Rapporteur to Malta rules out reopening of EU negotiations

The rapporteur for Malta to the European Parliament, Ursula Strenzen has called on the Labour Party to "stop fooling" the electorate into believing it can squeeze out a better deal out of the EU.

And European People's Party president Hans Gert Poettering yesterday said he was "deeply convinced" that Malta's possible failure to sign the Accession Treaty next week would be against the interests of the island and its people.

This morning, Ms Strenzen, Malta's rapporteur for three years, will be presenting a report to the European Parliament recommending the accession of Malta to the EU.

In an interview with The Times at the European Parliament in Strasbourg, Ms Strenzen did not mince her words, and ruled out a reopening of negotiations, as the MLP has promised.

"There will be no partner to negotiate a new deal. I can't advise how Malta should vote on Saturday, but I think your people should know the truth."

Opposition leader Alfred Sant has repeatedly pledged he would not sign the treaty if his party is voted into power in Saturday's general election.

"If that is so, it's over. I must be very open - but the MLP's promise to get a better deal is nothing more than an illusion," Ms Strenzen charged.

Besides, Malta would have missed the bus for enlargement, so the promise of another referendum was false, she said.

Ms Strenzen appealed to the MLP to stop putting such an important issue (EU membership) at stake in the midst of an electoral campaign.

She said the EU has taken into consideration all of Malta's needs in the negotiations.

"You have accomplished a positive deal. The EU has been very generous towards Malta," she said, citing Malta's exemption on the introduction of VAT on foods and pharmaceuticals until 2010, as a prime example.

Ms Strenzen laughed off the MLP's interpretation of the March 8 referendum, when it was a fact that Malta had established the highest ever turnouts in European referendums.

Asked whether she subscribed to comments made by Prime Minister Eddie Fenech Adami that Malta's failure to sign the Accession Treaty would make the island a laughing stock, Ms Strenzen, smiled and warned:

"That could be the case. Honestly, it could."

In another interview, Mr Poettering said that ignoring the outcome of the referendum and failing to sign the treaty in Athens on April 16 would be "very regrettable".

Mr Poettering said he would welcome any "positive step" from the European Socialists to avert this happening. "It's their responsibility," he said.

He said he hoped the Maltese electorate would take into consideration on Saturday that it has a role to play in the framework of the EU.

"Just think about it - you will be in a community of partners and friends. If you need to defend your national interests you will have your European partners to help you do so."

Malta will be the smallest of the member states and will also be the country with the least number of MEPs. But Mr Poettering said this was absolutely no cause for concern.

"It's not the numbers which matter - but the courage, the beliefs - and the possibility to convince others. Just look at the way Luxembourg has always played a prominent role."

Mr Poettering paid tribute to Dr Fenech Adami, saying he had young and good ideas, was open to Europe, but at the same time defended Malta's interests.

"Dr Fenech Adami will certainly have a very important role to play in the European People's Party. He is very open to the future," he said.