Be the first to comment!BirdLife responds to Prime Minister’s statement on hunting
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BirdLife Malta has issued a statement responding to the Prime Minister, Lawrence Gonzi’s announcement that he would be prepared to go back to the European Court of Justice over the issue of spring hunting to defend Malta’s rights, whether there is a risk of paying fines or not. The statement from The Prime Minister had said that they would try to find a solution with the European Court of Justice, however, they are prepared to go all the way if they think they are right.
Birdlife Malta said, “The Prime Minister’s statement laid bare the government’s intention to prioritise political interests over national interests, by accommodating the unjustified demands of a group solely interested in its hobby,.”
“The Prime Minister’s declaration clearly shows that he is ready to risk Maltese tax payer’s money to this end. Furthermore, spring hunting is neither beneficial to Malta’s environment nor its tourism.”
“The Prime Minister’s incredulous stand that he sees the killing of migratory birds during the breeding season as a ‘right’, rides rough shod over the interests of the majority of the citizens and goes against the nature conservation directive of the EU.”
“The Prime Minister’s claim that Malta ‘won the first case against the Commission’ last autumn is a spin on reality which is clearly aimed at misleading the public. In a verdict delivered on 10 September 2009, the European Court of Justice (ECJ, case C-76/08) declared that Malta has breached European law by allowing spring hunting of Turtle Dove Streptopelia turtur and Common Quail Coturnix coturnix in the years 2004-2007,” Birdlife said.
Birdlife concluded by saying, “It is clear that the ongoing saga with spring hunting will not be resolved because of political parties’ interest in nature conservation, despite the country’s international commitments to protect biodiversity.”
BirdLife Malta reminded political parties that the majority of the country is against spring hunting, and called on citizens to make a strong statement during the next elections as the only means to end this saga once and for all.
