AD attacks government’s silence over Roma people

The Prime Minister’s wait-and-see attitude on the deportation of hundreds of Roma people from France shows lack of dignity and respect, according to Alternattiva Demo-kratika.

Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi refused to be drawn into the row between France and the European Commission over the deportations, saying Malta would await the results of a Commission investigation before coming to conclusions.

European Justice Commissioner Viviane Reding accused France of breaking EU laws and deceiving the Commission by deporting Roma people, a charge France has vehemently denied.

AD’s Arnold Cassola said the government “should not be silenced by the shouting of big countries but should instead speak out clearly in favour of what is right”.

The party’s chairman, Michael Briguglio, voiced his concern about the treatment of Roma and urged Dr Gonzi to insist that EU Council President Herman Van Rompuy ensure the independence of the Commission and not let one government (France) endanger the authority of the Union’s institutions and disregard the fundamental rights set out in the EU treaties.

He warned that acting unilaterally and outside agreed laws and treaties was very dangerous and solutions to problems should be sought around the table.