News • 5 January 2003

Prime Minister hails 2003 as a ‘national year’

By Marika Azzopardi

Villa Arrigo, San Pawl tat-Targa - At a reception organised by the Nationalist Party yesterday the Prime Minister referred to the New Year as a ‘national year’ leaving no doubt that we are in clear sight of a referendum.

The Prime Minister confirmed that tomorrow, a Cabinet meeting will discuss a motion to be presented in parliament on Monday 13 January. He insisted that Malta is approaching a historical moment and that Government has done its duty and worked hard during negotiations that have been successfully concluded.

"This is a democratic country. Some people will agree with the EU issue and some will not. Government has carried out its electoral promise and completed its task. The population is sovereign now, and has to make its decision."

In an attempt to reach out to the Opposition Dr Fenech Adami dwelt on the importance of the Opposition. He insisted that in the context of the Constitution, although he, as Prime Minister, has the responsibility of advising the President of Malta, he must also consult with the Opposition Leader before doing so.

"It is the Opposition’s duty to oppose, criticise and point out deficiencies if or when these materialise," Dr Fenech Adami said.

Dr Fenech Adami referred to the much discussed general election date and said that this could technically wait until January 2004. Talking about the EU referendum the Prime Minister confirmed that as yet there has been no definite decision taken as to when it will be held.

"I don’t dream up dates at night. Dates for such important national events are only decided after I factor all relative aspects. Before making important decisions I feel I have to understand the Opposition and I have to take in consideration the latest developments of the Opposition. The referendum will definitely be held, there is no doubt about that. When all factors are in place, a decision will be taken and announced publicly. This will be a year of national responsibility."

Dr Fenech Adami emphasised that the decisions that have to be taken during 2003 will influence the whole nation and thus require the active participation of everybody.

Eddie Fenech Adami criticised those members of the population who tend become passive in front of issues which require attention and said that each person has a function to carry out and should seek to do this actively. "Each person, whatever his or her convictions, should recognise the signs of the times and act accordingly."

Earlier, Nationalist Party Secretary General Joe Saliba said that the party collected over Lm207,000 in various marathons organised to cover party expenses for the local council elections, the referendum and the general election.

marika@maltamag.com