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I would like to refer to the article entitled “Sant adamant not to apologise for violent Labour past” by Michaela Muscat (MaltaToday, 25 December 2005).
In this article, the Labour leader was quoted as saying that “the MLP could not be held accountable for the excessive use of force and violence of the 1980s”, and “asking for an apology for a past event will lead to vicious circles preventing us from looking at the future with hope and faith. These are issues that belong to past generations – we need to look ahead”.
In my opinion, the above statements are disturbing. The arguments show weakness because they are not based on sound principles.
If the above quoted reasoning is taken, how does one come to reveal truth? Where is justice? Where is respect and solidarity with those who suffered all kinds of injustices? How could such statements contribute to the healing of those wounds in our society? Whence is accountability to be seen? How can Maltese society reconcile itself with its past? Do not the mentioned statements remind us of the act of Pilate washing his hands?
As I think of the cry for reconciliation by the then newly sworn in Prime Minister following the delicate transition of power in 1987, with hindsight, maybe that reconciliation lacked a structured process that would have given a better opportunity for all civil and religious leaders to work together towards attaining the declared aims. Certainly there is still a lot to be done to complete the work. I believe that for reconciliation to be effective, it must bring forth truth from where justice could be done so that peace is given to our society. On such principles can one see a “future built on hope and faith”.
May the twentieth anniversary of that eventful year provide another opportunity for all, political parties, trade unions, the church, the media and other institutions, to ponder objectively, without animosity or prejudice, on the meaning of national reconciliation. In this way we can show more maturity and that we have learnt lessons from the past. Certainly uncomfortable past events cannot be killed by kindness; in the sense of pretending to ignore they ever existed.
I am reminded of Aldo Moro’s words when he said that “maybe man will not be able to achieve justice during his lifetime, but it remains man’s duty to keep thirsty for obtaining justice”.
The above sentiments constitute my wishes for the New Year to your readers.
Richard Muscat
Attard
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