Gonzi prioritizing political over national interest in spring hunting saga – BirdLife

Media reports referred to Lawrence Gonzi stating that the government was prepared to go all the way if we think we are right.”

BirdLife 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.”

BirdLife said Gonzi was “ready to risk Maltese taxpayer’s money to this end.” Calling his stand “incredulous”, BirdLife said the PM was riding roughshod over the interests of the majority of the citizens.

BirdLife also called into question Gonzi’s claim that Malta ‘won the first case against the Commission’ last autumn. “It’s 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 and Quail in the years 2004-2007.

“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.”