Fresh referendum plans a 'sham' - AD

Alternattiva Demokratika yesterday described as a "sham" plans reportedly being considered by the Labour Party to propose granting Labour supporters another opportunity to express themselves on EU-related choices.

The Times reported yesterday the Labour Party was considering proposing the holding of another referendum if it won the election, this time asking the electorate to choose between membership and "partnership".

In a press conference yesterday, Dr Sant did not confirm or deny the report.

AD chairman Harry Vassallo said: "The Maltese electorate has already expressed itself in favour of EU membership. Dr Sant is aware that many Labour voters said yes in the referendum. His offer is a sham aimed at winning back their votes.

"If Dr Sant is really interested in respecting the wishes of pro-EU Labourites he should respect the result of the referendum and commit himself to signing the Accession Treaty in Athens if the MLP wins the general election."

If Malta did not sign the treaty it would lose the chance of joining the EU for the foreseeable future. Any other referendum would be a mere propaganda exercise, Dr Vassallo said.

He appealed to all pro-EU Labour voters to vote AD at the next general election.