Alternattiva Demokratika - The Green Party yesterday launched its slogan for the European Parliament elections in June: F'Idejk: Ghal Malta Ahjar, Ewropa Ahjar. The party also launched www.arnoldcassola.com, the electoral Website of its only candidate, Professor Arnold Cassola.

AD chairman Harry Vassallo told a meeting for supporters that he was confident that the Maltese and Gozitans would rise to the occasion and vote for the best candidates in this election.

"This is not a partisan contest between the PN, the MLP and AD. This is not an election in which the government of the country is at stake. In this election the Maltese people are being called to vote for the best candidates to represent their country.

"Clearly, among the candidates contesting these elections Arnold Cassola has the greatest experience and the best knowledge of European institutions. Dr Cassola was the first Maltese elected to lead a major European political family. The country can only gain from his presence in the European Parliament.

"Malta also stands to gain from being represented by three European political families rather than by just two. Through Dr Cassola's election, Malta will be represented in Socialist, Popular and Green political families. This would be the best scenario for our country."

Professor Cassola insisted that EU membership meant a lot more than a signature or access to funds.

"EU membership will only be useful to Malta if it serves to change and modernise our mentality. It must be ensured that all Maltese and Gozitan citizens must have access to the opportunities offered by the EU. Unfortunately this is still not the case. The government still wants to have complete control and unfortunately Malta is missing opportunities due to innefeciency."

He said it was shameful that a number of invitations from the EU for participation in courses organised by the EU in Brussels had been left unanswered.