News • 12 JANUARY 2003

Vassallo appeals to other parties

Valletta: Alternattiva Demokratika – The Green Party yesterday appealed to the two major political parties to act responsibly in the coming week’s parliamentary debate. A special plea was made to the Malta Labour Party to respect the result of the referendum and refrain from ordering its boycott. Dr Harry Vassallo, AD’s chairperson referred to the situation in Malta in previous years, "By adopting a boycott the Malta Labour Party would be throwing Malta back in time, to the days of the 1950s and 1960s. One would expect that our nation has now acquired a greater sense of maturity." He condemned the pressure the MLP could be placing on Labourites themselves in a step which could indicate that internal discussion is not being permitted.

"It is most unfortunate for this country that the EU referendum is happening so close to our national elections. This does not augur well for the serenity of the people, since both parties are mixing up referendum issues with partisan issues." He said it looks probable that Alfred Sant will call a boycott of the referendum.

"Labour MPs should be left in full liberty to vote according to their conscience in next week’s parliamentary debate on the parliamentary motion. Labour MPs should rise to this historic and unique occasion by supporting the holding of a referendum on EU membership."