The Prime Minister's recent emphasis about the need to increase defence spending reveals the importance that this matter should be given at such a critical moment, ADPD The Green Party said Saturday.  Committing to an increase in the defence budget shows that we are finally waking up to the realisation that we as a country may bring our country to its knees, even if they are not of a military nature.  We must be ready to face any challenge that would possibly compromise the functioning of our country. irrespective of its nature.  This  has to be done in full respect of Malta's neutrality as enshrined in our Constitution.  This was said by ADPD - The Green Party Chairperson Sandra Gauci in a press statement. 

In today's world, a country's defence may take a number of different routes.  Military attacks are not the only way a country can be brought to its knees.  A country's electrical supply can be sabotaged, keeping in mind that we are becoming more and more dependent on Sicily for our energy supply. Cyberattacks on a country's systems and network can also bring a country to a halt.  It is extremely important that we are prepared for such attacks, ADPD said.  We cannot treat defence spending as a negative issue or as necessary only in times of war.  We need to view this as a form of investment in our country so that it may continue to function. 

This debate should regularly be on our country's agenda, ADPD said.  We cannot live as if we are not at risk or think that we are too small to be of any concern to anyone.  As a neutral small island state  we may be mediators in conflict and make use of our neutrality to work towards peace.  As an EU country, we can still work towards maintaining peace, not only in terms of humanitarian aid which we already do and should continue to do, but also in being credible and capable mediators when necessary.   

The concept of Malta as a neutral country must be aligned with today's realities.  Whilst we believe that Malta should have neither a military base nor be associated with any military block, this does not mean that Malta should remain passive.  We have the right and a civil duty to take a clear position whenever faced with abuse, hatred, and cruelty.  We cannot remain silent claiming neutrality whilst witnessing atrocities.  There is the need for the government to take a clear stance and voice its objection when there are violations of human rights.  Now more than ever, we must show our moral stance and condemn any such abuse. The current situation in Gaza being a case in point, ADPD said. 

We are now past those times when we wanted to please everybody. Yet, while the leadership of the country was preaching peace, the Maltese Parliament was unanimously deciding in favour of  Associate Membership within the NATO Parliamentary Assembly during last year.  This went largely unnoticed, and with the PN Opposition party complicit.  Nobody mentioned anything on this issue of national importance, which is in stark contrast with what is outlined in the Constitution.  The Maltese people have a right to know what this associate membership entails, instead of being presented with a quick press.  This raises several questions.  For exactly what reason have they asked for this associate membership?  Will the increase in defence spending have anything to do with this membership?  We have a right to answers to such questions.