Day after day the traumatic situation in the Middle East is worsening and has come to a point where civilians are the main victims, with the number of dead and casualties steadily increasing. For too many years, Israeli and Palestinian representatives have been calling for peace, coming up with a two-state solution and asking for international aid and support.

The refusal to cease fire will provoke more violence which will serve as a pretext for further traumatic outcomes. It is a never-ending story. A vicious circle and a political and humanitarian disaster for the population with only one winner: unwanted death. History taught us that violence is not a solution Poverty and despair are the seed for violence. Peace building is more than signing an agreement under international pressure.

Europeans cannot be passive, and we, as a nation coming from the Mediterranean region, must act together with the international community and put pressure for an end to his never-ending spiral. “There is no stability in Europe without peace in the Mediterranean”.

The past should help us shape the future. The hands of history are upon us. It is up to us to act in the interest of humanity.

Cultural terrorism

Six years ago we managed to save Mnajdra and Hagar Qim from the then proposed landfills. At that time we also argued that the landmark was a protected ecological zone. The government had then spent Lm100,000 on a commissioned report.

The Qrendi local council also spent thousands on its report in order to avoid the massacre that was being planned in the vicinities of the temples. Today, the protected ecological zone is an eyesore. Gravel is spread so that heavy vehicles can pass with the loads of metal to pull up the circus tent-like structure to protect the temples. Definitely shameful, isn’t it?

The festive season

I believe most of us had the opportunity to attend parties and receptions during the festive season. One such activity which struck me most was that organised by the Kordin Rehabilitation centre for persons with a physical disability. The centre is an activity centre all year round. An interesting section is that of the computer lab where a number of people are inputting the past parliamentary debates on computers to be uploaded on CDs. The centre needs additional funding to continue with the project. I believe that somehow the government must find the money for such a relevant project.

Opportunities at EU level

In the context of the European Year of Creativity and Innovation 2009, the Committee of the Regions will, together with the European Commission, organise on 20 and 21 April 2009 a two-day ‘Forum’ to showcase the creativity of Europe’s regions and cities and to prove that creativity and innovation can be of key importance for a successful turn in economic development.

The idea of the Forum which will be held for up to 300 participants in the Committee of the Regions’ premises in Brussels is twofold:

First, to create a platform for exchange of best practice among those regions, cities and experts who have experiences in promoting creative industries and innovative approaches in the fields of arts and culture, science, research and innovation; media, information and communication technologies; urban development and urban creativity; and social innovations.

This is indeed an opportunity for our local authorities and I look forward to see nominations from Malta and Gozo. Interested local councils are invited to send an application form as featured in the Committee of the Regions website before 31 January, 2009.

Secondly, it is an opportunity for young people. I am looking forward as a member of the Committee of the Regions to propose Maltese candidates to be among 100 young European creative talents. The call is for artists, architects, designers, film makers, internet experts or others. What would qualify you is also your attempt to be at the same time “young entrepreneurs” and to have contributed to a certain extent to the development of the local economy, for example by setting up their own businesses. So please do come forward.

Claudette Abela Baldacchino is a prospective candidate for the EU Parliament elections on the Malta Labour Party list.

[email protected]