Lack of pairing keeps Malta away from Med Forum

Malta will not be represented at the so-called "five plus five" Western Mediterranean Forum in Mauritania tomorrow because no pairing has been agreed by the opposition for the vote to be taken on Wednesday evening on the debate in reply to the President's speech.

The "five plus five" Western Mediterranean Forum is made up of representatives of the governments of Libya, Tunisia, Algeria, Morocco, Mauritania, Malta, Italy, France, Spain and Portugal.

During yesterday's House Business Committee, Foreign Minister Tonio Borg asked opposition whip Joe Mizzi if it was possible for the opposition to at least pair the Home Affairs Minister so that Malta could be represented at this forum, as has always been the case.

Mr Mizzi said that, unfortunately, the opposition had decided on this vote days ago and there was no time for the Foreign Minister's request to be considered because the party's parliamentary group was not meeting before next Monday.

At the beginning of the legislature the opposition had informed the government that, until its new leadership was elected, it would decide on pairing on a case-by-case basis.

Through pairing, members of the opposition are coupled with members of the government who are away on official business and do not vote in those government MPs' absence.

Since this government has a majority of only one seat, it needs all its MPs to be present whenever a vote is to be taken unless pairing is agreed by the opposition.

Dr Borg said that, following the current debate, a debate on the Central Registry Bill was programmed for next Monday and today week, to be followed by a Bill on the accountancy profession.

Other items on the agenda include a Bill on refugees aimed at bringing Malta's legislation in line with that of the EU, a Bill to amend the number of people who could receive the national award Gieħ ir-Repubblika, and another on public administration.

At the beginning of the meeting, the first House Business Committee meeting in this legislature, Speaker Louis Galea hoped that the committee would help the House become more effective and efficient in its work and serve as a guide for members. He promised to give all the time and support necessary to committee members so that they could offer MPs the best possible support.

Dr Borg said that the government had its own legislative programme which it wanted to implement while respecting the opposition's rights.

This was how the Nationalist government had always acted. He pointed out that a good 85 per cent of laws were approved with the consensus of both sides of the House.

Mr Mizzi promised the opposition's cooperation, but emphasised it also expected to be respected.