The Conservationist Hunters and Trappers Federation yesterday said that the European Court will soon decide whether or not to uphold a request by the European Commission to ban hunting in spring and whether or not that decision would be with immediate effect.

The Federation (FKNK) said the decision would come next Wednesday after Maltese Government and EC lawyers make their final submissions on proceedings.

The FKNK also pointed out that it was able to closely follow Malta’s preparations for defence, remarking that it had not been consulted in the past on the issue of EU accession treaty talks regarding hunting. The Federation said that it was awaiting the court’s decision regarding the Government’s appeal, yet all hunters were promised that the tradition would still be allowed after Malta joined the European Union.

In its statement, the Federation said that it is expected to discuss this matter with the Prime Minister in the near future.

FKNK referred to a letter sent to the Home Affairs Minister Carm Mifsud Bonnici expressing their concern over an activity which BirdLife plans to organise in April, where members which include foreigners, will be “acting as policemen, hunting the hunters and trappers” Another letter was sent by the federation to Education Minister Dolores Cristina regarding, what it terms to be discrimination by some teachers against children of hunters and accusing teachers of using brainwashing techniques.