Malta 'likely' to ratify EU Constitution in January

Malta is "very likely" to ratify the European Constitution in early January, sources close to Government have said.

The ratification of the new Constitution by the House of Representatives early next year might pre-empt or clash with the Labour Party general conference scheduled for January 16 where the party delegates where expected to discuss and take a stand on the Constitution.

The sources said that although the government was planning to conclude the ratification process next month, this was proving "difficult" due to a tight schedule at Parliament to be caused by the Budget debate, which is expected to last several weeks.

The government is ruling out a referendum on the issue and if the ratification is concluded in January, it will mean Malta will be one of the first EU member states to conclude the ratification process. On Friday, Lithuania became the first EU state to ratify the EU Constitution, after it was overwhelmingly approved by the Lithuanian parliament.

Last week the three MLP members of the European Parliament were unable to vote on the European Constitution during a session of the parliament's 200-strong Socialist Group, since the MLP has not yet taken an official stand on the European Constitution.

Sources close to the Socialist Group in Brussels told The Times last week that the three Maltese MEPs decided at the eleventh hour not to take part in the vote and informed the Socialist Group of their decision.

The head of the Maltese Socialist MEPs, John Attard Montalto, confirmed that his delegation had decided not to vote because the MLP has not yet taken a position on the Constitution.

In a declaration, the Socialist Group said it voted in favour of the new Constitution and called on the EU's 25 member states to ratify it.

The Group backed a report highlighting improvements in clarity, efficiency and democracy that would come about as a result of the constitution.

Socialist Group leader Martin Schultz said: "The new Constitution will improve people's rights and make Europe work more smoothly. It is an important step forward."

The French Socialist MEPs participated in the vote but decided to abstain. All the other European Socialists voted in favour.