Ivan Camilleri, Brussels
MEPs decide not to reopen Ramla l-Ħamra petitions
Three petitions against the controversial Ramla l-Ħamra development permit issue will not be reopened and discussed further, the European Parliament's Petitions Committee decided yesterday.
Committee chairman Marcin Libicki felt the issue for the EP was closed.
There was nothing new to add to the decision made by the Maltese government to revoke a permit, granted earlier by the Malta Environment and Planning Authority, to build a tourist complex at the former Ulysses Lodge site.
The topic was raised in Brussels on Monday by Nationalist MEP Simon Busuttil who was following up on Green MEP David Hammerstein's request last month to re-open the issue in the light of "new developments" on the case.
Asked why he kept insisting on keeping the matter closed, Dr Busuttil made it clear he fully agreed with the revocation of the permit by Mepa and did not support the proposed development.
"However, there is no basis for keeping the petition open except for Alternattiva Demokratika to continue making a political issue out of this.
"The Petitions Committee is there to deal with citizens' complaints and not to be politically manipulated," he said.
Mr Libicki told Dr Busuttil that since no new developments were brought to the committee's attention the issue will remain closed.
He said the fact that there was a pending appeal on Mepa's decision did not constitute 'a new development' as suggested by the Green MEP.
Following Mr Hammerstein's request, Mr Libicki had asked him to substantiate his request and list the "new developments" in writing.
The three petitions had been formally discussed by the committee last March and the decision was taken to close the issue following a report by the European Commission, which said the permit was revoked by the Maltese authorities and there was no breach of EU law.
The petitions had been submitted by Maltese citizens.
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Andre Vella
Dec 7th 2008, 12:46
Simone Busuttil is one of the busiest MEPs - however that does not mean he can thrash AD on this matter. Truth is that AD were on the forefront of the "Save Ramla" campaign from the beginning, and without their persistent help we would be having a different argument now.
Any objective mind MUST acknowledge that fact, so defaming AD for having the guts to protest against MEPA is just wrong and immature. Where was Simone Busuttil during the protests? I wouldn't know where he was, but surely NOT there. So he should overcome his ego and thank the people who were responsible for a successful campaign.
To be honest, I don't mind Simone Busuttil's high visibility on the media because I would not expect anything else from a politician. However I do expect him to control his impulse to attack anything not-PN.
Robert Callus
Dec 4th 2008, 22:45
The 'accusations' against AD are unfair and ridiculous. Can Simon Busuttil mention at least one flaw in AD's policies and proposals regarding the environment, especially in Gozo? Yes AD will make a political issue out of Ramla for the simple reason that it IS a political issue - decisions have to be taken, and that's politics
Yves Cali
Dec 4th 2008, 15:16
Dr Busuttil made it clear he fully agreed with the revocation of the permit by Mepa and did not support the proposed development. I stand by that statement. I had written against the project when it was being originally processed.
Are I Galea and B Camilleri complaining because they are in favour of the project or are they just annoyed that Dr Busuttil is delivering while their champions are having a nap?
Louisa Grech
Dec 4th 2008, 11:39
Simon Busuttil working at the last minute for election votes....come off it Byron. Simon has been one of the most active MEP's during these last four years. His work, together with that of other MEP's like Louis Grech always was aimed at the benefit of the Maltese public. At least Simon Busuttil always made the news for all the right reasons unlike other MEP's.
It is about time that when discussing the issue of MEP's we start looking on a national level and elect those people who can do the best for our country in such an important EU institution. We need to look beyond Party Lines and vote in the best interest of Malta. hence we should vote for those candidates who have an excellent track record in the EU parliament. People like Simon Busuttil and Louis Grech fall into this category.
R Grech
Dec 4th 2008, 11:18
@Byron Camilleri
I would love to know what you expect Simon Busuttil to do as a member of the Petitions Committee just because elections are coming up next year. Perhaps unlike some other MEPs the problem is that Simon Busuttil lives and breathes his MEP role, maintaining his Party's values but willing to take on and oppose the government whenver he feels the citizen is right. Simon Busuttil takes his role very seriously so you would expect him to see all his energy result in actions within the EP. It has nothing to do with elections and all to do with hard work. Problem is not to many are used to a politician working so hard except in the runup to the election!
R.Farrugia
Dec 4th 2008, 11:09
@ Byron Camilleri
If only Malta had a few other MEP like Dr.Simon Busuttil, we would be in a far better position to fight stronger for our rights. He has performed sterling work in European fora and has obtained vauable benefits for the country. Well done!
Peter Muscat
Dec 4th 2008, 10:23
Well said Byron.
To make such a cheap political gibe against the AD party, by requesting the petitions remain open ‘for Alternattiva Demokratika to continue making a political issue out of this’, is ungentlemanly, untrue, immature and unbecoming of a European Representative of Malta.
Mr. Busuttil is also wrong to assume keeping the petitions open for political ends is not a good enough reason. Since no development is currently authorised, I understand the precaution only too well. As I understand it, AD acts for the people of Gozo on the Ramla issue, supports the greening of Gozo and was way ahead of the PN policy in proposing that Gozo becomes greener still.
But as Byron Camilleri notices below, the June elections are near and the usual attack on the Greens started again from the PN front.
John Zarb
Dec 4th 2008, 10:07
@Byron Camilleri
Well, partisan concerns aside, good MEPs such as was our Joseph Muscat and Simon Busuttil have been continously mentioned during the past years. I think running an MEP search on the past Times editions would be a good indicator of this.
lgalea
Dec 4th 2008, 10:06
Cejca before the elections
Byron Camilleri
Dec 4th 2008, 09:34
One cannot not notice how much Simon Busuttil is being mentioned lately!
It seems that elections are coming...