Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/321747
maltatoday, SUNDAY, 1 JUNE 2014 24 Letters Send your letters to: The Editor, MaltaToday, MediaToday Ltd. Vjal ir-Rihan, San Gwann SGN 9016 | Fax: (356) 21 385075 E-mail: newsroom@mediatoday.com.mt. Letters to the Editor should be concise. No pen names are accepted. P ajjiz mhux partit. 'Country not Party' is an appropriate slogan coined by the Greens. It does not reflect, however, the trend so far in elections. Perhaps this election will turn out to be different. In this election, this newspaper has attempted to offer all the candidates the opportunity to express themselves. We would like to believe that the interests of each and ever y voter are primarily the qualit y of the candidate. If that is to be the measuring stick, then surely some candidates outshine others in their potential as thinkers and representatives of the people of Malta. From an electoral point of view, the campaigns of Simon Busuttil, Joseph Muscat and John Attard Montalto come tops. From a political standpoint, the points have to be awarded to other candidates for the arguments and point of views they have put forward. In the Nationalist camp, Joe Friggieri offered a breath of fresh air. An academic who chose to offer a new perspective on discussing politics and suggesting that in the European Parliament it is ideas that count most. Another PN candidate with a positive and a down-to-earth approach is Dr Ian Spiteri Bailey. He also refused to get lost in partisan debates and appeared strong on the technical aspects of the EU. From the Labour trenches, Louis Grech scored many points. True, he has suffered for some decisions taken in the past at Air Malta. He is one of the few candidates who have experience in a commercial company and someone who insists on promoting the middle-of-the- road image. Last, but not least, is Arnold Cassola, who may make a breakthrough in this election. He is the only candidate with first-hand experience of the European parliament. His election, if it does happen, will also open new avenues for Malta's third part y. There are other valid candidates who cannot be discarded such as veteran Michael Falzon and Wenzu Mintoff. The final choice remains a personal one. A combination of the better candidate and the best for the countr y should be a priorit y for all voters. To have or not to have an inquir y In the last few weeks, we have witnessed various instances where inquiries have been called for or should have been called for; the case of the repatriated Eritreans, the allegations of inf luence on the decision related to Iran's national shipping company and the need to hold an inquir y into the disaster at St Paul 's Bay. These issues and others call for an agreed policy and responsible ethic about what constitutes an inquir y. Are we to have an inquir y with ever y allegation or incident? W ho is to decide on an inquir y? W ho is to ser ve as the judge and jur y on an inquir y and what are the repercussions and ramifications from the conclusions of any inquir y? These are urgent matters that need to be agreed to bet ween all the partners – in politics, in the media, in civil societ y and the public at large. The issue is a trick y one but we need to have some direction, fast. Country not party &EJUPSJBMÆ+VOF Dangerous vehicles It would seem that not all road users are created equal. I am referring to those who use engine-powered bicycles on our roads. Not only do they produce an infernal din – exacerbated when they travel through narrow roads – but they show no respect to other road users. They zigzag between cars recklessly and I have person- ally witnessed a few mounting the pavement when traffic conditions make using the tarmac inconvenient. Some will insist on occupying the middle of the road, slowing traffic and increasing the likelihood of dangerous over- taking maneuvers. Although the majority of these "cyclists" – invariably young men, often in groups of two of more – seem to have realized the worth of their heads and started to use helmets, they often ride with little else by way of protec- tive gear. If an accident had to happen, the results would be disastrous. While taxation would not be a reasonable measure against these high-speed health hazards, perhaps a register of some sort could keep track of these vehicles. A basic safety course would not go amiss either. Marisa Farrugia Mosta Czech exports processed like any other The Ministry for Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Malta refers to the article published in the MaltaToday newspaper ('Czech arms makers claim Malta is stopping exports to Egypt', 23 May 2014) and believes it opportune to clarify its position in relation to the contents of the article. Maltese Subsidiary Legislation 365.13 – Military Equipment (Ex- port Control) Regulations, Article 4 (2) requires a transit licence for military goods transiting Maltese territory, similar to exports. This legal requirement applies to all applications, without distinction as to whether the applicant is Maltese, originating from within the Euro- pean Union or beyond. Transits of military material, i.e., equipment falling under the EU Common Military List, similar to exports, undergo an assessment based on country of final destination and end user. All licences, be it for export or transit, are assessed on a case by case basis and are guided by the criteria of EU Council Common Position 2008/944/CFSP, the existence of sanc- tions currently in force against the country of final destina- tion, any relevant EU Council Conclusions and general information on the country of destination. As regards the claims being put forward by Czech arms exporters that are being presented in the article, Malta does not in any way stop Czech exports and Czech authorities from exporting to destinations of their choice. Malta is only involved in instances when the goods in question need to transit through its territory, in which case as already explained, an application for a transit licence must be made and once approved, the transit may proceed. Any application needs to be submitted well before the expected shipping date to allow for sufficient time for an as- sessment to be made. Finally, the Ministry wishes to recall that the decision as to whether or not a licence is to be ap- proved or otherwise remains Malta's national prerogative. Maria Muscat Communications Coordinator Ministry for Foreign Affairs EP elections and immigration In my opinion the vote of 24 May in Malta – and not only in Malta – is a ref lec- tion on one main issue: the question of immigration from outside the EU. The people in their majorit y are worried that EU institutions are not responding adequately to this issue. This includes the Nationalist Part y in Malta who is identified with such policies. Consequently, my advice to the leaders of the Nation- alist Part y is to heed such concern and seek to address this issue if they wish to obtain a majorit y of votes and a popular mandate. This is said since the Na- tionalist Part y has suffered a third national election defeat in succession in the last 5 years, with a margin of over 30,0 0 0 votes - some- thing without precedent in Malta's political histor y. Mario Mifsud Hamrun