News • 11 May 2003

Malta should not welcome warships from countries at war - AD

Alternattiva Demokratika yesterday hit out at the presence of US Navy assault ship Iwo Jima in the Grand Harbour saying that Malta should not welcome warships from countries involved in conflict.

Green Party International Secretary Ralph Cassar said the unilateral military action taken by the US in Iraq undermines the principles of international law. "The US is a threat to the international rule of law which is vital for the existence of neutral and non-militarised countries like Malta," Cassar said.

Cassar also referred to repair work on US Navy ships at the Drydocks and said it was very worrying that the Malta Drydocks needed work that compromised the country’s foreign policy to survive.

"Malta cannot guarantee the security the warships need in the light of international terrorism. The possible dangers for the crews and residents living around the harbour are clear and those responsible for bringing over these warships should realise the danger that these warships pose to our country," Cassar said.

The AD official said the party strongly protests against the lack of any official declarations, which should state whether the warships are carrying any nuclear weapons or is powered by nuclear energy. Cassar cautioned that Malta is a nuclear free zone and warships carrying nuclear weapons cannot enter Maltese territory.