Human dignity must always come first - PM

The World War II holocaust should serve as a reminder to all those in Malta taking part in demonstrations that "attack the fundamental rights of human beings", Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi said yesterday.

Speaking after touring the evocative and haunting Holocaust Museum in Washington, the Prime Minister launched a thinly-veiled attack on the protests against the illegal immigrants landing in Malta: "This visit was full of significance and we would do well to deliver that message to our country. This visit reminds us that the dignity of the person should always come first."

Dr Gonzi said the interest of the state must never come before the fundamental rights of human beings.

"We must never forget the lessons of the past. Every person, irrespective of colour, belief, or race is a human being... We are a people that have always believed in values and this morning's visit reminds us of those values."

The Prime Minister yesterday embarked on the first full day of his official visit to the United States. He attended the annual Red Mass for the judiciary in the morning, attended by the country's senior judiciary and President George W. Bush and also met the EU representative in Washington and former Irish Prime Minister John Bruton.

The highlight of his visit will be a meeting with the US President this morning, which Dr Gonzi said was a significant event in itself.

The US Ambassador to Malta, Molly Bordonaro, told a news conference at her residence shortly before leaving for Washington yesterday that the fact that President Bush and Dr Gonzi were meeting today underlines the very strong relationship between the two countries.

Ms Bordonaro reiterated that Malta is a great place to do business with, especially since it boasted an "exceptional" workforce.

Dr Gonzi said, "Our bilateral relations are strong and built on cooperation over the years. We are seeking to expand on that cooperation... I am sure both sides will do their utmost to ensure the relationship grows and this will come across tomorrow (Monday)."

The Prime Minister said the two leaders would discuss the fight against terrorism and Malta's contribution to peace and stability in the Mediterranean region.

"It is in our interests that there is stability in the region around us and that the unstable countries become more stable as that will help address the problem of mass illegal immigration."

He said all forms of terrorism and criminality must be addressed in the most aggressive way possible, adding that Malta and the US could share information and resources to tackle such issues and also play a role to help the Middle East peace process along.

When asked if the lack of a double taxation agreement and removing the visa requirement for Maltese was on the agenda, Dr Gonzi said they would not be getting into technical aspects but there was potential for growth on both sides if various issues - including these - were addressed.

The visa waiver and double taxation agreement were described by sources close to the Prime Minister, however, as "very delicate issues".

Malta had a double taxation agreement with the US till the mid-1990s but it was unilaterally withdrawn by the American government which felt it was being abused by Maltese in the financial services sector.

The island has since tightened its regulations on taxation but its efforts to reverse the situation have been hampered by the US's tough stance since the September 11 terrorist attacks and any decision to reverse that position must be taken by Congress Malta is the only EU country that does not have such an agreement and the government is arguing that there should be a level playing field for all members.

The lack of a double taxation agreement is also a negative factor when it comes to attracting foreign investment.

Obtaining the visa waiver was also described as a "significant hurdle" by the sources.

Since the September 11 attacks, the US has imposed two conditions on countries seeking the waiver: a refusal rate for visa applications of less than two per cent for a two-year period and the introduction of biometric passports.

Currently, about five per cent of Maltese passport holders who apply are denied a visa. No reasons, however, are given for refusals.

The government contends that waiving the visa requirement would have commercial benefits. Of the EU members, all the old 15 members except Greece have the waiver while Slovenia is the only one from the new 10 to have obtained it.

The government intends to introduce biometric passports by the end of next year as well as fingerprinting. The tendering process to achieve this has already begun.

During his visit, Dr Gonzi will be talking to businessmen who are interested in investing in Malta and also meet the Maltese community which, he said, remained close to the government's heart. "They have a big contribution to make to Malta even though they are thousands of miles away," Dr Gonzi said. Today, after his meeting with Mr Bush, the Prime Minister shall have a working lunch with the EU Institute in Washington and have meetings with the chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, Senator Richard Lugar, and the deputy secretary of the department of treasury, Robert Kimmitt.

He leaves for a meeting with the Maltese community in Michigan tomorrow afternoon and is expected back in Malta on Thursday.