Alternattiva Demokratika is asking the government to allow civil society to elect its representative on the EU’s Economic and Social Committee (ECOSCO) in Brussels.
Prof. Arnold Cassola, AD spokesperson on EU and international affairs, stated: “We ask the Commissioner of NGOs Prof. Kenneth Wain to insist with government that Maltese NGOs elect their representative on ECOSOC and not have the representative nominated by Government itself, as has happened till now.
“In this day and age active participation by civil society implies a more open attitude by the government, that must release its control on issues which do not fall under the government’s direct responsibility.”
Michael Briguglio, AD chairperson, added: “In October 2010 the new four-year term of the European Economic and Social Committee, the influential civil-society consultative body to the EU institutions, begins. By the end of February 2010 the Maltese government has to present its list of candidates to the EU. Prime Minister Gonzi should show his government’s commitment to openness, transparency and pluralism by giving Maltese Civil Society the possibility to vote for its own representatives itself.”
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