Both Nationalist Party international secretary Jason Azzopardi and the MLP international spokesman Leo Brincat have agreed that Malta should exercise “soft diplomacy” with Libya to get guarantees on safety issues related to the development of a nuclear power station by Malta’s southern neighbour.
Replying to questions by Saviour Balzan during last week’s edition of TV programme Reporter, neither of the two politicians questioned Libya’s right to develop nuclear technology, arguing that Malta’s interests are best served if the southern neighbour gives the necessary guarantees.
While Brincat insisted that in such cases “silent diplomacy” should be used, Azzopardi referred to the “fine and prudent” diplomacy being used by Foreign Minister Michael Frendo.
Leo Brincat expressed disagreement with those who use the human rights argument to exclude Libya from the nuclear club. “If human rights is used as a benchmark we will have to cut off relations with three quarters of the world.”
Azzopardi argued that Libya cannot be equated with Iran, which is accused of developing supposedly peaceful nuclear technology to build its own nuclear arsenal, arguing that Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad had called for the destruction of Israel. He also referred to the risk that many Arab countries in the region are interested in acquiring nuclear technology.
Brincat argued that Libya should respect international conventions which require any country developing a project with a trans-boundary impact to carry out an Environmental Impact Assessment on these impacts.
But despite stating his party’s traditional opposition to the use of nuclear energy even for civilian purposes, Brincat made it clear that he sees no reason why Libya should not be allowed to develop such technology simply because it is considered “a second-class country.”
Azzopardi argued that Malta should seek the regulatory framework in the Mediterranean to ensure that safety issues are addressed.
AD’s deputy Chairperson Mario Mallia, who was the first to raise the issue in the programme, argued that Malta should take a firmer stand with Libya and France on this issue. He also pointed out that Libya lacks a positive record on environmental regulations. “A nuclear accident could leave 30,000 immediate casualties. We are too close to Libya not to be concerned,” warned Mallia.

jdebono@mediatoday.com.mt