Calling Benghazi. This is Malta.
Published:
June 1, 2011 at 6:07pm
With the country caught up in discussion about whether the prime minister plans to vote No or abstain from voting on the divorce bill, the government decided on Monday morning that now would be a good time to recognise the Libyan National Transitional Council in Benghazi as Libya’s only representative.
Prudence has taken a hike.
“Let’s do something positive to take the heat off.”
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Well, they had to be damned sure that the tide had turned, though I am curious about the terminology to be used when referring to Gaddafi and his remaining henchmen .
“Let’s do something to take the heat off the Church” more likely, given the PM’s unbelievable comments yesterday.
Too little, too late.
Nothing but another tactical mistake. Does the prime minister think that recognising the Libyan Council in Benghazi NOW is going to divert our attention from more important national issues?
Of course we welcome this (overdue) decision, but we have more important national issues to deal with at the moment.
It seems that Dr Gonzi has finally come to terms with the inevitable: divorce legislation and the recognition of the Benghazi government.
Procrastinating on both matters will be counterproductive.
Whilst Libya fights for democracy, the Maltese Parliament replaces democracy with MPs’ personal conscience.
RCC and Simon Busuttil should state the enormity of PN’s 2013 defeat if it keeps on catering for hamalli and coatti.
Please explain ‘hamalli’ , the legion of unwashed have needs too .
“Hamallu” = someone without a shred of self-doubt, because “ghandu dritt ghall-opinjoni”, who is unable to distinguish between fact and opinion, and who earns far more than they’re worth.
Phew! Thanks, Baxxter. By your definition, I am not a hamallu. I may be one of those who “ghandu dritt ghall-opinjoni” and am “unable to distinguish between fact and opinion” but I definitely earn far LESS than I am worth.
Those two should be on their way back to Malta. ASAP.
There’s George Pullicino too. But he’s been saddled with a ministry covering a vast range of insoluble issues. He deserves to be promoted further up the chain, and he needs to start speaking out on issues outside his brief. It may not be correct procedure, but the likes of Edwin Vassallo need to be challenged.
Baxxter, don’t you think it is a bit dangerous to ask George Pullicino to throw his weight around?
The way I see it is this – just like the rest of us, all MPs had already exercised their right to vote according to their moral conviction in a public referendum.
That stage is now over and the role of Parliament now is to enact a law that has the endorsement of the majority. Thus the issue is no longer about divorce but about legislating a bill that has already been settled through a public vote, something that Parliament has asked us to do on its own accord, after all.
Therefore, I think that it would be correct to say that by abstaining or voting No simply implies that MPs are privileged with a second vote on the same exact issue. This is a grave mistake as it could easily open the doors for abuse of power and the rule by dictate. Let’s hope we don’t see a precedent here.
Super One reported that the PM is considering a cabinet reshuffle following the referendum result.
I think what is needed within the PN is not just a cabinet reshuffle but a thorough clean up within the whole PN administration at party level. Their strategy is proving a disaster over and over again.
Clean the stable now Dr Gonzi it might already be too late.
Well, I for one, welcome this development. Life goes on beyond divorce legislation. I’m heartily sick of it all. We got what we wanted, so let’s MOVE ON.
I agree with it being ‘too little’ but it’s not too late: it’s not as if a whole bunch of other countries have done it. Now I just hope that the Libyan embassy in Balzan removes that horrible green tablecloth, complete with gold fringe edging, flapping from the roof top and remove the hideous rolls of barbed wire scarring the garden wall.
The Libyan embassy in Balzan no longer has a role here as it represents Muammar Gaddafi.
Finally, back to real news and the recognition was long overdue.
I hope to god we don’t get any of the usual pussyfooting and mercantile hedging of bets. The only way to make this recognition official is to withdraw the Libyan ambassador’s diplomatic credentials and to recognise those of the Transitional Council’s envoy, if they decide to assign one.
And right on cue, ladies and gentlemen, the wonderful tightrope walking act from Malta:
http://www.timesofmalta.com/articles/view/20110602/local/malta-to-open-office-in-benghazi.368577
At this stage the Maltese Parliament has been reduced to the status of a defunct debating society.
Thirty percent of parishioners now decide the fate of this parish (read country). Referenda have replaced general elections.
Neither RCC nor SB are in a position to predict the quantum of the 2013 PN electoral defeat. The plot has been irrevocably lost.
They should have advised the PM to throw in the towel at the first sign of threat from within. That was two years ago.
When a tenuous government is struggling fresh elections are in order. The alternative is to the country’s detriment.
http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2011/jun/01/libya-oil-minister-defects-ghanem
I hate to say this, but it would seem that Gonzi has completely lost the plot. I have always voted PN and till this day I firmly believe that Labour are not fit for purpose.
However, Gonzi has failed to show any leadership. He should have declared at once that he will do his duty as a representative of the Maltese people by voting in favour of the divorce bill.
This has led to this pathetic situation whereby no PN MP wants to be seen to categorically saying they will vote in favour, ignoring all that PN stood for in the 80s.
I’m not a fan of Pullicino Orlando, but quite frankly I think that its time for him to go nuclear at this stage. I doubt whether the PN executive will approve him as a candidate for the next general election so he should call Gonzi’s bluff and challenge him to use the whip to force all PN MPs to vote in favour of democracy and respect the people’s will.
If Gonzi fails to do so he should threaten to resign from the Nationalist Party while maintaining his parliamentary seat.
Where is the ambassador?
What about the embassy?
Anyone know?
Pearls of wisdom from timesofmalta.com
Colin Stanley
Today, 21:35
That’s right Mr. Prime Minister, help the rebels they will thank us, by sending boatloads of illegal immigrants .
Mr albert cachia
Today, 19:59
Mr Vella
The govrnment was suppose to represent all MALTESE, so your urge is only for yourself.
Being scared to stand up as MALTA Prime minister and not cameron / sarkozy / EU puppet
it is now in the affirmative to loose office and whatever respect he achieved during career.
Regime will survive and MALTA will again gain our friendship with
Mr Tony Camilleri
Today, 12:18
FOOLS RUSH IN WHERE ANGELS FEAR TO TREAD.
Mr carlos ellul
Today, 19:05
Don’t worry if Gaddafi sends some 2000 immigrants as his vendetta there’s always the EU who will take us 10
I will abstain from voting for those who abstain or vote NO. I invite others to do the same. People should not forget. This is the party that valued freedom+solidarity. Let’s keep those who still do.