The PES has issued a forceful statement – and our Labour Party remains silent
The Party of European Socialists, which brings together the socialist and Labour parties of the European Union, yesterday made a forceful and specific statement about the situation in Libya.
PES condemns the violent reactions of Libyan authorities against peaceful demonstrators and deplores the high number of innocent victims among the civilian population. Furthermore, it stresses the responsibility of the Libyan Government for the security of its citizens. People should be guaranteed the right to express their legitimate aspirations for reforms. PES urges an end to the violence and the termination of the blockade of the internet and mobile phone networks in Libya.
Moreover, PES calls on the EU to encourage the transition process in Libya and to guarantee financial support for the country. In the light of the oppressive answer to the protests, the EU should consider the implementation of sanctions against the Libyan regime to send a strong signal that their barriers to democracy are unacceptable.
PES President, Poul Nyrup Rasmussen, stated: “I am very concerned about the violent and brutal way in which Gaddafi’s regime is trying to break down the demonstrations. The targeted killing of civilians, who are peacefully protesting for a shift to democracy and reforms, is unacceptable. This repression against peaceful demonstrators must stop and an open and meaningful dialogue has to be initiated.”
Meanwhile, Joseph Muscat and his shadow foreign minister George Vella cower in the shadows and say nothing. Because really, what can they say? Libya isn’t known for its tourism industry.
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Well, you said it: they are just shadows.
Seems like the Partit Laburista’s membership of PES is only one of convenience.
Joseph Muscat used them for his election to the leadership, and they have a small link on their website.
But that is where it ends. They never make any announcements in line with the positions taken by PES, like that above, and the one with a condemnation of Ben Ali’s violence agains the Tunisian people.
Yesterday, the Partit Laburista found it more important to issue a “stqarrija” about John Attard Montalto’s trip to Chad than to make a clear statement about Libya. The only relevance I can see in yesterday’s statement is that, like Gaddafi, John Attard Montalto never stays in the same place.
“Because really, what can they say? Libya isn’t known for its tourism industry.”
More significantly I don’t think it is possible for Joseph Muscat to say anything which is in any way critical of the dear Colonel, certainly not with Mintoff still alive and all the other living fossils unearthed from the 70s around him.
He cannot say anything against Gaddafi because he is our dearest friend and for obvious reasons he cannot say anything in his favour so keeping his mouth shut seems to be the only thing he can do.
Another spot-on comment. MLP has already let Gaddafi down by losing the EU referendum and election. He’d blast them to kingdom come if they utter a single word now.
Oh, did you see Joe Grima on TVM’s news, reminiscing about the relations of Mintoff’s government with Gaddafi?
Really, who would have said that Joe Grima would outlive Gaddafi politically?
Berlusconi spoke to Gaddafi this afternoon. Gaddafi’s son is expected to address a press conference tonight.
Actually Daphne, I really can’t understand why all this fuss about Joseph and why do you want a statement from him?
Who cares what Joseph has to say…….THANKFULLY he is NOT our Prime Minister!
[Daphne – But he will be, and that is exactly why a statement from him is necessary.]
Some people seem to forget that Joseph Muscat is the Leader of the Opposition, a Constitutional role with a salary attached. A statement by the Leader of the Opposition is a necessity at this point.