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‘Islamic elements must be accepted’

Europe must learn to accept an Islamic element to governments in North Africa, according to Foreign Affairs Minister Tonio Borg.

He argued that what mattered most was not the religious underpinnings of a government but rather its respect for human rights, democracy and the rule of law.

Dr Borg was speaking to a gathering of diplomats and students at a Euromed conference organised by the Mediterranean Academy of Diplomatic Studies in which he gave an overview of Malta’s relations with its Arab neighbours.

Malta’s involvement in Libya was underscored by the 2,400 visas Malta had issued to Libyan nationals in January and February of this year, while 320 Maltese businesses had expressed interest in joining a trade delegation to Libya.

The Arab Spring had further convinced Malta that its vocation as an interlocutor between Europe and the Arab world needed to be pursued with greater insistence, Dr Borg said.

He said the EU had to be willing to increase financial assistance to Arab Spring countries, as unemployment and tourism revenue there plummeted.

While expressing the hope that Egypt – “North Africa’s largest democracy” – would make good on its promise to extend civil rights and liberties, the Foreign Minister noted that Syria remained a matter of concern.

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Graham Holme

May 15th 2012, 17:12

Martin Cassar
Are you for real?
Do you know the full implications of sharia law?
Rape,,a woman raped under sharia,must produce 4 male witnesses to verify said rape,failure to do so, could result in the death of the victim,,so rapes go unreported
Will not post the video of the young Muslim boy,held down whilst a heavy truck runs over his arm,,his crime? stealing a loaf of bread.
And you welcome condone this?

Graham Holme

May 15th 2012, 18:20

Do your homework again
Where do you think the vast majority of heroin is produced?statistics state 90%of heroin flooding the world market is produced in???.Let me enlighten you,a Muslim country,,,AFGHANISTAN,,,

Graham Holme

May 15th 2012, 19:52

Last word on the subject Martin Cassar,,,Sharia law in all its glory ,,,,

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uplwcikqwCU

Graham Holme

May 15th 2012, 19:59

Wafa Sultan,,escaped the horror of Sharia,,an ex Muslim lady,tells it how it is

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XSv_Jpj9RI4

Christian Sciberras

May 14th 2012, 23:03

What the heck are you talking about?

Whoever told you that pulled a fast one over you...

Emma Xerri

May 14th 2012, 14:49

At the very least, Islamic elements means Sharia compliance. Sharia law discriminates againts non-Muslims, women and minorities and does not separate religion from the State. The religious laws become the laws of the country. Where do you see democracy and human rights in this?

Graham Holme

May 14th 2012, 18:02

With over 100 sharia courts now in full flow the UK,,where will it all end?
Muslims allowed to settle domestic,financial disputes in above
Example,,Documentary on TV one such court,,Muslim male seeking a divorce,,says I divorce you three times to his wife,,job done
Muslim woman seeking a divorce,claiming her husband beat her,,lifting up her face veil,,the bruises,marks were evident,,the Imam presiding told her she probably deserved the beatings,,to go away,stop wasting his time.

Evarist Saliba

May 15th 2012, 09:43

@ Emma Xerri
You jump to conclusions and put your words in my mouth. I never claimed that Sharia law is democratic or that it is based on human rights.
What I claim is that Islamic elements do not necessarily mean the imposition of "extreme Islamism". The proof of the pudding will be in the eating.

@ Graham Holme
As far as I am aware there are no Islamic elements imposing themselves in the House of Commons, and yet, as you say, Sharia courts are operating in the UK. The same applies to courts among Jewish communities. But may I ask what this has to do with Islamic elements in Arab countries?

The tendency for person to go off the subject is rather common.

Graham Holme

May 15th 2012, 10:15

Evarist Saliba
As far as you are aware there are no Islamic elements imposing themselves in the house of commons?
Suggest you also do your homework....

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QQZKCH2hwa0

Graham Holme

May 15th 2012, 10:21

The difference being,,courts belonging to Jewish communities do not advocate,amputation for theft,stoning to death for adultery,death for apostates unlike sharia law ,,,,

Graham Holme

May 15th 2012, 11:02

Evarist Saliba
In answer to your question,Islamic elements in Arab countries
All well and good,keep the Islamic elements in Arab countries
But these"Islamic elements"flee to the Western world,claim asylum,state persecution in the Arab country they have fled from
Then try to inflict their Islamic element onto the country that has taken them in,,try to change the host nation,into the hell hole they have fled from

Emma Xerri

May 15th 2012, 15:16

@Evarist Saliba

Sorry sir, but I did not put any words into your mouth. If you knew anything about Islam you would have know that there is only one version of Islam and not two, a mild and a fundamentalist one - see what Turkey PM Edrogan has to say about this. And also you should know that 'Islamic elements' is Western code speech for Sharia (which you agree is not democratic).

So in a nutshell the West supported the Muslim Brotherhood and the Arab Spring in North Africa knowing full well what the implications would mean in terms of human rights and democracy (from the frying pan into the fire) – which begs the question, what is in it for the West or more precisely, for Western corporate elites and their oil rich Muslim partners in the Middle East?

Evarist Saliba

May 16th 2012, 12:41

@Emma Xerri
I have lived in Arab Muslim countries. I have mingled with Muslims and discussed with them what Islam is all about. I have read the Koran thanks to a donation from the Libyan government.
And I know that loose labels like "Islamism" extreme or not, lead to loose conclusions.
Having had all that experience, I disagree with interpretations that put women on an inferior level than men, punishments that are cruel and inhuman, or attitudes towards "unbelievers" which show, or bodrer on, hatered.
But all this has nothing to do with people in Arab countries deciding to have elements of Islamism in their governments, or whether other governments should accept or not such a decision.

@ Graham Holme
You wrtite a lot and yet you do not address yourself to the statement by the Maltese Foreign Minister and my comment on what he said.
The minister spoke of elected Islamic elements in Arab countries and therefore your comment about what is happening in the UK is totally irrelevant because it is NOT happening in an Arab country, and, in any case, unless it is specifically outlawed it follows that it is accepted. I had to refer to the situation in the UK because you decided to introduce it.
Your attitude of not having Islamism, extreme or not, becoming part of the government that represents you is entirely valid, but the Maltese minister never said or implied otherwise, unless you live in and have the right to vote in an African Arab country.

Charles Grixti

May 16th 2012, 22:37

@Evarist Saliba

I too have read the Koran and not the sanitized version either. All the things that people fear about Islam and its Sharia are there in the Koran and since it is the word of God, it can never be changed or amended.

I do not know what conclusion you came to during your sojourn in Muslim countries or what your conversations with Muslims amounted to but one has to be very careful since when discussing their religion with non-Muslims, Muslims are permitted to lie. There are two forms of lying to non-believers that are permitted under certain circumstances, taqiyya and kitman. These circumstances are typically those that advance the cause Islam - in some cases by gaining the trust of non-believers in order to draw out their vulnerability and defeat them.

Graham Holme

May 14th 2012, 16:18

Can we just envisage what would have been the ‘democratic Christian’ west reaction if for example Iran or Egypt banned some churches to have steeples?
Suggest you do your homework my friend..The Muslims in Egypt are taking it one step further,,re banning church steeples,,they are blowing them up,,along with the people inside the church

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=79oX0QX2qTU

Emma Xerri

May 15th 2012, 05:45

Iran bans not only steeples, but people for being Christian.

A Christian pastor has been condemned to death and his execution is imminent.

http://tribune.com.pk/story/345228/berlin-fears-imminent-execution-of-iranian-pastor/

Another one is beaten in prison.

http://www.bosnewslife.com/21662-news-alert-iran-house-church-pastor-still-beaten-in-prison

Anthony Scicluna

May 14th 2012, 14:41

First and foremost Jessica, it is the husbands and fathers of Muslim women who enforce wearing the Burka! it is not Dr Borg or the Nationalists or the Malta Labour Party. Second, who is forcing you to wear the Burka? Dr Borg is of the opinion that what matters is democracy and equality. I find the Burka and equality a contradiction in terms because they mean different things (see my first comment). BUT it has nothing to do with the government or the opposition or people who spew prejudiced and racist comments such as " we will not bend over" to "their demands". Also, do not suppose that JM will easily dismiss the wearing of the Burka. He may make it a policy but no Muslim will dare to break the law as laid down in the Kuran. That is, they will keep wearing it.

Jessica Smith

May 14th 2012, 15:57

Anthony Scicluna I do not care who orders them to wear the Burka or not. It must not be allowed in Malta. Those who go to Islamic countries have to abide by their standards so if they come here they must abide by OUR standards as long as they remain here. Regarding Dr Borg, it is he and his pals who would allow it because they have the power to prohibit it. So yes, it is Dr Borg who must not bend to the imposition. As for spewing prejudiced and racist comments, your stance says it all. You unlike me and others are ready to submit to anything foreigners say because otherwise you are afraid that you will be called racist. Now I don't care what you or others call me but NO, wearing the Burka in Malta is NOT acceptable and we shall not bend down to their demands. If they don't like it then they have to stay away. As for Muslim law, it shows how you know absolutely nothing because they are NOT required to wear it. In fact it is only a tiny minority that do so. If you read the international media you would know that even Imams have come against it.

Graham Holme

May 14th 2012, 20:07

Racist comments?
Islam is a religion is it not?
Pray tell how one can be classed as racist,to oppose a religion?
Criticise the Catholic religion,Christian,Hindu,Sikh etc,no problem,,all well and good
Derogatory remarks re Islam,,the so called"Religion of peace"taboo,Racist,Islamaphobic fills the air

Jesmond Micallef

May 14th 2012, 15:42

Mr. Martin Chetcuti,

Christian countries such as Northern Ireland is famous for bloodshed between the Roman Catholics and the Protestants over a much prolonged period of time....!

Religious fundamentalism is outright dangerous. History has proven this all too often.

Victor Laiviera

May 14th 2012, 14:00

The differences you underline are not between Christian and Muslim, but between religious and secular. For example, both Islam and Christianity treat women as inferior to men.

We should not accept anything less than total separation between church and state - whatever the religion.

Victor Laiviera

May 14th 2012, 12:03

That is a contradiction in terms. Religious government and respect for human rights are mutually exclusive.

Joseph Aquilina

May 14th 2012, 12:53

@Victor Laiviera
Don't make me laugh. The Roman Catholic Church has fought for human rights through out its history. However I guess you learn what human rights are from your beloved MLP back in the 80s ... when the socialist government used to send the police to fight with nationals supporters!! That is prime example of respecting human rights Victor Laiviere!!??

Ramon Casha

May 15th 2012, 06:11

@Joseph Aquilina: "The Roman Catholic Church has fought for human rights through out its history. "

Including those parts of its history when it was burning people alive? How about more recently when it is fighting tooth and nail to deny human rights to gay people? Or maybe trying to deny effective fertility treatment to couples who need medical assistance to have children?

Human rights have been achieved DESPITE the Roman Catholic Church, not because of it.

l vella

May 14th 2012, 12:31

there is a christian presence in all north African nations.

Franco Farrugia

May 14th 2012, 12:43

@ I Vella: There is also 'christian' bloodshed, along with 'christian presence', in these 'nations'.

sharon camilleri

May 14th 2012, 10:39

exactly Franco.. totally agree with you

Jesmond Micallef

May 14th 2012, 12:40

What you say is interesting, Mr. Farrugia.

European Governments with European Christian elements liberated North African Moslem Libya recently ! Is this a time that "religious" elements within governments "liberate or help" oneanother ................... ??

Christian backed european industries did and still do supply the weapons and for what purpose ?

Faith is personal, private (....if not intimate) and should be freely sought but definitely never imposed in any manner, either upon a civilised collective or any individual.

Franco Farrugia

May 14th 2012, 13:50

@ Mr Micallef: I dont think you can call European Governments "Christian", anymore. They re just lay governments.
There should not be any religious elements within governments. Governments should respect all religions, all faiths, always mindful of the traditions of that particular country.
Similarly, I do not understand what you mean by "Christian backed european industries". Please explain and if possible, give examples.
Faith is not only personal. Faith is to be shared amongst those who are part of it. It is not just private. I agree that it should never be imposed on anyone and in any manner.

Colin Stanley

May 15th 2012, 14:46

What do you mean,We just furnish them with the money, to do what?

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