Hunters want early ruling

The hunters' and trappers' federation (FKNK) yesterday called on the Maltese authorities to put pressure on the European Courts of Justice for a quick decision on the future of spring hunting.

FKNK general secretary Lino Farrugia urged the authorities, including the President, the Prime Minister, Malta's Permanent Representative in Brussels, the Maltese European Commissioner and the Maltese MEPs to push for an early ruling on the matter.

He ruled out any possible action or directives to members, saying any protests now would be more harmful than beneficial. Moreover, he urged members not to blame the federation's officials for what is going on.

"We are as frustrated, fed up, hurt, nervous and angry as you are, if not more, but it's not fair that we get blamed for this situation. We are waiting for a decision on the future of hunting in spring. We believe the Maltese government has a strong case but, please, let us not prejudice this position or do anything that might harm this stand," he said, addressing hunters and trappers directly.

Mr Farrugia was speaking in the light of a pending court case which the European Commission instituted against the Maltese government on spring hunting before the European Courts of Justice. Oral submissions have been heard and an interim decision is expected in about three weeks' time.

Speaking about a petition being signed by hunters and trappers, Mr Farrugia said today is the last day when people can sign the appeal, which will then be handed to the authorities.

The federation's public relations officer, Joe Perici Calascione, said the federation had written to the Police Commissioner to investigate claims on illegal hunting and, in a separate letter, called on the police to institute criminal proceedings against Birdlife Malta officials who, he said, were seen in public handling protected birds. Had other people been seen on television in possession of such birds, action against them would have been taken immediately. "It's a question of two weights, two measures," he said.

Mr Perici Calascione said Maltese and Gozitan hunters are suffering psychologically because, on the one hand, they do not know whether they will be able to go hunting this spring and, on the other, they are unsure about the future of hunting in spring in years to come.

He said the FKNK wrote to Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi requesting a decision on the opening of spring hunting this year, pending a decision by the ECJ. A request for a meeting with Dr Gonzi remained unanswered since last week, he said. Meanwhile, both Mr Perici Calascione and Mr Farrugia referred to an SMS doing the rounds regarding a demonstration tomorrow. They said the FKNK disassociates itself completely from that SMS and urged hunters to remain home and await developments.

Mr Farrugia said the federation was not imposing any deadline, adding it was "not being short-sighted". The federation "is being patient but I have no control over other people's patience. We are expecting a decision as soon as possible in everyone's interest."