Divergent statements on spring hunting

The Federation for Hunting and Conservation - Malta (FKNK) expects the Malta government to react to EU Commissioner Günther Verheugen's statement regarding spring hunting made on national television last Monday so that one can establish the truth.

The FKNK refers to the petition submitted to the EU Petitions Committee in May 2008 requesting the EU Commission to honour its commitment, made with the Maltese government during the negotiation process, and not break one of the 77 special arrangements negotiated.

Now the Maltese public heard unequivocal statements made by Commissioner Verheugen on behalf of the European Union that continue to create confusion and serious concern.

The statement by Mr Verheugen concerning spring hunting completely contradicts the official written statements and promises made by the Maltese Prime Minister and the Malta/EU Information Centre just before the EU referendum and 2004 general election. Prior to Malta's EU membership, the same commissioner, again on national television, had made other statements that differ distinctly from what he is now stating.

At this stage Maltese citizens, also European citizens, request a clarification by the government as to the truth of the issue as this continues to throw serious doubts on the validity of the other 76 "special arrangements".

The FKNK's concern, that Malta and its citizens are being treated as second-class EU citizens, is becoming more and more obvious and painful.