Three-week hunting season unacceptable - Commission
The European Commission has told the government that it does not agree with its proposals to have a three-week spring hunting season as from next year, as it does not consider it to be in line with last year’s European Court judgement.
Fines may be imposed on Malta if a three-week hunting season were to be opened, the Commission warned .
A senior Commission official in Brussels yesterday said the government had been notified of its position. He said the Commission was not objecting to the opening of a six-day season “as long as all the conditions are respected”.
A government spokesman said: "At this stage we have no comments to make on the Commission's official position."
Before announcing the opening of this year’s limited hunting season, the government had admitted it had failed to reach agreement with the Commission on the recommendation of the Ornis committee to allow a 20-day hunting season. The EU executive had already requested the government to send it – not later than four weeks after the closure of the 2010 sspring eason – a detailed report on the outcome, notably on the enforcement and controls put in practice and their results.
“The Commission has already said that opening the 2010 spring hunting season appears to comply with the requirements of the ECJ judgement,” the official said.
The hunters’ federation, which earlier this week appealed for the immediate opening of the spring season, has said it is seeking legal advice about the government’s “discriminatory” decision, as only 2,500 hunting licences are on offer.
The Labour Party has held talks with the federation, FKNK, and declared it agreed with opening a 20-day hunting season as recommended by the Ornis committee.
This year’s season runs between this Saturday and April 30 and is the first to be held in the past three years, as hunting was not allowed in 2008 and 2009 due to the pending court case instituted by the Commission. However, a hunters’ boycott means only a handful have applied for the special licence.
According to the EU Birds Directive, hunting is not permitted during spring. However, last year the ECJ ruled autumn hunting was not a suitable alternative to spring hunting, leaving the door ajar for a limited season.
Popular Stories
Update 3: Woman found dead in car,...
Updated: Woman dies in car crash
Carm Mifsud Bonnici resigns after...
Part of Dwejra 'Azure window' collapses
The end of the bar that ‘never closed’
Bundy does not know whether to...
Updated - Jason Micallef demands...
This WAS the night - Kurt makes it...
Petrol price up 6c
In Discussion
Updated - Jason Micallef demands...
Gozo tunnel could take 5-7 years to...
CABS remote controlled aircraft shot...
Carm Mifsud Bonnici resigns after...
Joseph Calleja condemns portrayal of...
Updated: Labour would give...
CABS drone shot down
Second group of migrants arrives
Adrian Vassallo in scathing...
92 Comments
Post comment
Please sign in or create your Account to post comments.
Sylvana Zarb Darmanin
Apr 27th 2010, 19:03
Dear Heidi, actually I suggested to Ita that she should be enjoying her childhood as this only comes once! Could you be kindly enough as to explain where exactly I was "mean"?! You stated that I told Ita that she cannot write on this blog!!! Where exactly did I tell her that?
Sylvana Zarb Darmanin
Apr 27th 2010, 13:02
Heidi Cao, just because Ita and Sigrid are your friends, it does not mean that I cannot reply to their comments!! And please do not try to be patronising! Once these individuals deemed it fit to comment, they have now to face replies to their comments!
Heidi Cao
Apr 27th 2010, 15:49
Dear Sylvana.
I never said you couldn't write to Ita or Sigrid. I said that you shouldn't write in a very mean way, and don't tell Ita that she can't write just because she is 9. I thought that she had a very good idea about having a vote. Also everybody has their own opinion.
Sylvana Zarb Darmanin
Apr 26th 2010, 20:34
G Debono, where have I actually been insultive?! Since hunting is practised the world over, one could only be from the moon not to be aware of hunting in one's own country!! As for "low manners" readers have become accustomed from which side of the topic this is forthcoming. G Debono, seeing that you are finding comments coming from a nine-year-old as "valid arguments" astonishes me even more!!!
Sylvana Zarb Darmanin
Apr 25th 2010, 20:21
Ita Nudelman, since your parents find no problem and since you prefer this rather than enjoying your childhood, you must therefore expect replies to your comments. Learn how to fact the consequences dear. One cannot just have RIGHTS!!
Heidi Cao
Apr 26th 2010, 21:03
Dear Sylvana, please don't write to Ita, Sigrid or any other people in a mean way. Ita and Sigrid are both my friends and before you ask i am not 9 years old.
Sylvana Zarb Darmanin
Apr 25th 2010, 13:39
Laura Goodwin, have you stopped to think whether OUR birds are being killed by YOUR hunters?!! The birds are ours as much as yours. Furthermore, the European Court of Justice has given the Maltese Government the necessary tools for the opening of the Spring Hunting Season. Though our present Government was incapable of using these tools, eventually we might have a Government who makes full use of these tools!
Finally, I assure you Madam that OUR hunters will continue to hunt as long as YOUR hunters continue to do so. Rest assured that the Maltese will not give in to any interference from foreigners who believe that they may dictate to others. From your surname it appears that you are British. Well, we said good riddance to you quite a long time ago!!!!
G Debono, if you sincerely believe that children should waste their childhood behind a computer screen, no wonder we never read sensible arguments from your end!!!
G.Debono
Apr 26th 2010, 10:21
Zarb Darmanin You are saying your usual fallisies, and as usual, you don't realise it. First of all who said that Ita spends her time behind a computer - just because she posted a comment on the Times of Malta. PS. My children also read this paper. I would reframe from passing judgement on where she spends her time. Notwithstand - I guess it should really be none of your (our) business. Secondly - I believe you have treated Ms. Nudelman is such a low manner, only because she came up with valid arguments which have given a (this usual) bashing to your arguments. It seems to me, that insulting a 9 year old "Living on the moon", "Put your nose..." brings out the best of you.
Laura Goodwin
Apr 25th 2010, 00:01
@ Sylvana Zarb Darmanin you think that birds live in a country? That they're yours to kill? They are our birds too and we in Europe won't stop until you stop killing OUR birds!
Sylvana Zarb Darmanin
Apr 23rd 2010, 16:21
Ita Nudelman, if you are indeed 9 years old, you should definitely not be on this blog! Children should be enjoying their childhood and not stuck behind a computer screen sneaking into adults' online blogs! Maybe you should ask your parents then to enlighten you about hunters and poachers in your country. With your comments you are actually turning a respectable newspaper into a fairy-tale magazine. Stick to children books dear and enjoy your childhood because this only comes once!
Sigrid Svanberg, do you also happen to be a nine-year-old?! The tone in your comment also suits a fairy-tale! Have you ever taught of placing your questions to your own country folks? What about birds living in YOUR country?! Well they could be luckier because when shot by YOUR hunters, they will not be further tortured by being illegally taken around the streets of Valletta by BirdLife & Co!!!
itanudelman
Apr 23rd 2010, 22:19
Miss Sylvana my parents alow me to write to the newspaper and may I ask this if you are going to talk to a 9 yera old like that then thats not very good thing, telling me not to be on this bloog. I have the Right. You have the right but you don't have the right to tell me to get of this blog. My parent let me as its their decision.
G.Debono
Apr 25th 2010, 11:05
Ita Nudelman - you are more than welcome to be here. This subject affects young and old and you certainly come across as a person who is genuinely concerned towards the environment around you. Well done - do your best when you grow up to not only take care of the environment and all within it, but strive to leave the environment in a manner to be enjoyed by those that come after you.
Joe Grech
Apr 23rd 2010, 03:17
I believe I had read somewhere just a couple of days ago that it was actually the Hon. Prime Minister who had given hunters to understand that next year there would be a Bonanza three week long spring hunting season....
The E.C. certainly corrected him rather too sharply it seems.
Could the Prime Minister have been also so abysmally wrong on this issue too? He seems to be making rather too many slips lately.
Bearing in mind the considerable number of problems that have come - and continue to come - his way (Bahrija farmhouse, Illegal Immigration, VAT scam, Recession, Utility Billing Problem, Power Station Extension Sleaze, Air Malta / tourism problems, Hunting ...I really think he needs a rest....honestly. Unfortunately the Papal Visit was rather too short - it might have helped a lot to calm down everybody's jittery nerves.
Dr. Gonzi certainly looked so uncomfortable - and tired - in the Times clip today as he emphatically repeated that the Auditor's Power Station Extension report had declared that there had been no hard corruption there.
Why does he have to be the only one in the administration facing the flak? Trying to ''square the circle''?
Sylvana Zarb Darmanin
Apr 22nd 2010, 20:19
Ian Fenechand C L Attard, "The rights of 16000 need to be respected?????? What about the rights of the other 350,000 people on the island????" AND "the rights and lives of the other 96% of the 400,000". SO YOU ARE INCLUDING ME IN YOUR 350,000/96%!!! Can your comments be taken seriously?! I did not even bother to continue reading them after such a BIG FAT LIE!!! Sorry to disappoint you Sir BUT I and many others side with the hunters!!!
J Borg, "biddel id-diska"!! When are we to expect some sensible arguments from you, Gizimina?!
Ita Nudelman, do you live on the moon?! If not, I suggest you enlighten readers with hunting and poaching taking place in your country before poking your nose into ours!!
ita nudelman
Apr 23rd 2010, 11:45
I am 9 years old so please don’t write back to me like that. Think about it. What if you were a bird and some people liked hunting? Birds are living creatures.
Sigrid Svanberg
Apr 23rd 2010, 12:22
I totally agree with Ita Nudelman. Killing is wrong. Have you ever thought of that birds are beautiful and peace full animals. One question to all hunters “Is it fun to kill birds or is it just you that have nothing to do so you get your gun and go out and kill some birds?” Think yourself as a bird. Would you want to be killed? So please answer it yourself. See all these birds getting shot in front of you face. I wouldn’t want to be a bird living in Malta right now!
Ita Nudelman
Apr 22nd 2010, 17:15
I think that killing birds is wrong and it is all a matter of time till they are gone.Extinct.Forever. I think in the woods and hunting areas secret cameras should be put up. Hunting is very bad and especialy for fun. Some people like me would say: lets have a bird vote. birds that want to be shot say aye. Birds that want to live be quiet. Lets all hope that birds will stay alive for as long as possible.
Beate E. Meves
Apr 23rd 2010, 12:23
Ita Nudelman, you are right that birds are not to be killed and that it is wrong that some people still do it illegally and for fun. But I think that it is a bad idea to put hidden cameras in the hunting areas. I mean what for? Yes, then you can see what the hunters are doing but that doesn’t stop them from killing birds. I think that it is ok to kill birds for food when you need it, but killing them just for fun is very unnecessary.
Robert Callus
Apr 22nd 2010, 15:48
To hunters:
The PN lied to you and you finally realised it. Now it's the PL. Of course they can promise whatever they want. If they will be in govt in 3 years time the major decisions would have been taken already. It is more than clear that staying in the EU and having spring hunting are impossible. Are the PL proposing you that Malta leaves the EU? If not, they are lying.
Fabian Borg
Apr 22nd 2010, 17:52
Bert,
Umbaghad m`hemx is-CNI !!!
Ghal kacca nghamlu kollox u min qarraq bina jrid jdum ma jerga jirfes Kastilja jekk mhux bl-invit.........
S Vella
Apr 23rd 2010, 11:44
@Robert Callus
Do you have the decency to accuse the PL of lying???
Have a look at these and you will find proof of who is lying ! not allegations u "tfigh ta tajn" as you are used of accusing the PL, li wara kollox iz-zmien taghna parir Bert.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dYgag85Rttk&feature=player_embedded
http://kaccaturi.com/eddie.html
Brandon Pisani
Apr 22nd 2010, 14:35
Onor Philip Mifsud - the Parliamentary Assistent - confirmed yesterday that the Government will be seeking a 3 week season from next week because the Government has all the tools to convince the EC that he has the right for a 3 week season. Philip Mifsud was participating on the discussion programm '60 Minuta' on Favourite Channel yesterday night. You can watch the reapeat of this programm today at 3pm
C. Sapiano
Apr 22nd 2010, 14:11
@I Galea
A patriot is one who loves his country. The timid will not join you because your ideas are obsolete.
By the way have you noticed the EU flags on Labour party clubs he he?!!
Mario Cauchi
Apr 22nd 2010, 18:40
You're right Brandon, I saw the program yesterday and the MP was not so convincing. In actual fact I sensed that what he was trying to sell was totally against his belief. And by the way, which tools are we talking about here? Tools effective for next year but ineffective for this year? The government does not need to convince the Commission. All it has to do is to apply the derogation within the parameters established by the ECJ ruling and let the Commission monitor the situation. The list of tools is written in the judgement. The rest is all excuses to try and control the damage caused by the ludicrous way it moved to open this season. I think the government should start doing something credible to convince its people rather than convincing the Commission.
J. Borg
Apr 22nd 2010, 13:56
Some-are-discounting-the-fact that bird-hunters are allowed to roam-around using shotguns from September to January – not-to-mention, Summer rabbit-hunting excuse.
But FKNK is not satisfied with these 6-months – claiming that its own members (with-vested-interest) declare they catch fewer quails+turtle-doves in Autumn – conveniently omitting other species they kill.
With-the-grammatical-skills-hunters-display-in-their-graffiti, one-can-deduce-what-their-average-numerical-skills-are.
The EU (supposedly gives priority to its citizens’ quality-of-life+health– and does not coward off when lobby groups arrogantly resort to threats and violence) should eventually appreciate that the Malta is so densely populated and has such limited countryside – that it is counter-productive and dangerous to have such uniquely “uniquely socio-culturally developed” chaps roaming around and firing gunshots.
We do not have the area nor the resources to afford/control such destructive egoistic “luxuries”.
The only chance that hunting may be tolerated and effectively kept in check, would be if it is restricted to just a handful of clearly demarcated areas – wherein wardens control the issuance of shotguns, cartridges and what is being shot, and manage a roster basis wherein each registered and appropriately vetted hunter can hunt.
Such overdue measure will also finally rid our homes, streets and roads from shotguns and mitigate the chances of accidents+homicides.
Mario Cauchi
Apr 22nd 2010, 14:14
Are you joking or what? What about the latest arms act? We may get rid of the shotguns, but what about all those assorted pistols and revolvers, not to mention heavy calibers semi-automatic rifles that one can buy in this time and age? Murders are not committed by way of shooting only. In fact, most of them have been committed by way of other methods. So it's better if you go and sell your argument to the Marines.
Fabian Borg
Apr 22nd 2010, 13:50
`Fines may be imposed on Malta if a three-week hunting season were to be opened, the Commission warned .`
Fines are not automatic and the commission cannot impose fines. Only a court judgement can. Also we have seen how wrong the commission was when they took us to court and tried to batter us all along by stating we could not apply a derogation correctly. It results we can so the commission was wrong.
Seems like the commission is playing the game of GonziPN by implying that even a PL government cannot open a reasonable season.
Trust Labour has principles and honesty at heart more than PN/OPM who was so deceiving in luring honest citizens to think what pleased them about EU membership.
A bold Labour government would go back to the EU commission and slap all guarantees which were given and re-negotiate the position.
Phil Humphries
Apr 22nd 2010, 17:03
"A bold Labour government would go back to the EU commission and slap all guarantees which were given and re-negotiate the position"
Really ? And what if the EU wouldn't listen, then what would it do ? Threaten to take Malta out of the EU ? ( Yeah, as if it could ! ). Stamp its feet and threaten to throw the EU money back in its face ? Ask businesses to return their EU grants? Spurn the inward investment that Malta's EU membership continues to attract ? Need I go on ? Or perhaps Joseph might prefer to rip up Malta's best roads and send the rubble to Brussels?
Nothing man made is ever perfect and it's not only hunters that disagree with aspects of what went on prior to Malta joining the EU, but let's be realistic. Whatever politicians might say or infer, no one is going to re-visit the accession treaty now. Like it or not, we are all Europeans now and we cannot swallow the bits we like and spit out what we don't.
Fabian Borg
Apr 22nd 2010, 17:44
Dearest Mr.Humphries,
I`d surely be ready to spit back all we got from the EU for the freedom we once gave away.
After all nobody is getting anything without working hard of not harder than ever.
The only benefits we got are enjoyed by too few and if the business men do not like it then so be it. Malta is of all the population and not of a few millionaires who thrive on the working kind.
I call for a new EU referendum unless this and other issues like illegal immigration are resolved with the help of the EU.
S Vella
Apr 23rd 2010, 11:29
@ Phil Humphries
Well said Fabian, I agree with you 100%!
Call a new referendum and see what the Maltese think now that we tasted EU.
You know what you forgot to mention? what we pay the EU. You speak as if the EU is giving us everything for nothing....when you see what Malta is getting (in funds) and what we are paying in cash, the difference is not impressive, and Freedom has no price.
They gave us a very false picture of the EU. All the beurocracy and local farces are all still alive and kicking and the EU doesnt interfere there.
Before joint EU we were still progressing and had a much better standard of living!
Thats the truth!
Anthony Formosa
Apr 22nd 2010, 13:43
Please just listen to what Mr G.Verheugen said:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3iRNln1D7fs
Where do we stand now??????????
It's our responsibility what we do and not theirs.
P Agius
Apr 22nd 2010, 13:37
So .... is Joseph imitating his mentor's own words - "imbaswru ftit l-hawn u l-hemm"???? It's pretty clear that what the FKNK want is not acceptable for the EU Commission .... any u-turns Joseph?
S Vella
Apr 22nd 2010, 14:07
Joseph mhux ibaswar ftit l'hawn u ftit l'hemm, Joseph ghandu l-punt ta l-IRGULIJA u ma jdendilx karotti meta tkun waslet l-elezzjoni, tant hu hekk li Joseph ma dejjaq xejn jghid mill
lum x'inhi l-posizzjoni tal-pajjiz, anki jekk ahna minoranza, imma ma gabx il-voti qabel in-nies imma in-nies MALTIN traduti qabel il-voti.
http://kaccaturi.com/eddie.html
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dYgag85Rttk&feature=player_embedded
Anthony Formosa
Apr 22nd 2010, 14:26
Ghaliex ma tistaqsix lil min innegozja jekk bazwarx jew le? Hekk isiru in-negozjati? illum mod u ghada mod iehor, hallina siehbi, ghal Dr Muscat tkun facli, jatwa dak li gie imwieghed lilna u accetta mil-Ewropa.
Isma lil Verheugen u wara tkellem min qed ibazwar.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3iRNln1D7fs
Mario Cauchi
Apr 22nd 2010, 13:13
It is astonishing to see how this news comes out immediately after FKNK talks with the PL. One cannot expect better particularly after experiencing the mockery with which the government handled this situation. Very recently those at Brussels said through a Commission official that it does not intend to tell the Maltese government whether it should open the spring hunting season or not and that the decision had to be taken by the Maltese government –The Times April 1st 2010– The Commission’s role is to monitor the situation if the government opts to open the season, and it has until November 2011 to do so. This makes me believe that these rumours of fines if the government opens the season are nothing but scaremongering tactics adopted by government to gain some ground in subsequent to its flop. Part of the ruling found in the ECJ judgement is that the season should be shorter than it was originally. Simple mathematics reveal that the period of three weeks equates to one third of the original duration. It appears however that there are some who cannot digest that spring-hunting is legal while even ignoring the judgement delivered by the ECJ!
C. L. Attard
Apr 22nd 2010, 12:42
@MMBonnici
“an injustice that effects the lives of over 16,000 Maltese”… “the rights of 16000 people”.
That's 4% of the population… what about how hunting effects the rights and lives of the other 96% of the 400,000 who share this island with you?
Hunters expect to be appeased while ignoring the wishes of everyone else. The non-hunting majority has rights too which government is obliged to safeguard (Joseph Muscat please note...) If you lived in Italy or UK, you would not intrude on everyone else so much but this is Malta, and your hobby is a huge burden on the lifestyle, environment and health of the entire country. We are woken by gunshots, give up country walks and our soil and water is poisoned by your lead. Do we also have to support fines just so you have your fun in spring as well as autumn?
In all your press releases, such considerations are conspicuous by their absence. Its no surprise comments con the arrogance of hunters are increasing even from people who did not give a hoot. Is it too much to hope that hunters may come to see the issue nationally and not just selfishly?
Anthony Formosa
Apr 22nd 2010, 13:22
Mr Attard, are you a BLM accountant? how did you came up with such figures, I represent 4 so it means an average hunter trapper multiply by 4, 16,000 * 4 = 64,000, and many more thousands who do not give a hoot about hunting or at least they understood our situation. Next time round compare the 16,000 hunters / trappers with the few members of BLM mainly children or with the 15 volunteers they have, furthermore you can compare with AD votes 4,000. So from you got these 96%?
Mario Cauchi
Apr 22nd 2010, 13:46
Mr. Attard. I cannot understand how you’re making what you think is right, as the opinion of 95% of this country’s population. It is an opinion which is yours, and I respect that, but that’s only yours and you cannot guarantee that it is shared by 95% - less one - of the local population. To say that people are giving up walks because of hunting is totally nonsense. And your comment of lead-poisoned water and soil is utterly comical to say the least. If you want to talk about pollution in this country, then I recommend that you make a proper research in order to find what exactly is causing it.
Carmelo Aquilina
Apr 22nd 2010, 14:19
Mr Formosa the only time a FKNK candidate stood for election he got about fewer votes as the local extreme right winger.. so much for the thousands of votes !!!
Pierre Zammit
Apr 22nd 2010, 12:40
Now that that we have it from the Commission, it is amply clear the Prime Minister was fooling around arguing that he intended to open a very restricted season this year, allowing him to open a three week season for 2011. FKNK was right all the way once more. I suggest that our Federation changes tactics in approaching the issue, by stopping all forms of mediation with the Govt., reverting anew at court in defence of the original binding promises, that as laid and inscribed in the Special Arrangement meant purely a Traditional Spring Hunting season as we know it. We have to fight on the legal point that we where deceited with willfully wrong info prior voting the Accession Referendum. Only this measure will give back what is due to a section of our population. FKNK should not accept the compromise of a restricted season as this is accomodating to the Govt. in it's wrong doings, and it's members should not pay for the latter's deceit in principal and the incompetence of misusing E.U. derogations. NOTHING BUT THE ORIGINAL PROMISE OF A TRADITIONAL SPRING SEASON WILL MAKE JUSTICE TO THE HUNTERS.
j.spiteri
Apr 22nd 2010, 12:27
That's not what the PN and the pro EU kept telling us day in day out. The Maltese hunter was supposed to benefit from a full accession to the European club. At least that's what Herr Günter Verheugen is recorded as saying in his many meetings with EFA. Lets face it, you've been duped dear Maltese hunter!
Ian Fenech
Apr 22nd 2010, 12:21
The rights of 16000 need to be respected?????? What about the rights of the other 350,000 people on the island????? Don't we have a right to enjoy the countryside and the birds? You hunters only think about yourselfs and your 'right' to have your hobby (to kill birds, what a bla sense hobby - but I can respect it has been a tradition since the times of the knights). It should be pointed out however, that this tradition exsisted as birds where used as a source of food.
I think you are afraid becasue of the report the government has to send to the EU. You already know that the government has no way of controlling the hunters, let alone finding out how many birds are being killed!!!!!! We know it not all the hunters but the 'cowboys' who hunt no matter if its open season or not that are hurting you, but until somebody finds a way to control them the situation will change.
The idea of the army is good i, but as one man told me, 'I have a family to take care of', if you don't mind getting shot at, then go stop them yourself.
Johnny Xerri
Apr 22nd 2010, 18:38
Tajba din Ian!!!
So according to you the army is scared of hunters...lol...but they are not scared to break up fights at paceville, to break up riots at detention camps, they are not scared to be called into frontex, they are not scared to provide their service against Somali pirates. They are only scared of people who want to get what was legally promised and are not hardened criminals but people who practice a hobby.
Lol if that's the case then its more a question of 'Forzi Zarmati' then Forzi Armati'
Stephen Baldacchino
Apr 22nd 2010, 12:11
What a disgrace, In our country and they tell us what to do and they whant a report on it too. incredibale.it's really sad to see all this happening in front of my eyes, but killing and masacare a bull like in spain is good and they get financed for it. nice really nice. the worst of it all that you see Maltese fellow people happy with it.
Fabian Borg
Apr 22nd 2010, 12:03
Where was the EU Commission when EFA/OPM guaranteed Spring Hunting would remain as it was a traditional hunting season ? (and traditional means with its full context including length and species).
Where was the EU Commission when the jointly financed MIC was distributing guarantees to local hunters and trappers about the security of their practices after membership? Was the EU Commission so careless that they did not check information that was being printed/distributed with their money ?
Were was the EU Ambassador for Malta at the time the guarantees were being given and numerous articles to this effect were being printed in local papers ?
Where was the EU Commission when its Commissioner for EU enlargement came on local TV and clearly stated that Malta managed to obtain a derogation (not can apply a derogation) concerning Spring Hunting and that it was entirely up to the country to decide ? He also said he was not happy about it to add convincement
Dear Commission, this game of give and take where the end loser is any Maltese Citizen has to end even if it takes to go to the start of the problem where Maltese were asked to vote.
E. Azzopardi
Apr 22nd 2010, 11:47
There we are. That is your confirmation. Three weeks are UNACCEPTABLE. Ornis was wrong. I suppose that both the government and the opposition got their answer.
So better not start promising anything before one knows for sure that it can be fullfilled.
And even the six day season has its severe conditions. And if we do not abide by them, which seems very likely from what happened in the past and what is happening these days, then next year not even one day hunting!!!!
Government and opposition better put their heads together for the benefit of the people and the country, if, as they both state over and over again, that these comes first.
The vast majority of the citizens are waiting.
C. Sapiano
Apr 22nd 2010, 11:30
@I Galea
Continue fighting windmills...you and the minority that support you!
lgalea
Apr 22nd 2010, 13:14
C. Sapiano
In the beginning of a change the patriot is a scarce man, and brave, and hated and scorned. When his cause succeeds, the timid join him, for then it costs nothing to be a patriot.
Notebook, 1904 Samuel Clemens (Mark Twain)
lgalea
Apr 22nd 2010, 13:17
p.s.
If you are so sure we are a minority, why don't you persuade GONEZI to hold another referendum to see whether the people want to stay or leave the eu? They won't do it because they are CHICKENS.
Carmelo Aquilina
Apr 22nd 2010, 14:22
Mr Glaea "patriotism is the last refuge of the scoundrel"... Samuel Johnson 1775
Antoine Grima
Apr 22nd 2010, 11:21
The commissioner has already said that Malta wil never get a derogation for the spring hunting of turtle dove and qauil . The ECJ proved him wrong .He was wrong than and he is wrong now . Time will tell
S. Calleja
Apr 22nd 2010, 10:45
"Game" over guys. Time to find a new hobby.
Anthony Formosa
Apr 22nd 2010, 12:50
Just started my dear.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JMzNB22K1P4&feature=PlayList&p=C864F397B11BF118&playnext_from=PL&index=0&playnext=1
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gj6F6oVqOho&feature=related
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=96HyFY-sbLo&feature=related
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lf34BrUCGoE&feature=related
MARK MIFSUD BONNICI
Apr 22nd 2010, 10:16
What the commission interprets as acceptable does not necessarily mean such interpretation cannot be contested.
If Government feels so convinced in opening a 3 week spring season as confirmed by its own intentions it should go ahead and do so.
Clearly the commission is not considering what the ECJ termed as Malta's "specific circumstances" namely that autumn is not a "satisfactory solution' and more importantly migration is not a daily occurrence but a phenomenon that can occur any day within a 30 day period . Also the ECJ allowed derogation for 2 species that migrate at different periods.
The season acceptable to the commission allows a bag limit that can easily be proved false and a period that does not offer any solution, added to this government offered this pittance to 2500 hunters
Unfortunately a spineless Government that hides behind biased advisers is not the solution to an injustice that effects the lives of over 16,000 Maltese. Even more so considering the hunters association was not even consulted throughout this whole farce.
The rights of 16000 people need to be respected by a Government willing to listen to reason. Hunter are prepared to wait.
Henry Balzan
Apr 22nd 2010, 11:45
Clearly you refuse to face the truth and reality and continue grabbing at any tiny straw, not branch! Can't you understand that hunting is 'passe''??? Can't you understand the harm that you are inflicting on the natural environment by this so-called sport? Enough! Cease!
Phil Humphries
Apr 22nd 2010, 10:15
"The EU executive had already requested the government to send it – not later than four weeks after the closure of the 2010 spring eason – a detailed report on the outcome, notably on the enforcement and controls put in practice and their results"
It shouldn't take them long to compile that report then !
And then came the news that no one expected... "The Labour Party has held talks with the federation, FKNK, and declared it agreed with opening a 20-day hunting season as recommended by the Ornis committee"
We didn't see that one coming, did we ? And just when Gonzi appeared to be winning the foot shooting competition ! - Nice one, Joe.
Anthony Formosa
Apr 22nd 2010, 10:13
What we need is a strong government who stands for our rights, if the PN really negotiated and signed an agreement that spring hunting and trapping will continue, then there is no room for more discussions, however if the government and the EU negotiator planned this ahead, then the EU accession is null and void. I remember well when the opposition wanted to reopen the negotiations on the drydocks and the EU said that there is no time to waste, negotiations done and chapter closed. With such attitude the EU sceptics are increasing and UK will be the first to leave the EU.
http://debatewise.org/debates/784-the-uk-should-leave-the-european-union
http://blogs.telegraph.co.uk/news/danielhannan/9238909/Would_Britain_vote_to_leave_the_EU/
http://www.scribd.com/doc/229783/Fifty-reasons-to-leave-the-EU
lgalea
Apr 22nd 2010, 10:40
Anthony Formosa the accession treaty IS NULL AND VOID because the peoples consent was taken through lies, deceit, threats etc that all invalidate any contract and a treaty is a contract. This is explained in the CNI's Solemn Declaration found on http://www.cnimalta.org/dik.html or the English version on http://www.cnimalta.org/edec.html
This is apart from the fact that any people can decide not to continue with eu membership as they are always sovereign and have a right to Independence and Freedom which are recognized by the United Nations.
The eu now also recognizes this and anyone can see that this is the truth from this European Parliament video a link to which is provided from the CNI website at http://www.cnimalta.org/ or direct to the European Parliament TV at http://www.europarltv.europa.eu/YourParliament.aspx?action=viewVideo&packageid=f5077c6b-3b92-4a1f-8271-c7a49c3bc6e8
All we need to get out of this new eu colonialism is to have decent politicians who are patriotic and put our peoples interests before their own and not be traitors like Judas and Quislings ready to obey the eu diktat.
Mark Galea
Apr 22nd 2010, 11:14
CNI is another of KMB's great ideas ... I leave the readers to judge by themselves. Also, both PL and LP agree that our place is in the EU.
Anthony Formosa
Apr 22nd 2010, 13:08
Mark Galea The PN and the PL represents the people who chose to join the EU which also the right to leave as UK will do. Why not make another referendum?
C Mallia
Apr 22nd 2010, 10:09
There it is FKNK and PL. Its the Commission which will have the final say. FKNK, its no use giving ultimatums, putting down people in the streets, giving false hopes and generally making fools of yourselves with statements upon statements, while making hunters be more aggressive in our countryside
PL, you have been too fast in jumping on the occasion to please the hunters without waiting for a statement from the commission, giving false hopes to the hunters.
S Vella
Apr 22nd 2010, 10:57
You cannot ban something bought legally and held by a licensed person.
So should we ban cars because we have people abusing with cars?
SHEER NONSENSE!
S Vella
Apr 22nd 2010, 13:46
We are making fools of ourselves?
Take a look at these....
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dYgag85Rttk&feature=player_embedded
http://kaccaturi.com/eddie.html
These are the main actors!
jes degabriele
Apr 22nd 2010, 10:07
I want an answer from the FKNK or the PL. What will the PL do under such EU statement if it will be in government? I need an answer please..................i think PL will do exactly the same like PN. If not all Maltese willl have to pay fines.
Alfred Pace
Apr 22nd 2010, 10:00
Why not use some of the soldiers to help A.L.E. during the hunting season. Soldiers are used for stop checks against drugs and as security quards, so during the day they can be used to help stop illegal hunting. (if need be on overtime) I agree that we do have responsable hunters, but because of the few we have to control all of them.
j.zammit
Apr 22nd 2010, 10:36
Actually they are... the AFM staked out and caught 2 illegal trappers some months ago...
Pity they dont do it more often... would do good for their training too
G.pisani
Apr 22nd 2010, 09:56
Well the EU commission should know that the hunting season in Malta began long time ago, as I can hear shots everyday.
Can we ban weapons from Malta please?
S Vella
Apr 22nd 2010, 10:49
You cannot ban something bought legally and held by a licensed person.
So should we ban cars because we have people abusing with cars?
SHEER NONSENSE!
James Green
Apr 22nd 2010, 11:37
Yes of course. A brilliant suggestion. And give the Army and Police fly swatters instead. Oh, and a can of insecticide too!
M. Mizzi
Apr 22nd 2010, 09:53
Has the season been opened? I presume so,as there were quite a few shots heard in Handaq area at Qormi at around 7:00 a.m.
c. hansel
Apr 22nd 2010, 09:53
The Labour Party has held talks with the federation, FKNK, and declared it agreed with opening a 20-day hunting season as recommended by the Ornis committee.
of course they say that and they will be happy to pay the fine from the eu as well with tax payers money!!!
Stop hunting once and forever and confiscate all fire arms on this island, there is no logical need for them, apart from satisfying some stone age rituals(bird hunting).
S Vella
Apr 22nd 2010, 10:33
It seems like you cannot accept people with different opinions and ideas and that is a sign of
Stone Age mentality. In modern societies people have to be tollerant and democratic not Dictators like the way you are reasoning!
Confiscate all firearms....LOL very funny!! we bought them not stole them and we are licenced to keep them. If you are not Maltese from your surname, most probably the country were you come from exports firearms, if you are Maltese update your general knowledge please because what you just suggested is not effected anywere in the world!!
lgalea
Apr 22nd 2010, 10:43
I am no hunter or trapper hansel, but the hunters and trappers must be given what they were promised before the eu referendum even if it means the destruction of the cursed.treacherous and deceitful eu and its petty dictators.
c. hansel
Apr 22nd 2010, 10:51
@ S Vella
mate your really got me laughing here. Tell me one good reason why the general public needs fire arms?? You have no wild animals on this island which could justify the possession of firearms. What is democratic when the hunters dont obey the law? Who is going to protect the general public from those fire arms? I know someone who got shot with a hunter shotgun, now he is dead and he was a very good friend of mine, this could have been prevented. Yes confiscation of all firearms is harsh, but in my opinion that what the hunters need to wake up and enter the 21th century! Live peaceful no need to kill harmless birds!
S Vella
Apr 22nd 2010, 14:45
@ C hansel
I am glad I got you laughing because you made me cry with your argument!
Who told you the general public needs firearms? Just state were I said that now please but dont put words into my mouth! Be honest!
To hold a license for a firearm who decided that we have to have wild animals?
How dare you say that hunters do not obey the law??? you are arrogantly putting everyone in the same basket. I challenge you because I have never ever had one single offence related to hunting never mind with my firearms because I am responsable not like you are trying to picture all hunters, and like myself are most of my fellow hunters.
So as you are saying we should ban all knives too because I know of various crimes in which knives were used! I am sorry for any victim but dont be rediculous. Most of the times when firearms are used for crimes they are stolen. Who would use a weapon registerd on him to commit a crime? Now you are making me laugh!
In the 21st Century there are more people worrying about killing birds than human beings.
stephen grech
Apr 22nd 2010, 09:53
@Chris Finch: Really you dont' have anything to do other than critise everyone? I suggest you find a hobby for yourself and stop trying to be holier than thou! And if you think that hunters or bus drivers - or for that matter any other section in our country - are the most despised section of Maltese society I can assure you that people with your attitude are considered as spiteful in our country.
David Buttigieg
Apr 22nd 2010, 09:51
Even a day is a day too long!
S Vella
Apr 22nd 2010, 11:48
NO COMMENT,
this link speaks for itself and answeres your comment
http://kaccaturi.com/eddie.html
A Grech
Apr 22nd 2010, 09:48
@ Mr. Finch. Yesterday I commented in Maltese in the article about the farmers. I'm not sure if you understood it so here is a translation with some changes. I am no hunter of farmer, but I respect all society. Everyone has their own rights and farmers cannot stay running after trespassers. Hunters have been promised the traditional dove & quail hunting. Your comment comparing bus drivers and hunters and that they are "the most despised section of Maltese Society" is shallow. I know of bus drivers who are real gentlemen; I know of farmers who are great business men; I know of Hunters who are professional people in high ranking areas and regarded as top people in Malta. You can find any sorts of people in any area of society, so I now regard you as one of those “despised” since you are insulting my compatriots.
Paul A. Camilleri
Apr 22nd 2010, 11:57
Well pronounced. This guy ( FINCH ) seems to stop at nothing when it comes to true facts. All he does it talk through his hat, like many others that are illierate on the subject.
Hunters come from all walks of life, and I am proud to say that I have Dental Surgeons and doctors that practice their passtime, on my land. Food for thought Mr. Finch!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
N Xuereb
Apr 22nd 2010, 09:36
So the season is acceptable. Now the commision accepted 7 days, the Ornis suggested 21, so why not go in between an open it for 14 days between the 17 to 30 April or thereabouts?
S Vella
Apr 22nd 2010, 10:22
Because Ornis was created by the government and the members are not hunters, and when Ornis gave the government advise to close the season immediately SO HE DID, about the alleged massacre were no one was arraigned, but now that Ornis gave this advise for a 3week hunting season, which still is not what we want, but could be the start ....the government was not honourable and again take their advice. So this government is nothing but ANTIHUNTING!!
roger debattista
Apr 22nd 2010, 09:35
@ roger sapiano
xorta hafna man!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
S Vella
Apr 22nd 2010, 10:15
Iftah mohhok man!!
http://kaccaturi.com/eddie.html
roder debattisata
Apr 22nd 2010, 12:22
@s vella
issa mbilli ghandek l-ittra. xorta b'xejn ha tibqaw man!!!!!!
S Vella
Apr 22nd 2010, 13:53
@ Roger Debattista
Il-lum tifrah int imma ghada ghanki int tingidem ta..... Dik hi l-irgulija, li tifrah bid deni ta haddiehor!! Dak l-aqwa li qed tikkonferma li l-kelma ta dawn l-Elite bil miktub ma tiswa xejn
halli l-poplu jkun jaf kemm ghandna navdawhom!!
Mortx tigri ixxejjer lil Papa wkoll??
Min jidhak l-ahhar jidhak l-ahjar.
Ghandek aktar xtara hawn :
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dYgag85Rttk&feature=player_embedded
roger debattista
Apr 22nd 2010, 14:28
@s vella
1. medx nifrah bid-deni taghkom imma bli iggwadanjaw l-ambjent u l-ghasafar.
S Vella
Apr 23rd 2010, 09:30
@roger debattista
Eh le mintix tifrah bid deni taghna....? quote"xorta b'xejn ha tibqaw man!!!!!!"
xi gwadanja l-ambjent? qed narawhom l-ghasafar kemm zdiedu wara zeg passes ma nohorgux u n-nassaba aktar minn tlett snin ma jonsbux...qed narawhom il-bejtiet kullumkien u z-zaghar itajjru!
Hallina....jew ma tifhimx fis-sugett jew ma taghrafx l-ghasafar, probabli inti lanqas taf kif tkun gammiema jew summiena ahseb u ara, u l-maggoranza tan-nies li jiktbu hawn huma bhalek, jifirhu bid deni ta haddiehor.
Hawn Malta t-tajr li nikkaccjaw ikun qed jpassi u ma jghix hawn. Hawn la ghandna ilma ta xmajjar u l-kampanja fejn ibejtu mhix tajba ghax ma hawnx fejn ibejtu, barra min hekk l-art xotta u klima ma tatirhomx.
Jekk veru thobb l-ghasafar aqra ftit fuq il-fenominu tal-passes u tajjeb tkun taf li minn studju li ghamlu Ornitologist Ewropej 4 minn kull 1000 ghasfur biss jaghddu min fuq Malta ghax ahna l-anqas ahna fir rotts migratorja principali, apparti li niddependu mill irjihat.
Jekk tara Chasse e Pesce tkun taf li mhux Malta biss nikkacjaw nonsbu u nistghadu izda dawn id-delizzji prattikati u accettati mad Dinja Kollha, anki fejn ibejtu!!
L-ambjent il-"Progress modern" qed jeqirdu.
Chris Finch
Apr 22nd 2010, 09:24
"was not objecting to the opening of a six-day season “as long as all the conditions are respected”. - With all the illegal hunting already taking place, the conditions have already been broken. I think we can expect fines already from the ECJ. A BIG THANK YOU to the hunters.
Congratulations you have taken over from the bus drivers as the most despised section of Maltese Society.
S Vella
Apr 22nd 2010, 10:04
That is your only way to try and win your arguments against hunting by scaring the Maltese society with the fines! May i remind you that Malta may be asked to pay fines not only if the hunting regulations are broken....For example You did not seem to bother about the fines the Maltese will have to pay if the contract of the new power station is not honoured, which contract was investigated by the General Auditor and a lot of questions remained unanswered and doubtful.
Roger Sapiano
Apr 22nd 2010, 09:23
Why can't anyone understand this simple Maths equation ????
It is not a 6 Day hunting season has been offered by this ridiculous Government but a
6 half day Farce (equivalent to 3 days) which has only be offered to 2500 hunters ONLY !!
Chris Finch
Apr 22nd 2010, 09:35
Roger, why can't the hunters understand the simple law that currently the season is closed?