The Malta Peace and Solidarity Council gladly welcomes and supports the decision of the Dutch Labour Party to stymie and terminate the dishonest efforts by Prime Minister Balkenende to disregard the promised plan to recall the Dutch troops from the military alliance of the occupying forces in Afghanistan.

The plan, to withdraw all Dutch troops from Afghanistan by August, 2008 was agreed upon when the first Dutch troops went to Afghanistan in August, 2006 and later extended to August, 2010. The centre-right Christian Democrat (CDA) party, led by Prime Minister Balkenende, desisted from honouring the plan and consequently the Labour Party decided to resign from government. This move is more than justifiable and hardly surprising.

The cause of the collapse of the Dutch government over its decision to ignore the people's aspirations is a clear and welcome indication that there are still people's representatives who are conscious of, appreciative of and loyal to their citizens' longing for peace.

The Dutch should be thanked for saying out loud what the European Union has for long tried to ignore. The instigated involvement of other EU countries in the unlawful wars of occupation in Afghanistan and Iraq does not auger well towards the creation of a Social Europe.

The Malta Peace and Solidarity Council encourages the Labour Party of Malta to follow the example of the Dutch Labour Party and strive hard to keep our country clear of any involvement in military wars and alliances and to respect and strengthen the neutrality and non-alignment of our homeland as entrenched in the Constitution of Malta.

The Council reiterates its consistent and strong condemnation of all wars of aggression and oppression and its faithful pursuits in the path to peace through justice and co-operation.

Joseph M. Cachia

Secretary

MALTA PEACE AND SOLIDARITY COUNCIL