Maltese elected chairman of European arms collectors' foundation

Barely 18 months after Malta joined FESAC, the European foundation of national arms collectors' societies, its representative Stephen Petroni has been unanimously elected chairman.

The election, held on November 3 in Kassel, Germany, came after the foundation's president, R.H.G. 'Kick' Koster, decided to step aside and nominate him for the post.

Commenting on his election, Mr Petroni, president of the Association of Maltese Arms Collectors and Shooters (AMACS), yesterday told The Sunday Times: "When 'Kick' called me to tell me of his decision, it came as a surprise.

"On the other hand, certain work related to negotiations with Brussels in connection with the Arms Act appears to have made an impact on FESAC."

The recent enactment of the Arms Act also put Malta on the map, he added. "Locally, the AMACS's role has acted as a consultative group not as a lobby group to government, has also impressed FESAC. They were impressed with the way the act was implemented with good security."

Mr Petroni has already drawn up a list of goals for the foundation and wants to work with the foundation's member societies to harmonise legislation in each EU member country.

FESAC was formed in 1991 to help its members pursue their legitimate hobby within their countries' legal framework, while advising the national and international authorities on matters relating to arms legislation.

FESAC is composed of national representatives from the majority of EU member states and draws on the experience of a number of observers and consultants who are experts in their field and who often serve on consultative boards in their own countries.

Its membership is on the increase as organisations in the new EU member states are being brought in under its wing.

Malta was the last country to obtain representation in FESAC. It was formally accepted in May 2005. Representation was granted to AMACS and Mr Petroni was accepted as the national delegate.

Mr Petroni attended the annual meeting last May in Vienna. FESAC became a foundation registered in The Netherlands. Malta was immediately seen in a very good light. AMACS's success in securing a sensible gun law was recognised by the FESAC board members and Mr Koster wrote a letter of congratulations to AMACS, which was then commemorating its 21st anniversary.

Mr Petroni was formally admitted to the board and given a post within the Juridical Sub-Committee and entrusted with EU matters.

Last month Mr Petroni and FESAC secretary Roger Cook attended a meeting at the EU Parliament in Strasbourg where they met MEP Gisela Kallenbach (European Greens), who chairs the committee discussing changes to the Arms Directive.

The FESAC delegation presented its views on possible improvements to the directive. Malta's new Arms Act was cited as a possible model.

Malta's new delegate to FESAC is Vincent Borg, who is the current AMACS PRO.

Mr Petroni set up the Arms, Armour and Militaria Society (AAMS, now AMACS) in 1985 and was elected its president. In 1995 he was appointed member of the two Target Shooting Boards set up by the Ministry of Justice and Culture in 1995 and the Parliamentary Secretariat for Youth, Sports, Culture and the Arts in 1997.

He set up Historical Re-Enactment Group of Malta in 1998 and the Gun Owners Federation of Malta in 2004, when he was also appointed a member of the Weapons Advisory Board by the Ministry of Justice and Home Affairs.

Last year he was appointed Malta delegate to FESAC and this year reappointed a member of the Weapons Board.