VALLETTA, Malta (di-ve news) -- June 13, 2007-- While the Malta Environment and Planning Authority (MEPA) has every right to ask for the substantiation of criticism addressed towards the decisions it takes, it is not acceptable that the Authority declares any form of boycott against any organization or individual for any reason, the Curia's Environmental Commission said.

Whilst pointing out that it was not its duty to express itself on the project per se, the Commission expressed its disappointment over the manner in which the controversy surrounding the Ulysses Lodge in Ramla l-Hamra project has developed, in particular the relation between MEPA and the NGO Flimkien ghal Ambjent Ahjar.

The Environmental Commission said that the contribution of the public, including that of voluntary organisation, was essential in any public discussion on the environment in order to ensure a sustainable development in respect of the common wealth.

MEPA's role is essential to ensure sustainable development in the country, and thus, as should be the case, it is often under the public scrutiny, the Commssion went on, adding that citizens should have the right to participate in the public discussion without the fear of having to face sanctions for expressing their views.

In its statement, the Commission also noted that MEPA was one of the first Authorities to give space for public participation, and thus it is even more surprising a change in attitude towards those who criticise its operation.

The Authority has the means to safeguard itself from what it considers offensive criticism, but this should not include any form of boycott, the Curia's Environmental Commission said.

The Commission conclueded by urging all parts involved to seek dialogue and find a solution acceptable for all rather than confrontation.

On Monday, while addressing a press conference, MEPA chairperson Andrew Calleja had announced that the Authority would be placing Flimkien ghal Ambjent Ahjar under boycott with regards to requests for meetings until such time that the NGO decided to substantiate or withdraw the serious accusations levied at the MEPA Board members.

The NGO had last week invoked the application of Article 39? whereby a permit is annulled in the case of misleading information being given by the developer, fraudulently or otherwise and called on the Minister of the Environment and the Prime Minister to call an immediate inquiry into this case as well as for the resignation of the MEPA Chairman and Board members.

Chris Galea
di-ve.com - 13th June 2007