Friends of the Earth back Cassola for MEP

Friends of the Earth Malta have endorsed Arnold Cassola's candidature for the European Parliament elections for "having the best environmental credentials among all other candidates".

Friends of the Earth chairman Edward Mallia welcomed the fact that, as general secretary of the European Greens, Prof. Cassola had consistently opposed the development of the landfill near the Mnajdra World Heritage site, raising the issue in the EP.

The connection between Friends of the Earth and Alternattiva Demokratika went back a long way and they shared several points of view, Prof. Mallia said, pointing out Prof. Cassola's consistency on environmental issues, particularly land use, waste management and the abolition of hunting in spring.

Prof. Cassola yesterday said the endorsement was a clear recognition of AD's consistency on environmental issues.

He reiterated his commitment, if elected, to continue providing information circulating in the EU to Maltese NGOs and civil society. Information that could be of benefit to organisations and individuals was often withheld within restricted circles, he said.

AD was the only party that would be working in the EP for the abolition of hunting in spring, he said. It also intended to collaborate with Maltese entrepreneurs and trade unions to promote environment-friendly investment in Malta.

Prof. Cassola said the future of the country's tourism industry also depended on safeguarding its natural and historical heritage, and he promoted cultural and agritourism.

He said that due to the crisis in the economy, the EU recently issued a directive aimed at its 10 new members to reduce the VAT rate on labour-intensive services, including tourism. Prof. Cassola encouraged a reduction in this rate from five to four per cent to stimulate this important sector.

AD was also advocating a shift in the tax burden from taxes on labour and sustainable businesses to taxes penalising pollution, waste and speculation.

AD chairman Harry Vassallo said an AD MEP would offer "crucial representation. No party can pass a law, or resolution on its own, without the backing of three other groups, including the Greens, and it is not a question of majority," he said, referring to the PN's comments that AD would form part of a small parliamentary group.

Dr Vassallo said the European Greens had disproportionate strength, as well as the best record for the environment, while the European People's Party, which the Nationalist MEPs would join, had the worst record, with only 26 per cent of votes in favour of the environment.