calleja to publish the report on the Hal Safi supermarket.

Mr Cacopardo said Mepa’s auditor, Architect Joe Falzon informed him that the report on investigations requested by AD secretary-general Victor Galea regarding the issuing of permits for a supermarket opposite San Benedittu school was ready, and had been to sent to Mepa Chairman Andrew Calleja on 22 December, 2007. The location of the supermarket lies between Safi and Kirkop, outside the development zone, he said.

Mr Cacopardo asked what the chairman was waiting for to make the report public.

“The public has the right to be informed”, he said. Instead, we get exaggerated delays and secrecy.”