Greens call for globalisation based on human rights

Green parties from Mediterranean countries, including Alternattiva Demokratika, have approved a manifesto called "Towards a humanised globalisation." AD international secretary Ralph Cassar described the document as an alternative to the present neo-liberal model of corporate-led globalisation of trade.

The manifesto was approved at the Mediterranean Green Network meeting which was held in Malta last weekend at the Forum Hotel in St Andrew's.

"Together with Green parties from other Mediterranean countries we are calling for globalisation based on the respect of human rights, gender equality and sustainable development. The manifesto calls for a more humane and sustainable scale of values which should govern globalisation," he said.

The manifesto insists on the need to maintain biodiversity through sustainable use of renewable resources and responsible use of non-renewable resources.

The Greens also took a stand with regard to the recent oil spill disaster in Spanish waters and insisted on strict and urgent implementation of maritime safety policy to be given primacy with clear EU rules on inspection and liability and the creation of an EU Rapid Reaction Force for environmental disasters in close cooperation with UN bodies such as UNEP/REMPEC.

The Greens said they also backed the creation of genetically modified organism-free zones in the Mediterranean region.