Socialists, leftists and progressives are calling for clarification in light of what the Prime Minister publicly declared on 3 February regarding the need for public discussion concerning whether the Neutrality clauses in the Constitution of Malta are serving the Country's defence needs in light of present and future conflicts.
Today, several individuals held a press conference to present an open letter addressed to the Prime Minister. The letter was signed by around 60 individuals, coming from diverse backgrounds but who all identify with Socialist, leftist or progressive values.
They argued that the Government of Malta has a duty to take an unequivocal stance on the country's neutrality. This need is especially urgent given recent political decisions and events that suggest ambiguity in the government's commitment to Article 1(3) of the Constitution of Malta.
Yesterday the Prime Minister replied to our letter and reiterated his commitment to Malta's neutrality.
"Whilst we invite the Prime Minister to publish his reply, we are still awaiting clarifications on the specific questions put forward in our letter," the groups said.
These are:
- To specify the needs that justify a discussion on the Constitution's neutrality clauses.
- Which are the present and future conflicts (that the PM referred to) that might require the supreme law of the land to be amended or re-interpreted?
- Do you believe that Malta's security would be served best by having our country - in law or fact - participate in a military alliance? Would not such a de jure or de facto membership increase the likelihood of having other military groups consider us as legitimate targets, given that they would see us as collaborators of countries/military alliances to which they are opposed?
- Can you assure us that not merely will Malta not be part of a future European army or introduce measures like conscription, but it will also not provide our country's logistical capabilities and facilities to any foreign power, military alliance or future European army for any military intervention they might attempt in any third country?