Malta applies to rejoin Partnership for Peace

josef borda

Apr 1st 2008, 19:57

I have been in C(SPECIAL DUTIES) Company for the past 15 years,I have been waiting for this opportunity for joining the P.F.P.for a long time. Thank you Mr. Prime Minister for this opportunity.

Charles Dalli

Apr 1st 2008, 05:41

In rejoining NATO's outreach PfP
after a 12-year absence, this time as an EU member, it would definitely work to the country's advantage to reach a bipartisan consensus on foreign and security policy, such as was achieved post-2004 with respect to the EU.

Malta needs a calm and inclusive rethink & redefinition here. Its place in the Mediterranean region post-9/11 as an EU border state should give this rethink an urgent priority. Malta has to decide whether to keep, or change, or do away with neutrality and its constitutional expression.

The concepts of neutrality and non-alignment as defined in 1987 and their relevance today ought to be discussed and evaluated calmly by promoting a wide reaching and honest debate. A national debate about this should involve the country's main institutions, including parliament.

Chris Stafrace

Mar 27th 2008, 21:18

RITA SPITERI
Why don't we start a war so that our soldiers utilise their shooting practice

Mark A. Mallia

Mar 25th 2008, 10:34

What do most people know about soldiering?? Nothing, I must say. Most of us comment trough scenes we see on tv and newspapers. What we do not really understand is that true soldiering is a vocation. Yes, some people join our services because they are dedicated and truly want to participate in operations on foreign soil.

As a nation we should consider ourselves lucky that we have a group of 120men and women who have signed with C 'special duties' Company and willingly are ready to serve our country in any way this present administration deems necessary.

These soldiers are truly highly trained, dedicated and extremely proud of what they do and who they represent. Instead of bickering and whining let us praise all the ranks in this formidable Company and wholeheartedly thank them for what they do.

JOHN SCERRI

Mar 22nd 2008, 19:43

We all have ears and eyes to know what peace keepers go through far away from their homeland.
Yes.. many go there on a voluntary basis and some come back in body bags. This is Fact.
The issue of whether PFP inpinges Malta's Neutrality is secondary for me .
Personally I am against our armed forces being involved in other peoples wars .
The risk is too high. Our armed forces are already benefitting from participation in rescue operations as a result of membership in the EU.
Do we need More?
Do we need access to NATO and PFP confidential documents? so far we have managed without them.
Let's not beat about the bush. The fact is PFP was not on any electoral agenda.
This does not mean it should not be discussed mind you, but the end result should come out of a referendum.
Let the people chose . We still lack behind in referendum culture here.
The government was wrong in reactiviating PFP when it was never mentioned again since 1996. The people's views should have been voiced prior to this decision.

Charles Dalli

Mar 22nd 2008, 19:16

Respectfully - My question remains unanswered - why do it this way?

Malta did not rejoin the PfP in 1998. Why was Malta's PfP membership postponed by a decade if the pluses outweigh the minuses?

Despite the reported (claimed, true, disputed, whatever) benefits of being part of NATO's PfP so that Malta can participate in the EU's strategic partnership with NATO, Malta did not join PfP on 1 May 2004.
Nor for the past four years.

When the new parliament meets, there will be no need to doubt the quintessential democracy in the country's highest institution being duly informed about the activation of PfP membership through a cabinet communique -

what's democracy got to do with joining the world's "defenders of democracy"?

Christopher Farrugia

Mar 22nd 2008, 18:28

I sincerely don't agree with the way the PfP has been re-activated. I feel that the goverment was afraid to discuss this matter in Parliament with all elected representatives. Alas, the Spring of a New Dawn in the begining of Spring!

However, what i find more disturbing is the lack of credibility and seriousness as a nation in our foreign policy. Remember the freezing of the EU? Only to re-enter talks again after 22 months. What's different with the PfP? I think it's about time that a roadmap of a consenual foreign policy drawn up, not by one party but by all those involved and this if needs be should include Goverment, opposition, consultants, university, bureaucrats etc. I sincerely don't believe that our policy should be dictated by the whims or otherwise of our ruling political class.

Yours sincerely

RITA SPITERI

Mar 22nd 2008, 18:15

Why don't we start a war so that our soldiers utilise there shooting practice

Malcolm Buttigieg

Mar 22nd 2008, 17:21

From partners to members

Two rounds of NATO enlargement have changed the balance between Allies and Partners. As of March 2004, there were more Allies than Partners – and the remaining Partners are a very diverse group. They include Balkan countries still dealing with the legacies of their past, the strategically important but underdeveloped countries of the Caucasus and Central Asia, and the Western European non-aligned states. While some are in the process of developing their defence structures and capabilities, others are able to contribute significant forces to NATO-led operations and to offer fellow Partner countries advice, training and assistance in various areas.

Today, 23 Partners use the EAPC to consult regularly with the 26 Allies and to develop cooperation on issues encompassing many different aspects of defence and security. Their military forces frequently exercise and interact together; their soldiers serve alongside each other in NATO-led peacekeeping operations; and Allies and Partners are working together in common cause against the threat of terrorism.

Source :

http://www.nato.int/issues/partnership_evolution/index.html

Malcolm Buttigieg

Mar 22nd 2008, 17:19

The funamental issues in relation to the government's unilateral decision to reapply for joining the PfP are:

1. The Gonzi government represents a minority vote. It is morally bound to implement what is stated in the GonziPN electoral programme and nothing else. The maltese electorate, in its absolute majority did not vote for Malta to parficipate in any military programme organised by NATO.

2. Neutrality is entrenched in our Constitution. The foreign minister can state a lot of gibberish about PfP and that Malta's neutrality is not affected if we participate in PfP. However, it is a fact that PfP is a programme of practical bilateral cooperation between individual Partner countries and NATO. It allows Partner countries to build up an individual relationship with NATO, choosing their own priorities for cooperation. If Partnership was not good in terms of Malta's relations with the EU, Partnership is much worse in relation to Malt'a relations with NATO.

A decision that should truly be commended for its message of unity and respect towards the electorate.

Bravo Dr Gonzi. Keep it up!

Stephen Falzon

Mar 22nd 2008, 17:15

For the umpeenth time - PFP is not a military alliance. It is a training program for member partners. How can it be a military alliance for heaven's sake if it has fiercely neutral members partners like sweden, switzerland, austria? How can it be a military alliance if russia is also a member? Malta's neutrality is not a issue in this case.

As to a previous contribution, PFP DOES NOT implement and sustain peace-keeping rescue/rebuilding operations. let's keep everything in perspective and be absolutely clear on this since people are shooting from the hip. let's not have a repeat of 1996 scaremongering tactics making people that soldiers will be send on PK ops just because malta had become a partner pfp state.

I wonder what the issue at stake is? AFM will stand to gain enormously from the training programs conducted with partner states.

j micallef

Mar 22nd 2008, 17:00

A glaring streak of inferiority still seems to pervade the psyche of left-leaning commentators. We we would be gobbled up like whitebait if we joined the EU, we were told. Then we were scared of invading Sicilians taking up our livelihood, and AIDS reqaching epidemic proportions if we dared play with the big EU boys. Now we are driven to nervous wrecks with anxiety because our soldiers would lose their limbs because of PFP!

When are we going to join the rest of the human race? Of course, we expect everyone to jump to our aid if we ever need help on a national basis - but then pretend our boys in uniform to simply take part in colourful parades and play toy soldiers in military tattoos for our amusement without ever risking even a tiny scratch in the promotion of peace and in helping disaster-ridden neighbours. The world does not stop at our Grand Harbour!

peter paul muscat

Mar 22nd 2008, 14:50

A lot of people are jumping the gun here.

Malta's membership in any defence related organisation does NOT imply that Malta is constrained or forced to send troops on actual mission overseas due to this membership. Fullstop. Any view otherwise is a bag of lies.
It will always be a national decision to send Maltese soldiers abroad either within an UN, EU or PfP framework. This has to be understood by all. None of this organisations can force Malta to do something in this field that it does not want.

PfP is not a military alliance as there are no Article 5 guaurantees, that is an attack against one is an attack against all. You can check the official documentation that is found on internet on the subject.

Legally speaking Malta's membership in PfP does not go against the concept of neutrality as defined in our constitution. If you do not agree or think otherwise seek legal independent advice.

I am sure you will be told the same thing.

And by the way, keep in mind that All Maltese Governments have Malta's interest at heart . Lets give the required credit where it is due and have faith in the decisions being made.

Charles Dalli

Mar 22nd 2008, 13:51

It's rather late for a SWOT analysis now - Malta has just "reactivated" a membership which was frozen for more than a decade.
Malta did not rejoin the PfP in 1998. It has now. Why now?

Sidestepping a new parliament which has yet to convene. With hardly an attempt to inform the public what membership in NATO's PfP entails for Malta, and how this is said to 'enhance its participation in the EU'. There has not been much space for democratic debate, it seems, in (re)joining a military network which prides itself in its commitment of "NATO's 'democratic principles'."

This is 2008, not 1998.

R. Scicluna

Mar 22nd 2008, 13:46

I would like to know whether the PFP is termed as a military alliance even though its sole duties are to implement and sustain peace-keeping rescue/rebuilding operations.

If so, the Government has broken article 1(3) of the Constitution of Malta?

This states:

(3) Malta is a neutral state actively pursuing peace, security
and social progress among all nations by adhering to a policy of
non-alignment and refusing to participate in any military alliance.

On the one hand it states that Malta will pursue peace among all nations but I am not certain if it can do so through military operations abroad?

Please inform me and others in this regard.

J.Buhagiar

Mar 22nd 2008, 13:03

I had voted in favour of the EU. As I understand it, the EU is an Economic Union. A very good initiative that started after World War 2 since generally speaking it was pretty clear that strugling for economic and political power was what brought much wars to Europe. The best way is to unite economically and help each other economically.

As I understand it, facts are PFP is not mandatory. PFP is part of NATO

Quite honestly, I am a floating voter. I do not know what is best for all of us either. I have tried to look at the strenghts and weaknesses but I do not feel that I have the experience and the knowledge to decide for myself what would be best.

By the looks of it, some of you in here, seem to be pretty experienced and convinced that we stand to gain; Others that we stand to loose.

Can we forget the strenghts and weaknesses temporarily since we could argue for ages.

Can those in favour give a list of Major Opportunities that Malta or all-od-us stands to gain by joining?

Can those against give us a list of Major Serious Objections why all-of-us stand to lose.

Thank you.

Charles Dalli

Mar 22nd 2008, 11:26

Make no mistake - PfP is part of NATO. NATO, not the EU.
"The Partnership for Peace (PfP) is a programme of practical bilateral cooperation between individual Partner countries and NATO. It allows Partner countries to build up an individual relationship with NATO, choosing their own priorities for cooperation." (NATO website).
I am disappointed that the Maltese government has "reactivated" Malta's membership in NATO's "Partnership for Peace". Never mind the way this is "reactivated". So much for consensus politics. What about Malta's constitution? Is Malta's parliament not to be given an opportunity to discuss the country's "practical bilateral cooperation" with NATO? And all the implications for Maltese soldiers? Fine way to sell this as an opportunity for further training.
And what a timely gesture on the fifth anniversary of the Iraqi War.

Etienne Bonello DuPuis

Mar 22nd 2008, 09:57

I never go sailing in the hope of not getting wet, and soldiers don't join the army to dig holes in the road.

Nick Cassar

Mar 22nd 2008, 09:55

About time. Any serious professional soldier serving with in the ranks of the AFM should see this application as an opportunity to further develop their chosen career.

Peace keeping, peace support, nation building, post conflict support, call it what you want. Ultimately it is all about going our there, giving and making a difference. What happened to the generosity that Malta is so famous for?

Yes it is much safer to send money in little brown envelopes, from the safety of our homes, or donate our cast off clothes in containers. But the dividends of PFP membership are much greater and much more effective.

Ultimately it also means that that the men and women with in the AFM, who volunteer for such operations, train, practice and rehearse (not play) in the right conditions, are physically and mentally prepared, correctly equipped and conversant with their foreign counterparts. We should be proud of the efforts of such individuals, respect their choices and support them unanimously, should the need ever arise and they are deployed overseas.

Selflessness, to serve, duty and loyalty may now have become words that clash with today’s modern values, but they are still very much part of the ethos that the officers and soldiers serving in C (Special Duties) Company, live by.

Chris Stafrace

Mar 22nd 2008, 09:48

This is quite impressive!!! I never knew that there are so many people that care for us soldiers in the AFM!!!! Especially when a few years ago everyone's opinion was totally different! Remeber the Safi riots??? Back then the public's opinion was VERY different, soldiers were called ruthless bastards, racists, undisiplined bunch of wanna be rambos, etc,etc....! The case is totally different here!!! Everyone cares for us so much that they don't even want to see a scratch on us! UNBELIAVABE!!!!! We are PROFFESIONAL SOLDIERS and we are ready to deploy in any theatre of opearations. I have been in C (Special Duties) Company for the past 14 years and my comrades and I have been waiting for this for a long time!

Joseph Camilleri

Mar 22nd 2008, 08:53

The government had no need to include Malta's Membership in the PFP in the Electoral Manifesto since its intentions were clear to all. The Army had joined the Partnership way back in 1995 under the legislature of the Nationalist Party, thus what clearer indication did one need? Shame on those who had so little respect for the Maltese Army that they decided to pull us out in 1997, with no prior consultation! Fortunately we've now got a 'par idejn sodi' capable of taking tough decisions and actually executing them. The Army will definitely benefit greatly from this membership, thank Gonzi for that.

A.Tabone

Mar 22nd 2008, 02:37

It seems like many people posting here are close minded and read just local news.

Do you have any idea what's going on in the world ? Do you know that the Russians are increasing their military might and are angry at the US because of missile shields that the US wants to place across EU ?

Do you know that Iran is allegedly going to become nuclear, and both EU and US are determined to stop it ? And Iran is becoming the playground of the communists, i.e. Russia and China ???

Do you know that just yesterday a threat was received from Bin Laden against EU ?

The world is boiling to some serious trouble, and joining the PFP, especially with Russia's hostility to NATO , was a serious mistake.

No PFP does not mean going to war, it just mean that our soldiers end up on peacekeeping missions in other people's wars. Probably dying by roadside bombs ? Or maybe taken hostage by some AlQaeda fanatics, like the Italian missionaries?

Prosit to Stephen Florian, well said!

and finally prosit to dr.gonzi who cares more about the diplomatic relations with the EU rather than the soldiers' lives !

Christina Borg

Mar 22nd 2008, 01:30

Finally, we have a Government that has shed away one of the last remaining remnants of Alfred Sant’s legacy, more than 11 years later. I still keep asking myself: “What have we gained in the last 11 years from the decision to suspend our participation in PfP?” The days of No Europe, No Euro, No PfP are finally over.

AUDREY AQUILINA

Mar 21st 2008, 22:17

This is what our PFP volunteering soldiers have been waiting for. Here comes the opportunity for them to put into practice what they have been training for a long time.

Chris Vella

Mar 21st 2008, 22:04

Well Done Gov. for joining PFP again. That's what Profesional Soldiers that train so hard every day, especially C (SD) Coy soldiers,want to acheive. They joined this Coy for Operations and not to play around!

jJASON EBEJER

Mar 21st 2008, 21:52

Well done! A good step towards the right direction. Soldiers at C (Special Duties ) Coy have been waiting for this moment for a long time, watching other Maltese cirtizens with other professions and careers given the opportunity to work overseas exploring their full potential. However, we at C(Special Duties)Coy, who free willingly volunteered to serve our country overseas have been denied this opportuntity. As a serving member within this Coy I can assure that this is frustrating, demoralizing and this feels unfair to us.
We took the decision to be serving soldiers at C (Special Duties) Coy and if we are ever deployed we will embrace this decision with happiness. For all those who will criticize the possibility of sending Maltese troops overseas and decide to play the role of the lawyer on behalf of C(SD) soldiers I urge them to get informed.! We are ready to be deployed. We are highly professional and all of us want to serve abroad.

Stephen Falzon

Mar 21st 2008, 20:54

Government’s decision to rejoin PFP is a most welcome decision which should usher in tangible and intangible benefits in the short and medium term for the AFM. Rejoining PFP opens for both Officers and Men of the Force a valuable window of opportunity to broaden their knowledge and training. The PFP training program is tailor-made for each PFP partner country and Malta, as a participating partner state will select those training programs that are tailored to AFM and the country’s specific needs and jointly implemented at the level and pace chosen by each participating Government. Malta’s participation in PFP training programs will place the AFM on a professional level at par with other professional armies overseas. I am sure that AFM would also stand to gain from a logistical perspective. To re-iterate some facts: 1.The Partnership for Peace (PfP) is a bilateral programme between individual Partner countries and NATO. It allows Partner countries to build up an individual relationship with NATO, choosing their own priorities for cooperation and training. 2. Malta will not be joining NATO i.e. it will NOT be joining a military alliance. 3.PFP is NOT a military alliance but is a programme of practical bilateral cooperation between individual Partner countries and NATO. 4. Malta’s neutrality is not in question and has never been in question. A number of neutral countries (Switzerland, Ireland, Austria, Finland and Sweden) are all PFP partner states. As a side note, Russia is also a PFP partner member and to the agnostics out there, this is further proof that PFP does not constitute some sort of military alliance! 5. PFP partner states do NOT participate in peace-keeping missions anywhere in the world.

joe borg

Mar 21st 2008, 19:49

The professional Maltese soldier welcomes and applauds Government's decision to re-join PfP.

Mr Sultana is one of those armchair experts who does NOT know what PfP is all about.

Membership in PfP does not automatically mean that Maltese soldiers will be deployed on actual missions abroad.

It is an organisation that offers training and exercises opportunities for participating member states. It works towards creating the required synergy between the military of the member countries so they can work together.

Any decision to send troops abroad on actual missions was, is and will remain a sovereign Maltese Government decision irrespective of membership in PFP, the EU and the UN.





Any national decision to deploy troops overseas on peacekeeping missions is not related to membership in PfP.

Moses Mula

Mar 21st 2008, 18:07

Dear Sandro Aguis, I am fully aware that the subject here is the PFP and not " moral " issues but are two reasons why i mentioned divorce and abortion, first because someone wrote that we should not do join the PFP just because every country did, just like we should not introduce abortion and divorce it has been done in almost every country, and secondly because these are perfect examples of the narrow mindness of us Maltese. So you think that a pregnant woman who is suffering from a disease and has a chance to be treated should die because the treatment can kill the baby ? We and another three countries act like that and not surprisingly these other countries are extreme catholics. You would let a thirteen year old who got raped, maybe by her father, go through with the pregnancy instead of being given the chance to have an abortion which can help her forget th ordeal, and a married person who has been beaten throughout her marriage has no chance to get a divorce and start another family by getting married again. Yes, let future genarations be given less choices, and that will certainly give them a better future. Sorry if my last sentence sounded sarcastic, but it was meant to be just that.

Claude Calleja

Mar 21st 2008, 16:52

"The penalty good men pay for indifference to public affairs is to be ruled by evil men" - Plato. I think this says it all. I think Malta is duty bound to roll up it sleeves and give a helping hand. If there's a carrot at the end, so much the better!
I smile with sincere amusement at the NO camp arguing about soldiers returning with severed limbs and all ... have we forgotten the pre-EU membership era when the NO camp said that missles would fly over our heads if we joined; that our children would join the military BILFORS. Oh please, this has now gone too far. If the worst comes to the worse, we can always retract our membership.

peter micallef

Mar 21st 2008, 15:51

The decision to re-activate membership in PFP is a very positive development for Malta and the Armed Forces.
No amount of scaremongering will convince anybody otherwise.
Shame on those who turned this issue into a political one in 1996, to win votes.

The AFM had a very succesful and positive experience of PfP.

Re-activation of membership in PfP will allow Malta and her Armed Forces to rediscover what was lost.

claire muscat

Mar 21st 2008, 14:00

PFP is a voluntary option. Malta shoud rejoin PFP. why should the Maltese Soldier (the voluntary ones) always practice and train their skills for nothing. I belive that some of our military men are profesionals, and have proven so in the various courses done abroad. PFP is a positive thing for our soldiers and our country. PFP prepares our soldiers for particular jobs that only military personnel can do.Well done and thank you Dr Gonzi

Joe Degiorgio

Mar 21st 2008, 13:41

Rejoining the PfP was a smart move. Pity so many "Maltese" have so little faith in our Armed Forces. I have family members in the army and rest assured that there are dedicated, professional soldiers who are willing to serve their country wherever the Government of Malta deems necessary.
Do not be so short sighted and claim that this membership makes us target to International Terrorism. In this war agiainst terrorism taking no stand does not mean that Malta is neutral (or safe). Taking no stand means that you are cowardly turning a blind eye to the harsh reality.
Lately Al Qaeda condemned our Pope (thus our Religion). Do you really think that we are untouchable by staying "neutral"? The mere fact that we are "infedels" makes us eligible targets in the eyes of Islamic fundamentalists. So in my humble opinion; when God forbid; the first bus / cafeteria blows up on our soil, I'd rather have some strong friends on whom I can fall back.

Sandro Agius

Mar 21st 2008, 13:06

Moses Mula...you mixed the things...here the subject is not on moral issues but of convivence with others.

No, women has no right to kill there children...PfP makes a better world for our children and legalise abotion and divorce for sure is not the way to care of the future generations,,,this is not a "Reception Class" Experiment but the reality and future of a better World.

Ian Ruggier

Mar 21st 2008, 09:34

This is a most welcome decision. Officers and soldiers at C (Special Duties) Company have been waiting for such a decision since 2003. This means that more training opportunities will become available and the reality of deploying abroad on Crises Management Operations has become so much more of a reality. We, as professional soldiers, have contributed considerable time and effort to prepare a credible force with overseas deployment capabilities in order to fulfill our mission in accordance with the policies of the Government of Malta. Officers and men at C (Special Duties) Company have volunteered for service abroad. Risks highlighted by some in their comments will be mitigated by the high level of training and preparedness, and committment C (Special Duties) Company personnel display on a daily basis, both locally and abroad. Well done indeed. Roll on the operations!!

James Sultana

Mar 21st 2008, 09:34

It seems - or else we are being led to beleive - that there a quite a number of soldiers who want to go to these missions. Well, if this is true, than I see no problem in them going for it (after all the political decision has now been taken).
What is not yet clear enough is what will happen when there are not enough volunteers to satisfy our obligations. Will soldiers then be chosen and sent even if they don`t want to, or is there a provision (I doubt it) that we don`t send the requested number for missions ?

Malcolm Buttigieg

Mar 21st 2008, 09:31

Dear Alfred Farrugia

I refer to your reference to MLP's electoral programme.

It seems that you are mixing up UN with NATO and PFP.

I expect much better from Malta's diplomatic representatives working in the US.

John Borg

Mar 20th 2008, 22:55

I think it s about time that membership has been reactivated. The Armed Forces of Malta has lost out on many training opportunities abroad because Dr A Sant was too narrow minded to fully comprehend what PfP membership entailed. It s an opportunity for our forces to start cooperating with foreign armies on a higher level and in so doing improving its own operational effectiveness. Well done Dr Gonzi and the newly appointed cabinet.

Claude Brincat

Mar 20th 2008, 22:14

I can't see what all the big deal is, i've never heard of the term Partnership for peace until today.

Victor Laiviera

Mar 20th 2008, 21:06

Mr Simon Cauchi - how long is it since you took a good look at the way China and Russia are developing - politically AND militarily? Take my word for it - before long the world situation will be such that we will look back at the Cold War with nostagia - and wish we were still in those times.

And we are (unconstitutionally) throwing away out neutral status for a few crumbs from the NATO table!

James Sultana

Mar 20th 2008, 20:53

Its very interesting how many people seem to be attracted by the phrase "peace-keeping mission". A peace-keeping mission is a fancy term used to describe the mission that follows a war. For example, Italy is in a peace-keeping mission in Afghanistan and Lebanon. Even that in Nassiriya (Iraq) is technically a peace-keeping mission. Do you follow how many lost their lives or got injured in attacks against them ? A peace-keeping mission is practically when an army is sent to a country to make sure that peace is not broken.... which means that there is a high risk that this peace is broken, otherwise there is no need for an army, no ? I mean, is there any peace-keeping mission in Malta ? NO. Is there a peace-mission in the UK ? NO. Is there a peace-keeping mission in France or Germany ? NO. But is there one in Afghanistan ? YES.. and what is the difference between these countries ? Political instability, insurgents trying to take control of a country without leadership after the effects of a war, citizens angry because they are left to fend on their own in a country without food and infrastructure etc. If you are part of a peace-keeping mission, you have to make sure that nobody breaks this peace, and for those who want to break this peace you are nothing else other than THEIR ENEMY and hence you have to respond to their threats and attacks. So let`s not be fooled by the word peace .... more often than not, these missions are more of "peace-making attempt" rather than peace-keeping.

Robert Dimech

Mar 20th 2008, 20:48

To James Sultana: You are not comparing like with like. My point was that every country has joined this partnership for stability, mutual trust and security cooperation. Some have evolved further and later joined thew EU and/or NATO. Malta was the ONLY country to have opted out after 18 months, purely out of pique and because it was so easy to do so. Being outside such 'informal' security arrangements can only be detrimental to our little country. Given that Al Qaeda has reportedly declared war on Europe and since we are now more than ever part and parcel of Europe, we cannot ignore such risks to our security and not join PfP, thus at least partaking of 'confidential information', ie intelligence, at the very least and military assistance at best.

Brandon Camilleri

Mar 20th 2008, 18:42

I thinj it is a misstake for the government to make use of the current situation of the opposition to take such delicate decisions. Furthermore since this was NOT part of the electoral manifesto presented by the party in govenrment and since the opposition may not be in agreement a referendum would have been an ideal way to get the feedback of all local citizens. Countries across all of Europe use the referendum to take such delicate decisions. In case the opposition disagrees to this decision and in case in 5 years time the party in govenment changes, it would not be ideal to go out again of PfP. It would have been good for Gonzi to continue taking decisions similar to the ones taken when choosing the cabinet and parliamentary secretaries.

Moses Mula

Mar 20th 2008, 18:23

Yes Mr James Sultana, it is about time that divorce and abortion are legalized, and i tell you why. It is not because almost all other democratic countries have done so , but for the simple fact that divorce should be a legal right for all married people, and because a abortion is a woman`s right. I support the nationalist party not because i have it in my dna but because they have put Malta on the right track, but Malta has still a long way to go, so i hope that PN will stop being puppets to the church and start thinking about the individual rights, like the above mentioned and gay rights as well. Regarding the PFP, I do not understand all the fuss people do about this issue. Being part of the PFP does not mean that your country is going to war like some think, but that our armed forces will get special training and maybe and help other countries forces with peacekeeping and such. The same goes for NATO but i will probably piss people by getting into that. So for those who have not understood wht the PFP stands for go and take a course in social studies instead of listening to the leader of " your party of choice lying about it "

Simon Cauchi

Mar 20th 2008, 18:20

Smart move. Better late than never.

It was about time that somebody challenged this stupid taboo, The Berlin wall has collapsed nearly 20 years ago, and in Malta certain people are still stuck in the cold war era. PFP today includes most European countries, including most ex Soviet Republics. Everyone has moved on.

Patrick Camilleri

Mar 20th 2008, 18:04

I fully agree with Stephen Florian. What's the use in risking our few soldiers and our island which can be blown with a few greenades, I hope the "new" cabnet knows what they are doing.

Alfred Farrugia

Mar 20th 2008, 16:53

Labour's electoral manifesto - page 56.6 (electronic version) - provides for Maltese soldiers to volunteer to peacekeeping missions under UN auspices and with the approval of Malta's House of Representatives.

As long as Malta keeps its distance from any NATO war initiatives, there is nothing wrong if our soldiers voluntarily give their contribution, particularly in a genuine "Partnership for Peace," especially in humanitarian and rescue exercises.

mario Genovese

Mar 20th 2008, 16:45

Once again, the rightist mentality is prevailing. It will get to the centre by the fourth year of administration maybe - or before the next election.

Robert Sant

Mar 20th 2008, 16:40

Come on you guys complaining about PFP and NATO. Move on and see what is happening around you. Your old socialist and communist friends are all in it, so what is the problem with us. Why is it always a problem for micro Malta.

You are still caught in this Mintoffian time warp when it comes to anything of a military nature. I'd bet you would be the first to complain that the government is not doing enough with the issue of the klandestinti. We cannot keep knocking on the doors of our friends when we need them only.

Typical also of the MLP electorate - aways NO to do anything - always complaining about everything - NIET NIET NIET. Sant is gone, you have lost four consecutive elections including a referendum and yes it is time for a BIDU GDID but with Gonzi and PN at the helm.

Sandro Agius

Mar 20th 2008, 16:14

Partnership for Peace is not an aggressive army but a Peace Keeping Army. Mentioning a remote possibility of war in the Balkans is not an argument against joining PEP for it has nothing to do with NATO or any similar alliance.

Alexander Morana

Mar 20th 2008, 16:01

Funny how once in a while re-elected Prime Ministers and their respective parties always come up with an odd idea which had never been on their electoral campaigns or manifestos, or on the peoples' minds for that matter?

One may ask why reapply now to rejoin the Partnership for Peace now? Is that because the 'Opposition is leaderless and in disarray, and it is easier for the Government to proceed with the application without any public dialogue or opposition.
Is this the new way of doing politics we were promised by Dr. Gonzi? This is just another way of circumventing the Malta constitution which by the way has been rendered useless by Brussels and its neutrality act.

This is nothing but politics by stealth, pressured and lead by outside forces and to please some else, pure and simple. Don’t we have to pay our dues by now? Lawrence Gonzi knows this and joining the Partnership for Peace is one of them.

Corey Attard

Mar 20th 2008, 15:56

I thing it's a very good idea,but first you have to look at other issues that the country needs.

shaun calleja

Mar 20th 2008, 15:40

Why such a fuss? Should the goverment enter dialogue with the opposition on every decision it has to make, especially in Malta, where the MLP blindly condemns all the PN government does?
With regards to the fears for the safety of our soldiers, it is high time that we realise that being a soldier/sailor has associated risks, and we should not shy away from military challenges, with the sole proviso that our navy and army are properly equipped and manned. Taking a backseat on the world security stage would be nothing less than sheer cowardice, ridiculing us worldwide at a time when countries such as the UK and Canada are taking great pains to see the world become a better place.
This should be the first step towards joining NATO, abandoning our neutrality, reawakening the spirit that earned the George Cross, and living up to our name in history.

James Sultana

Mar 20th 2008, 15:33

Robert Dimech said: " ALL European and central Asian countries are members, even Russia; only Malta is the odd one out! Should the (any) government be limited in its actions by what it is bound by its manifesto? ".

Right ... with the very same reasoning, shall we legalise DIVORCE and ABORTION too so that we are not the odd ones out ???

Stephen Florian

Mar 20th 2008, 15:33

So we want to play soldiers eh? Many of the commentators sound happy with us joining PFP but many of you have forgotten the imminent Russian Military Exercises in the Mediterranean and the concern this had caused amongst locals. How will PFP and the local tourism industry live together on the tiny island of Malta ? How can we risk such PFP gambits moreover now that Al Qaeda is declaring war on the European Union, May I remind all the wanabee soldiers that we are on the edge of Europe, our nieghbours are Muslims, and it would be highly advisable to live in peace without PFP.
Take the illegal immigrant saga for example, how effective has the EU been in helping Malta resolve these problems? I would say that the authorities in Brussels know very little if anything. So what if a military conflict arises in our nieghbourhood, will Dr.Gonzi and his Cabinet take up moral responsibility then. Easy for us to pen our thoughts and boast on election victories, but do we really know what is going on in our seas, especially under water. May I remind the readers of the nuclear incident which HMS Tireless had off Gela Sicily a couple of years ago ? How many of us remember that this nuclear submarine contaminated waters in our neighbourhood and then limped to Gibraltar on Diesel Engines ? No problem some will say, carry on eating Lampuki and Swordfish, but I fear that the danger is much closer than we think it is, and there is nothing better than a privileged neutral state in this case. Entering PFP is a rash decision. Look before you leap.

Renato J. Costigan

Mar 20th 2008, 15:12

To Mr. Joseph Gili:-

Since the election results there were another 2 u-turns.

The first one was when Dr. Lawrence Gonzi returned to govern from Castille and

The second was when Dr. Alfred Sant resigned from leader of the opposition after being defeated in 3 elections and a referendum.

Do you agree?

Raymond Calleja

Mar 20th 2008, 15:06

Should an important issiue be decided just by The Gonzipn?? Should we a small minority of 1580 votes have our say,Do not forget AD+MLP= majority,As usual arrogance goverment.

K Caruana

Mar 20th 2008, 14:31

I believe that this should have been discussed at least with the Opposition and AD and maybe with other interested parties.

Unfortunately, government's attitude on this matter has gone against what Dr Gonzi has promised after his electoral win.

Could have been a very good opportunity to start embracing dialogue with the opposition!

Noel Barry

Mar 20th 2008, 14:21

But why do you have to complain every time something is to be done. Just realise that this was the biggest electoral win for the PN as it won against mudslinging, PN supporters who did not vote or voted another party, 3 other parties and the Harry Vassallo and JPO cases. As far as I remember well, the last time we joined the PFP it was on a voluntarily basis and there was quite a good amount of AFM personnel who had volunteered.

R.Gauci

Mar 20th 2008, 14:18

I hope we'll not see any of our soldiers in the future hostilities between Serbs and Kosovars.

Joseph Gili

Mar 20th 2008, 14:18

The second U-Turn in two weeks. How many still to go, till the next election.

I Borg

Mar 20th 2008, 14:02

whats the matter?? we're joining the partnership at last!

Stephen Spiteri

Mar 20th 2008, 13:49

I have family and friends in the Armed Forces and they are looking forward for this PFP reactivation since whoever has Military running in his blood knows that in Malta we are limited and the only way to enhance your military experience is by joining in these exercises which fulfil your carrier.

Looking forward to join!

Joseph Vella

Mar 20th 2008, 13:46

In the AFM there are Volunteers who have Medals & participated in Canale with IMM so what the heck. Come on. They are soldiers remember.

Renato J. Costigan

Mar 20th 2008, 13:27

WELL DONE Mr. Prime Minister, do whatever is good for our country. We have voted for the best of our country. You and your wife deserve a rest.

Don't look backwards.

paddy cole

Mar 20th 2008, 13:25

this is the same labour ritornello. PFP means war, lieva etc etc.... we were losing opportunities not joining pfp because of the usual labour taboos as all socialist govts did in europe.... ask soldiers in maltese army... btw prosit Gonzi to take bold decisions

steve bonello

Mar 20th 2008, 13:16

I think the prime minister has the right to go for a holiday after a long and tense campaign

Robert Dimech

Mar 20th 2008, 13:15

Let's not blow this issue out of proportion. Rejoining the PfP should have occured in October 1998 and not almost 10 years later! The AFM will benefit in many ways, ALL European and central Asian countries are members, even Russia; only Malta is the odd one out! Should the (any) government be limited in its actions by what it is bound by its manifesto? That should be the minimum but other matters require decisions and a way forward as they crop up. And anyway, who has read either parties manifestos? I haven't and for all I know it could have been included in the PN's one.
The PfP is merely a cooperative umbrella for security and stability between European and central Asian countries and each country gets to choose what level of participation it wants.

Mario Genovese

Mar 20th 2008, 13:11

I'm not surprised - As usual the political manifesto doesn't mean anything for PN.
When our children will start returning home (if they return) from a mission without a leg or without a hand - maybe someone will understand if such an item would have swayed someone's decision on how to vote. Such a fuss was made because Labour was sincere about its education plans!!! We love our children - that's the difference

C.Taliana

Mar 20th 2008, 13:04

"Moreover, the Armed Forces of Malta will also benefit from the membership since it will be able to participate in different exercises such as humanitarian and rescue exercises. "

Don't they already perform these kind of duties?

Alfred Cassar

Mar 20th 2008, 12:57

As usual the Malta 'LE' Party (MLP) will say NO to this idea.

Do you expect otherwise?

Guzeppi Grech

Mar 20th 2008, 12:50

I agree that a government shouldn't be bound to take decisions solely based on electoral minifestos. It would not be able to adapt to changing circumstances.

I must have over-estimated the importance of PFP. I was under the impression that it was a major foreign affairs decision. I got this impression because I do remember distinctly that in 1998 EFA as PM decided not re-activate Malta's membership due to it being a devisive issue. It wasn't re-activated in 2003 when Malta joined the EU and throughout the 4 years of EU membership.

I personally don't think it's such a big deal and if it facilitates the functioning of the AFM then so much the better. But I did think that it was a major foreign policy step for the government. Must have been mistaken. Who am I to fly against so much collective wisdom.

Peter Micallef

Mar 20th 2008, 12:48

Some of the responses below show the small mindedness of the Maltese. A Government has to govern, it cannot possibly go to the electorate on every decision it makes. The Maltese people have spoken and their decision was to elect a Nationalist Government, so let them get on with it and stop griping about every issue.

Joseph Caruana

Mar 20th 2008, 12:45

This week Gonzi went on a private holiday with his wife. Shame on you Prime minister...you didn't tell us this before the election.. I would have voted Emy Bezzina instead.

Guzeppi...I think you need to go on holiday too...ha tinsa ftit

Liam Kelly

Mar 20th 2008, 12:33

I agree Guzeppe, Lawrence Gonzi has lost all my respect since i saw him THREE TIMES getting into his car without outlining that he intended to do this his electoral manifesto.

Clearly, he is taking the electorate for a ride, clearly he must go.... by the way if you want to discuss further some good things to complain about the PN just visit my website forum, its:

www.readymadeexcuses4labourfans.com/forum

...see you there!

Silvo Grech

Mar 20th 2008, 12:22

Sour grapes Guzeppi, sour grapes

Paul Savona

Mar 20th 2008, 12:17

I do not see what the electoral process has to do with this?
Would it have swayed anyones decision and why?

The government would be in quite a bind if they were only able to make decisions solely based on their electoral manifesto!

D. Cortis

Mar 20th 2008, 12:16

"the Armed Forces of Malta will also benefit from the membership since it will be able to participate in different exercises such as humanitarian and rescue exercises."

What kind of benefit is that?

Guzeppi Grech

Mar 20th 2008, 12:02

Funny, I don't seem to recall this mentioned in any electoral proposals. Does anyone care anymore? Are memories really that short?