Alternattiva Demokratika spokesman for EU affairs Arnold Cassola was yesterday re-elected secretary-general of the European Greens for 2003-2006. He was the only candidate contesting the post.

He was elected unanimously by secret ballot. The elections were held during the 14th council meeting of the European Federation of Green Parties, being held at the Forum Hotel in St Andrew's.

Over 150 Greens from Europe are taking part in this meeting, being co-organised by AD.

In a comment soon after his re-election, Dr Cassola expressed his satisfaction at his positive result and his surprise that there was not even one vote against.

This, he said, reflected the respect AD enjoyed on a European level and that his work in the past three years had been beneficial.

He said it was also an honour for Malta to have a representative in such a position, which could be of assistance to the country as it had already proved to be in the past three years.

The meeting was yesterday addressed by AD chairman Harry Vassallo who said that the Maltese government should be a voice for peace in the enlarged European Union.

"Warships belonging to countries involved in wars similar to that in Iraq should not be allowed in Malta".

Speaking the European Greens' council meeting, Dr Vassallo appeared to brush off his party's poor showing at the general election, saying his was optimistic that Green politics would "revitalise" progressive politics in Malta, Europe and the world.

"Green politics is the future of progressive politics. Our policies are based on core values and a holistic vision of sustainable development, civil liberties, social justice and grass roots democracy. Our response to the current purely capitalist form of globalisation is a globalisation of human rights, environmental protection and democracy."

Dr Vassallo reaffirmed AD's commitment to European integration.

"We are proud that Malta has signed the EU membership treaty in Athens. AD is firmly committed to the ideal of European unity. Now that Malta is a full EU member, AD will work closely with the European Greens to make the Union a more democratic and accountable institution."

Dr Vassallo earlier condemned the US occupation of Iraq and called on the Greens to work for peace and the strengthening of the United Nations.