BirdLife Malta said this afternoon that it was distancing itself from the announcement made today by the Committee Against Bird Slaughter (CABS) that it would pay a reward (of €10,000) for information leading to the arrest of the five men who attacked CABS' vehicle last Saturday morning. (See separate story)

"BirdLife Malta continues to believe that law enforcement authorities in the country are the only means for justice to be pursued. We, however, also believe that these criminal acts need to be given priority to stem further violence and vandalism," BirdLife said in a letter to Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi.

The society said it had written to the Prime Minister to draw his attention to the fact that it had just informed the Police Commissioner of information of a possible attack of vandalism at the Ghadira nature reserve.

"BirdLife Malta is taking the matter seriously in view of the escalation of violence against our volunteers and attacks against conservation sites in recent weeks," the society told Dr Gonzi.

"BirdLife Malta is urging you to give the matter the attention it deserves. The lack of action taken so far to apprehend the perpetrators of repeated vandalism and violence is only serving to encourage further attacks, as is evident particularly in Mellieha."

The society then listed a series of cases of vandalism, including attacks on the Foresta 2000 site, the Ghadira nature reserve, attacks on birdwatchers, and the torching of three ringers' cars in Buskett.

"Not one single individual has been brought to justice. In a country of this size, this is absolutely incomprehensible and utterly inexcusable.

"It is no wonder that the attacks have increased in frequency and violence over time. In recent weeks, our organisation has been targeted on an almost daily basis - xenophobic messages and death threats have greeted our volunteers in the field, they have been beaten up, car windows shattered with gun shots," BirdLife said.