Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1500676
5 NEWS maltatoday | SUNDAY • 4 JUNE 2023 once a staunch opponent of NATO goes to House for PfP approval the key role played by Richard Cachia Caruana, who had been complaining of Malta's inability to attend EU defence meetings where NATO classified informa- tion is discussed. But the Maltese government faced a major hurdle due to pop- ular sentiment on joining the PfP being split right down the parti- san divide due to Labour's op- position to the PfP – unchanged since 1996. Cachia Caruana had an inven- tive solution, telling the Ameri- cans that Malta would declare it had "simply ceased active partic- ipation" in PfP – but not that it had formally withdrawn from the agreements as Sant had indeed done in 1996. The Americans dubbed it a "procedural bandaid" to allow Malta to bypass the need for House ratification. By arguing that the prior PfP agreement 'remained in force', Cachia Caruana was proposing something in direct contrast to the "unconditional withdrawal" stated in the 1996 letter to NATO from then Labour foreign minis- ter George Vella. In 2008, the PN reactivated Malta's PfP a day after the elec- tions, as a rudderless Labour reeling from its loss and Sant's resignation was unable to offer a political response. In conversa- tions with US ambassador Doug- las Kmiec, Vella later complained that the government had circum- vented Malta's Treaties Act, be- cause joining PfP required a par- liamentary resolution. He was right, and the US em- bassy cables revealed that Gonzi never intended making any pub- lic pronouncement on his inten- tions to 'reactivate' the PfP mem- bership, let alone informing the House. As noted by Bordonaro in her cables to Washington D.C. in 2008, the decision had hardly been criticised in the media, "in large part because of the sudden roll-out. The Opposition's crit- icism went further: in addition to being incensed at the lack of consultation, MLP officials are claiming the decision violated the neutrality clause in Malta's con- stitution…" But it was only years later, when the cables were leaked in 2011, that Labour took the fight to the parliamentary foreign affairs committee, grilling Cachia Caru- ana on his role in reactivating the PfP membership, and proposing a motion of censure that found the welcome reception of a dis- gruntled government MP who had no love lost for 'RCC': Jeffrey Pullicino Orlando. mvella@mediatoday.com.mt Beppe Fenech Adami (above left) told foreign minister Ian Borg (right) he is glad to see Labour come around on the subject ASSET RECOVERY BUREAU M A L T A These are full-time posts on an indefinite basis and subject to a probationary period of one year. Further information and a comprehensive Job Description may be obtained from the ARB website on https://assetrecovery.mt/vacancies/ Qualifications and experience claimed must be supported by certificates and/or testimonials, scanned copies of which should be attached to the application. Original certificates to be presented upon interviews. Applications, together with a detailed curriculum vitae showing qualifications and experience and a valid Police Conduct Certificate will be received by email by not later than Friday 16th June 2023 on recruitment.arb@assetrecovery.mt. ASSET RESEARCH AND MANAGEMENT Jobsplus Permit Number 708/2022 LEGAL SERVICES Jobsplus Permit Number 705/2022