Pentagon to supply military equipment to Malta - AP
The Pentagon is sending more than $25 million in military equipment, small boats and other support to Tunisia and Malta, the Associated Press reported today.
Nearly $21 million will be used to provide patrol boats, trucks, helicopter upgrades, radar and training to Tunisia, the agency said, quoting Pentagon documents.
Malta will receive about $4.7 million in aid in the form of boats, night-vision equipment, computers and maritime training.
The AFM's maritime squadron includes two Protector class patrol boats bought brand new from the United States with American military assistance almost 10 years ago. The squadron recently commissioned four Austal patrol boats built in Australia to AFM specifications and paid for largely by EU funds. It also operates a Diciotti class large patrol craft bought from Italy using Italian protocol funds.
Over the years the AFM has benefited from officer training in US military academies and has also received trucks and other equipment. However, talks leading to the possible purchase of an American twin-engined helicopter were never concluded. The AFM has bought new fixed-wing aircraft for maritime patrol thanks to EU funding, but badly needs helicopters to start replacing its ageing 'Alouettes'.
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Mr Alex Buds
Sep 1st 2011, 19:33
Just as it was with taking in illegal immigrants from Malta, the USA continues to be a far better friend to Malta than most European countries! Actions speak louder than words.
God Bless the United States of America.
Michele Meli
Sep 3rd 2011, 07:29
Mr. Buds, clearly you are in a deep state of denial to not admit that things are getting chaotic in the U.S. Firstly, we are in the worst recession since the Great Depression, secondly, education is going to hell in a hand basket and we never have been so in debt in our ENTIRE HISTORY. (China owns us Mr. Buds). Which leads me to assume that you are considerably well off and Republican, no offense, but I happen to be a humanist and historian, and study all socio-economic levels and I can assure you we are hurting. There is a difference between merely having Maltese DNA, (but in actuality your relevant identity is that of an entitled, glib U.S. Republican) and being an authentic Maltese. However, I do not ever believe it is too late to turn things around with some introspection and objectivity i.e. where is your objectivity Mr. Buds? I believe in Americans for the most part who are AWARE of the meaning of LIFE and not POWER. I believe and RESPECT the history of Malta and the great decisions they have made and I have faith in Maltese leaders to make the right ones for the future. I love the pride of the Maltese people (that no fear), for they are righteous.
Mr Tony Camilleri
Sep 1st 2011, 18:50
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-14745941
US court case reveals CIA rendition details
http://www.reprieve.org.uk/press/2011_08_31_rendition_documents/
Huge stash of rendition documents reveal how the CIA covered its tracks
http://image.guardian.co.uk/sys-files/Guardian/documents/2011/06/13/court-verbatim-rendition.pdf
Court Verbatim report
http://www.europarl.europa.eu/sides/getDoc.do?type=IM-PRESS&reference=20090218IPR49768&language=EN
Extraordinary renditions: EU Member states are also responsible, MEPs say
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/politics/7257574.stm
Miliband's apology over 'rendition'
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/10532563
Q&A: UK torture inquiry
http://www.usatoday.com/news/world/story/2011-08-31/Court-case-lifts-lid-on-secret-post-911-flights/50209908/1?csp=34news
Court case lifts lid on secret post 9/11 flights
http://uk.news.yahoo.com/billing-dispute-reveals-cia-rendition-flights-044924518.html
Billing dispute reveals CIA rendition flights
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/northamerica/usa/8734317/US-aviation-dispute-lifts-lid-on-CIA-rendition-flights.html
US aviation dispute lifts lid on CIA rendition flights
http://www.express.co.uk/posts/view/268547/Rendition-flight-details-revealed/
RENDITION FLIGHT DETAILS REVEALED
Mr Alex Buds
Sep 1st 2011, 19:32
Your point is? (do you have one?)
Jo Azzopardi
Sep 1st 2011, 16:21
I have read both article and some of your comments and it seems lot of your comments are misplaced.
The US is simply investing in our monitoring equipment that would serve bth our country and the US forces . What is wrong with that ? It's not like we are going to war or a crusade to save the world.
It's an investment in the mediterranean for the other countries to monitor what is going on without the need of american bases in Malta.
Michele Meli
Sep 1st 2011, 06:37
I am from the US and I am Maltese American, I have read all of your responses. I am truly hoping for the best, yes America is falling apart and the people are suffering, I LOVE my Maltese culture and history. I believe no one here is wrong, this is a scary time and yes, what is America's motive? I wish I could tell you, as we are just as confused. To speak for the American's who are not in a polictical position, we do care about what happens to us and others. As tricky as these waters will be to navigate; and as much as I would like to look a gift horse in the mouth, one of my greatest fears is that in this day and age the neurtality card just won't cut it anymore. To the people here who "hate" the US, don't hate the people but the politicians, as it seems to be that we hate them also. Peace for all people who are not politicans.
Mr Alex Buds
Sep 1st 2011, 19:34
I am from the US and Maltese American also.
The USA is not "falling apart". It remains the most powerful nation on earth, militarily and economically. This is unlikely to change during the lifetime of anyone reading this.
Mary Ann Borg
Sep 1st 2011, 01:00
@ Mr Tony Camilleri: You speak of servitude. Well, if you know the real meaning of such word, then you ought to know how servile we were to Gaddafi and his regime. Your neutrality childish mentality is the best example of how servile Malta and the Labour Party has been to this dying dictator. Your neutrality only came about because Gaddafi wanted it that way. Guess who came to 'celebrate' with 'us' on that faithful night of March 31st, 1979? Yes, you guessed it right - the Colonel from down south. And he didnt come alone either - he brought with him a bunch of Libyan military people to join the crowds. On March 31st, 1979 not all military aircraft departed the island. Some remained. And you know what remained here after the last British soldier? Again, you guessed it right. Two Libyan Army helicopters that were based here for over 10 years. I reckon there are more loyal Gaddafists remaining in Malta (and all, by coincidence are Labour and will 'die' for 'our' neutrality) then there are presently in Libya itself !!
I now hope that Malta will have one very good look at all this neutrality rubbish and sincerely hope that the modern and progressive Labour will stop insisting on this clause, which the people of this nation had to swallow in order to have democracy returned to this island. Remember who was PM when this clause was entrenched in our Constitution? Yes, no one else but KMB ! The same 'politician' who is not taken seriously by anyone anymore while we still have to carry the burden of his neutrality which is repeatedly rendering Malta's foreign policy one big joke when it comes to security matters.
Frank Borg
Sep 3rd 2011, 11:16
Just in case you have a very short memory, please go to this link to see who was the last Country leader who visited and hugged this "dictator" before the uprisal of the Libyan people, or wasn't he a dictator 8 months ago?? http://www.timesofmalta.com/articles/view/20110209/local/prime-minister-meets-col-gaddafi.349269
Mr Peter Korsten
Sep 1st 2011, 00:56
It would be interesting to see how much is spent on the Maltese military by:
1) The EU
2) The USA
3) Other countries
4) Malta
Because it seems that our national defence is largely funded by foreign countries. So why this neutrality clause is still in the constitution is a bit of a mystery.
Mr Tony Camilleri
Sep 1st 2011, 13:16
Receiving foreign aid need not make you repeal the neutrality clause.
Why should we be embroiled in other countries wars?
Why should we sacrifice our citizens lives for the imperialistic ambitions of other countries?
Colin Stanley
Aug 31st 2011, 23:38
the problem we have here is, if the reds got rid of the Americans, all the reds agree, wheter they know what it involves or not. and if the blues say everything is good in Europe all the blues agree. I think that when the service men (British and US ) used Malta they generated a lot of business on the Island. and also who is better suited to look after us if the need arises. God save America. and thanks for your help.
Mr Tony Camilleri
Sep 1st 2011, 13:18
Colin Stanley The USA only wants to use Malta as it used to do before NATO and its sixth fleet were kicked out of Malta.
Mr Joseph Calleja
Aug 31st 2011, 13:25
In my opinion and this is strictly my honest opinion, I think that the Maltese Government should have offered one of the airports to the US in the early sixties, going into the seventies. Yes the Safi stretch of runway would have been plenty. We could also have offered a base to the US Navy, maybe something like this could have saved the Malta Dockyard. But instead the Maltese Government encouraged the citizens to call for "Yankee Go Home", so the USA opted to set up a base in Italy instead. Malta would have gained plenty and Yes maybe we would not have needed to join the EU or any other nation. Having this new built US Embassy will attest to that. But again this is all water under the bridge and we will have to do with what we have. We make the bed we lay in! But don't worry Malta is in good hands, we are protected by France and Italy since Gaddafi is no longer in power. My suggestion is for the Maltese Government to encourage Major Airline Carriers like BA, UAL, Delta and American Airlines to start operating direct flights into Malta ( No flight sharing) to uplift the Tourist Industry instead of trying to patch up Air Malta with a band aid. If in doubt, take a good look at the Cruise Ship Industry visiting our harbour. That alone speaks for itself. No Mr Government not all Maltese are Cwiec. Sometimes good ideas come from little people, maybe you should talk to these little people sometimes, and you will be surprised how smart we are. For those who seem to hate the USA, go ahead, make my day. I am not exactly a fan of some of the USA foreign policies either but Malta is not exactly blessed with those oil rigs with all the Black Gold flowing on our little island, yet? This is only one man’s opinion.
Mr Tony Camilleri
Aug 31st 2011, 17:08
Mr Joseph Calleja why don't you move to the USA?
If ye love wealth better than liberty, the tranquility of servitude better than the animating contest of freedom, go home from us in peace. We ask not your counsels or arms. Crouch down and lick the hands which feed you. May your chains set lightly upon you, and may posterity forget that ye were our countrymen.
Samuel Adams, speech at the Philadelphia State House, August 1, 1776.
Those who would give up essential Liberty, to purchase a little temporary Safety, deserve neither Liberty nor Safety. Benjamin Franklin
Timid men prefer the calm of despotism to the tempestuous sea of liberty. Thomas Jefferson
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)
Wilfred Camilleri
Aug 31st 2011, 17:45
@Mr Tony Camilleri
Servitude? The last time the US experienced servitude was before the Brits were kicked out. And let me tell you, that happened way before Malta rid itself of them!
Your quotes are meaningless when applied to Malta because they were aimed at the British who held sway over North America until everyone there got wise and sent them packing. I guess one could turn your twisted logic around and apply it to Malta seeing that Malta is part of the EU now and no longer really an independent country in the true sense of the word! Don't get me wrong, I think Malta has benefited a lot from the EU and will continue to do so, but people in glass houses should not throw stones!
Mr Joseph Calleja
Aug 31st 2011, 19:33
Mr Tony Camilleri, why don't I move to the USA? Been there, done that. I love wealth and I have liberty. That is why I can write and say what comes to mind. Maybe you should try and move out of Malta and you might learn some manners. Although I have to compliment you on your knowledge of American History. I guess you don't hate Americans that much, you threw me off for a bit. If it was not for the USA and the UK half of this world would be in shambles.I am sure you were one of the recipients that accepted the C.A.R.E packages that were distributed by the USA, or maybe you are too young to remember? So here is a quotation by Abraham Lincoln, another American. Sometimes it is better to be silent and be thought a fool than to open your mouth and prove it. Good day Mr Tony Camilleri.
Wilfred Camilleri
Aug 31st 2011, 21:01
Great comeback Mr. Calleja. Mr. Tony Camilleri is obviously one of those anti-American Maltese who base their opinion on second-hand information gleaned from the Internet and from regurgitated bad propaganda from the left-leaning parties in Malta.
Mr Tony Camilleri
Aug 31st 2011, 21:26
Wilfred Camilleri they now also apply to the USA.
Those links are the truth and whatever you say you cannot change the truth.
Mr Joseph Calleja you show it because you have been brainwashed by the USA mentality.
Christian Sciberras
Aug 31st 2011, 23:28
Wilfred, Mr Camilleri is simply a disillusioned pacifist.
Faced with immigrants, war, national defence, his end-all solution is a piece of parchment informing us all Malta is currently not at war with anyone.
He seems to (want to) live in a world where liberty rules above rule and order. Where blunt assassinations are legal in the name of freedom. Does it remind you of anything in particular?
Mr michael catania
Aug 31st 2011, 11:48
It seems we are still the Malta of the old. Still expecting handouts(which are pittance) from Foreign and aggressive nations, and we lick their shoes for the insults. The US is only providing ONE SIXTH of amount and for that we surrender our neutrality. This nation requires Leaders who have guts and not the likes of to day's whose tongues are stained either black or brown depending what colour footwear their masters wear.
Jon Vercellono
Aug 31st 2011, 13:54
Lybia was a foreign and aggressive nation - and practiced cultural imperialism on a grander scale than the U.S. or other foreign countries ever have or would. Being completely disarmed and practicing benign neutrality (as you advocate) would have resulted in the ruination of Malta. The U.S. offered - Malta didn't beg. Its called friendship and its time to realise who actually has Malta's best interests and friendship at heart. Ever since the phone call to Ghadaffi (which resulted in the current war) - neutrality has been a non-existent topic. I think the leaders of Malta don't have "stained tongues", but are looking out for everyones' best interest.
Mr Joseph Calleja
Aug 31st 2011, 15:29
Mr Catania and which neutrality is it that we are giving up? Maybe the second world war bombing of the Maltese Islands by Hitler? Ever wonder what would have happened if the British were not here to defend us? Please don't talk stupid. I hope you are not talking about the Mintoff days Mr Catania. As a matter of fact one of the benefactors of that time was Mr Moammar Gaddafi himself. Mintoff did not refuse his help.But today the PL is pointing fingers at the PN for being loyal to Gaddafi. Get a grip Mr Catania.
Wilfred Camilleri
Aug 31st 2011, 15:53
Yes, YOU are still part of the Malta of the old, the part which puts down the US at every opportunity, even when they're helping! If the handouts are a pittance I'm sure you wouldn't mind if the government increased your taxes to pay for the handouts. What this nation requires is people with enough intelligence to not look a gift horse in the mouth. The neutrality you so fondly refer to is an illusion of course but you're welcome to go on believing in fairly tales if you wish.
Mr Tony Camilleri
Aug 31st 2011, 17:15
Jon Vercellono
http://www.krysstal.com/democracy_whyusa01.html
http://www.krysstal.com/democracy_whyusa02.html
http://www.krysstal.com/democracy_whyusa03.html
http://www.krysstal.com/democracy_whyusa04.html
http://www.krysstal.com/democracy_whyusa05.html
http://www.krysstal.com/democracy_whyusa06.html
Lots more on this site
http://academic.evergreen.edu/g/grossmaz/interventions.html
http://tangibleinfo.blogspot.com/2010/07/usa-invasions-list.html
http://www.militaryphotos.net/forums/archive/index.php/t-9586.html
Wilfred Camilleri
Aug 31st 2011, 22:08
@Mr Tony Camilleri
Your reference to krysstal.com and other sites listing US involvement in conflicts are meaningless Mr. Camilleri. Without diminishing England's contribution to the defeat of Hitler, if it wasn't for the US you would be speaking German! I'm sure you probably also believe that Gaddafi was a saint as many in the PL believe. Your anti-US rhetoric and comments are banal.
Ian Vella
Aug 31st 2011, 11:13
We don't need any supplies from the US... Gaddafi sent us 2 aircraft a couple of months ago!!! :)
D. Xerri
Aug 31st 2011, 11:01
Pentagon to supply military equipment to Malta - Oh Excellent ! And the U.S. even took the most immigrants from Malta !
May I ask if it was better to Join the U.S. instead of the E.U. :~)
Would have been a far better deal !
M Vella***
Aug 31st 2011, 11:53
D Xerri,I agree 100% with you.
A Trapani
Aug 31st 2011, 13:24
as you can see, we can easily work with both !!
Mr George Farrugia
Aug 31st 2011, 14:37
Well for those who are historically inclined, Malta, under the Knights, did request joining the United States , when De Rohan, in 1794 tried to negotiate a treaty of union and alliance. This was one of the various efforts of the Knights to get out of the financial hardships that resulted from the ceasure of all their lands in Europe by Napoleon. ...source Venice and Hospitaller Malta by Victor Mallia Milanes 0- page 290
Mr Michael Debono
Aug 31st 2011, 10:51
Now we can witness the effects of the newly built USA Embassy.
O Farrugia
Aug 31st 2011, 14:05
So well put indeed!
I can also see the slow infiltration from a spot to reach North African control better... A radar to Tunisia and maritime training and night vision equipment for Malta? It's good that we get help, but we have to study for what exactly! It's reminding me of all the towers we have scattered all over the island keeping watch in the olden times.....
With the way things are going I cannot help but think that Malta's military defense is NOT geared for anything drastic - especially to fight off imposition, so do we have to compromise so much for such a little? I personally think our neutrality holds very weak ground in the current scenario with USA so close on the watch and our geographical location. So the best compromises for this tiny country's well being cannot be ignored by our government, whichever it is.
Mr B Busuttil
Aug 31st 2011, 10:49
yes... most probably a very economical second hand boat :)
Wilfred Camilleri
Aug 31st 2011, 15:55
A second hand boat is better than no boat at all!
Mr B Busuttil
Aug 31st 2011, 18:12
I think you dont have any clue how expensive was to run/mantain
the previous american boats...
Mr edward ciantar
Aug 31st 2011, 10:26
......and a sub
Mr A Spiteri
Aug 31st 2011, 10:03
and Obama pledged spending cuts in the Pentagon!
poor Americans!
Mr Jo Camm
Aug 31st 2011, 14:06
Mr Spiteri - tahseb li l-ftit li se jagħtu lilna se jfaqqru lill-Amerka?
Mr Alex Buds
Sep 1st 2011, 19:39
The Pentagon budget is about $2B ($2,000 million) every DAY. Malta got about $7m...
Mr Reginald Borg
Aug 31st 2011, 09:53
Well done, Pentagon, and thank you!
Toni Muscat
Aug 31st 2011, 09:53
What we need is a medical helicopter to transport patients from Gozo to Malta. Some years back the American Military offered to pay half for one and the Gov said no . Just think of the lives that would have saved over the years. At the current time we use a small military helicopter that can only fit the patient and a nurse or just the patient . Horrible when life saving transport is not available between the islands. Or is Gozo just forgotten about when it comes to this.
David Youngman
Aug 31st 2011, 11:47
How many patient deaths can be attributed to the inadequacy of the helicopter available, if it is actually inadequate?
Anthony Cassar
Aug 31st 2011, 13:08
'At the current time we use a small military helicopter that can only fit the patient and a nurse or just the patient'
I would suggest you check your facts sir, considering that intubated patients are routinely accompanied by both a nurse from the emergency department AND an anaesthetist.
Christian Sciberras
Aug 31st 2011, 23:19
David Youngman, maybe it's just me, but even one in five years is enough to me to consider this option.
Then again, Gozo isn't part of Malta, why should anyone care?
Mr Ramon Zammit
Aug 31st 2011, 09:31
Is it me or they are offending our intelligence? The way I see it its an excuse to use our airport and other facilities for military purposes. Its better to be disarmed and stay neutral, then be armed and get involved into conflicts! As they say - Not all that glitters is gold!
Alfred E. Zahra
Aug 31st 2011, 11:15
It is you.
Jon Vercellono
Aug 31st 2011, 11:28
emmm.....I didn't see any mention of planes being given; only boats for the use of the AFM - unless you're offended that they are going to have to be here for the training. Perhaps the U.S. can give training to the AFM though videoconferencing to appease your sensitivity.
Wilfred Camilleri
Aug 31st 2011, 12:23
What intelligence? You think much of yourself! US haters take every opportunity to trash the US, even when they help Malta with illegal immigrants and donations of equipment. Disarmed? How would the AMF patrol Malta's SAR, with luzzus? Your comments are pathetic!
Alan Cordina
Aug 31st 2011, 12:47
So people with outlooks such as yours, do still exist after all !!??? ...... incredible !
Christian Sciberras
Aug 31st 2011, 23:17
Wilfred, you forgot the French. And the Israelis. And, well, the EU and the rest of the world.
Apparently, if you're a national keeping firearms, you're labelled as going straight to hell, and the rest of the world labelled as one huge conspiracy against Malta.
Then again, everyone knows we made history in just about any kind of science! Everyone knows we invented everything! How should anyone ever doubt our intelligence?!!?
Mr A Bonello
Aug 31st 2011, 09:31
Couldn't the US government help to assist in creating service/repair centers in Malta for the equipment they are donating/funding to Tunisia and various other Mediterranean countries in order to create Jobs and growth for Malta.We have excellent shipping and air repair resources here.
Alan Cordina
Aug 31st 2011, 12:56
Yeah ! Sure ! Great idea ! ..... and while they're doing that, they may even fund / help us set up a service station for the next planned future Space Shuttle !
Now THAT would be something eh Mr. Bonello ??
Mr Joseph Aquilina
Aug 31st 2011, 09:02
next we should get a frigate ... :)
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Horizon_CNGF
Mr david debattista
Aug 31st 2011, 09:26
No Joseph, how about some F22's .
Mr Michael Buhagiar
Aug 31st 2011, 09:28
how sarcastic. Only fools think and talk like you do. Instead of thanking the USA for their help to our country.
Christian Sciberras
Aug 31st 2011, 09:51
Why not? Maltese people still think we should go to war with sticks and stones?
Christian Sciberras
Aug 31st 2011, 09:57
By the way, Mr Aquilina, such a frigate has already landed, uhm twice in Malta the past 2 or 3 years.
A collaboration between countries will surely provide the necessary means to get this going.
It's no big deal if our American/European friends spared some specialized personnel, and considering we've been working with ships, for quite some time, I'd say we have the means to maintain such a thing.
If you strike out personnel and maintenance, the last thing that remains is resources to get it going, shouldn't be too difficult to procure them considering our government wastes millions in building gardens and facelifting walls. :)
Once more, it's all about the people's perception than reality.
Christian Sciberras
Aug 31st 2011, 10:02
On the other hand, we could do as you seem to imply, and stop training our AFM.
Better still, we could completely disband our army, and perhaps even our police force, for some good democracy.
(yeah, that's called sarcasm)
R Zammit
Aug 31st 2011, 10:05
Totally agreed, however I don't thrust the fact its French - we all know about their plane's technology and their countless emergency landings ;)
Alan Cordina
Aug 31st 2011, 12:50
Incredible that there are still this kind of level of people with these such comments exposing themselves ! Simply incredible !
Mr Joseph Aquilina
Aug 31st 2011, 13:55
Mr Michael Buhagiar, Christian Sciberras and (not sure) Alan Cordina,
The smiley face after my comment implies that I look forward to see our navy having such a toy!!
Mr Tony Camilleri
Aug 31st 2011, 17:18
Christian Sciberras why should we go to war?
Mr Aaron Vella
Aug 31st 2011, 20:31
And a nuclear missile too, just in case :D
Christian Sciberras
Aug 31st 2011, 23:13
Mr Tony Camilleri - Ever asked our grand fathers, the knights of Malta?
While at it, go ask our fellow policemen why they carry a pistol/weapons whenever they deem fit.
Ever wondered why we keep money inside vaults several meters thick?
Mr david debattista
Sep 1st 2011, 08:27
Have you an idea how much a F22 cost 361 million dollars each ! what about maintenance !
Still it's one hell of a fighter ! Now before some holy character tells me that I like toys of war, lets just say I like technology in all things we humans can come up with. Yes Yes Yes that goes for running our cars emission free, and cost free. * they will kill you for that one * or running your car cheaper .
Mr Tony Camilleri
Sep 1st 2011, 13:21
Christian Sciberras you did not answer my question. Why shoudl we involve ourselves in others wars?
If you want to go you can do so yourself.
Christian Sciberras
Sep 6th 2011, 00:35
Wait, you just changed the subject, Mr Camilleri. First you asked why we should end up in war, and then you asked why we should care for other's wars.
I don't want to get into the latter idea, but I can't see people won't see any reason not to.
So let's focus on a war against Malta, with the target being Malta. Why would anyone want to take on Malta? Oil maybe? Mediterranean air/naval superiority? Get us off from deciding things that may harm their interest?
Who knows, some wars started for stupid reasons.
The point is, we don't build a hospital whenever someone gets hurt. We prepare beforehand.