BirdLife Malta yesterday sent open letters to the Prime Minister, Dr Lawrence Gonzi, and to the Leader of the Opposition, Dr Alfred Sant, calling on them both to clearly explain their respective positions with regards to spring hunting now that the European Commission has sent its final warning.

"The Commission has made it very clear that it will not continue to tolerate the illegality of Malta's position with regards to spring hunting, a practice which goes against the Birds Directive and which is banned across Europe," Joseph Mangion, President of BirdLife Malta, explained.

"Following the commencement of an infringement procedure initiated in 2006 after a complaint raised by BirdLife, the Commission has finally sent its last warning to Malta by issuing this Reasoned Opinion. Commissioner Dimas' assurance that the Commission would proceed to take the country to Court should the government insist on not complying with the directive is a welcome announcement for BirdLife. Now, we demand that our leaders clearly explain their positions on the matter," Mr Mangion asserted.

In the letter addressed to the Prime Minister, the conservation organisation outlined how the Nationalist Government has to date allowed spring hunting seasons in direct violation of the Birds Directive since Malta's entry into the European Union.

Malta is no exception to the other EU member states, not just in terms of adhering to the terms of the EU directives, but also in terms of contributing equally to a coherent and collective effort to protect the avifauna of the European Union.

In light of Prime Minister Gonzi's recent positive statements regarding the protection of our natural environment, BirdLife stated that it is now time for the Government to put words into action by deciding in the best interest of Malta and for the common good of the people of the European Union by expressing itself clearly and unequivocally and by declaring an end to spring hunting once and for all. Such a decision would undoubtedly be supported by the majority of people living in Malta and will also attract a positive international reaction, BirdLife said in its letter.

On the other hand, in its letter to the Leader of the Opposition, BirdLife made reference to conflicting statements and positions reiterated by various Labour Party officials and called on Dr Sant to clarify his party's position without leaving room for any further interpretation.

The organisation referred to instances when Dr Sant himself has said that his party will observe EU regulations as laid out in the accession treaty, including those relating to hunting and trapping.

Contrary statements have been attributed to the party's Deputy Leader Michael Falzon who, during a meeting addressing hunters in Zebbug earlier this month, allegedly stated that the "MLP would not let any foreigner interfere in what Maltese do and that the hunting dates would be fixed by MLP".

Mr Falzon allegedly also promised that the MLP are ready to battle in the European Courts to retain spring hunting and trapping. The comments attributed to Mr Falzon are clearly incompatible with those made by Dr Sant who must therefore clarify whether the alleged statements attributed to Mr Falzon were actually made by him and, if this is the case, whether this represents the official party line, BirdLife stated.

"There is absolutely no justification for Malta to continue to violate EU law. EU conservation laws are there to protect our common European natural heritage and this issue should not be used as political leverage any more. In the year when the Nobel peace prize has gone to the environment field, we expect our politicians to put an end to village politics, and show the Maltese people that at least on nature conservation all local political parties are united, rather than embarrassing our country before the European Court," Mr Mangion concluded.