Nationalist MEPs welcome Labour deputies' decision

The decision by the Labour Party's parliamentary group to vote for the European Constitution has been welcomed by Nationalist MEPs Simon Busuttil and David Casa.

"This is a very positive step by the MLP parliamentary group. We look forward to a constructive discussion in Parliament when the Constitution comes up for ratification. It is important, however, for this discussion to take place beyond Parliament.

"This Constitution was drafted with the citizen in mind and we must ensure that Maltese citizens become more involved and ultimately feel more comfortable with the Constitution," Dr Busuttil said.

The decision to vote in favour is seen as a unique opportunity to embark on constructive politics as opposed to the confrontational elements that all too often characterise the political landscape.

Mr Casa noted that the position adopted by the MLP provides the opportunity to engage in a different kind of political behaviour to the one everyone is all too familiar with.

"This is encouraging and I am sure there will be other opportunities for the Nationalist Party and the MLP to adopt common positions on other EU-related matters. MEPs are already showing the way in this regard. We are regularly in touch with our counterparts in the MLP seeking ways to maximise our position as Maltese MEPs on important issues. This is what EU membership is about."

Both MEPs also expressed satisfaction that the myth that the EU Constitution goes against the Maltese Constitution was finally laid to rest.

While both MEPs acknowledged that the MLP general conference still had to take an official stand on the matter, they belief that given the position adopted by the parliamentary group, the decision by the general conference would be a favourable one.

"It would be a pity indeed if, after this stand, the general conference had to adopt a position against the EU Constitution.

"I think such a situation would create significant turmoil within the MLP, something that I don't think will be allowed to happen at this stage," Mr Casa said.