Hunters deny meetings have violent intent

The hunters' federation FKNK has denied allegations that its forthcoming meetings were intended to provoke violence.

"The FKNK has always condemned violent acts and will continue to do so," the federation's council said. It was replying to BirdLife which has said that the hunters' meetings, planned for next weekend, could provoke violence.

FKNK said their purpose was to state the true facts about the hunting and trapping situation and to guide its thousands of members.

"It is extremely hypocritical of Tolga Temuge, BirdLife Malta director, to talk about 'calming the situation' when it is BirdLife itself that is doing exactly the opposite," FKNK charged.

Mr Temuge spoke of BirdLife's campaign to end hunting in spring when he knew very well that this was a legitimate activity that has been practised for centuries in the Maltese islands, the federation said.

"Everyone knows that BirdLife Malta under its present management is committed to the elimination of all hunting and trapping on the Maltese islands. And that is sending a very dangerous message".