Vella promotes Malta’s ‘peacemaker role’, no word on Kiev protests

Foreign minister George Vella steered away from passing judgement on the security and human rights in Ukraine at the OSCE (Organisation of Security and Cooperation in Europe), where thousands of demonstrators were in Kiev's independence square where they have been protesting ever since the country's president decided last week not to sign an association agreement with the European Union.

President Viktor Yanukovych will be hosted by Maltese prime minister Joseph Muscat in Malta on Monday and Tuesday.

Vella yesterday said Malta was committed to the goals and principles of the OSCE in "pushing forward the frontiers of human rights and dignity to bring peace".

"The new Maltese Government takes these commitments very seriously and is working tirelessly to implement them. Malta is also keen to see that the rights of others beyond our shores are respected and protected. We are firm believers in the respect for the rule of law and respect towards democracy, and in the multilateral system which fosters collaboration," Vella said.

The foreign minister focused on Malta's backyard and immediate Mediterranean region, saying Malta wanted to see more engagement in the Arab world, following the upheavals of the Arab Spring.

"We are deeply concerned by the protracted conflicts and sectarian strife that continue to present a threat to our common security.

"Malta is strongly supporting the integration of Libya into the family of the Mediterranean Partners for Cooperation. It is the only missing link in the North African chain. As a neighbouring state, we are concerned by the situation in that country. But we also believe that the OSCE can help Libya build its democratic institutions."

Vella also described human trafficking in the Mediterranean as a "scourge", saying that Malta was doing its utmost to assist victims.

"This modern form of slavery also affects most of your countries. It is an affront to human dignity that must be combated forcefully. This Organisation has to do more to see that laws are enforced and criminality controlled. More also needs to be done on the prevention side of human trafficking."

Vella described Malta's vocation as that of a "peace-maker and a catalyst for cooperation in the Mediterranean" and called on the OSCE to ensure that cultural misunderstandings are no longer the reason behind 'frozen conflicts'.

In a month's time, Malta will take over the Chairmanship of the Forum for Security Cooperation, an onerous task and a challenge we are looking forward to meet.

Vella said Malta will be giving particular attention to the issue of the democratic control of the Armed Forces. "We believe that armed forces should remain subordinate to democratically-elected civilian authorities and subject to parliamentary oversight, the media and civil society organisations."

Vella also touched upon media freedoms, declaring that Malta fully supported the privacy of cyberspace as an important aspect of the right to private life. "Freedom on the internet is key to maintaining free societies in the world and we call upon all to respect OSCE commitments in this respect."