A message from Malta

The Arab spring has upset the whole world. A year later, we must draw a balance and think of the future. This is the point of departure of the workshop held by the Justice and Peace Europe Commission in Malta, September 14-16. The choice of the venue is not accidental, as "thousands of people fleeing from Libya found refuge here, just like St. Paul, seeking shelter from the tempest", recalled Roderick Agius, president of Justice and Peace Malta. "This island has been a historical crossroads of different cultures and religions, and it plays a central role in the dialogue with Countries bordering on the shores of the Mediterranean", continued the president of the Commission William Kenney, echoed by Msgr. Lawrence Gatt, pro vicar of the diocese of Malta. "A feeling of deep injustice brought together these peoples in their struggle, regardless of their ethnicity or their country of origin. It was grounded on the legitimate yearning for peace and human fraternity", said Fr George Grima. Which scenarios triggered the revolt? The panel speakers participating in the meeting delved into the question.Overcoming regimes. Arnold Cassola, spokesman of the Greens party in Malta, recalled the strategies of the leaders of Tunisia, Egypt and Libya, "to create an explosive mix of brutality, arrogance and nepotism" which they believed should last for decades, stripping populations of the possibility to see their rights recognized: "Ironic as it may seem, modernization and its technologies provided the tools for the rebellion". But the leaders’ long-lasting power was also due to economic-business relations with Western countries. "My hope", the expert concluded, "is that world powers have learnt the lesson, and that they will no longer repeat the same mistakes. I confide that they will promote equal sharing of resources, ensuring equal opportunities to all citizens". In what terms should democracy be addressed in these Countries? "Unfortunately the course of the events did not deliver the results hoped-for by European political forces" – underlined the spokesperson of the Labour party in Malta George Vella – "but the EU should accept all democratically elected governments, since it’s not up to us to judge the decisions taken by Mediterranean Countries". For Foreign Minister Tonio Borg, "the legitimate handling of the elections should be acknowledged; rejecting paternalisms and prejudice against Islamist movements, seen as a threat for democracy based on preemptive judgement".Promoting dialogue and cooperation. This is the strategy that Europe should adopt vis a vis North African countries, since it’s important "that all individuals be ensured the freedom and the respect of human rights", as emerged in the speech by Godfrey Pirotta, whose point of departure is that "each human being should be seen not as an individual alone, but also as member of a community". But far too often "European countries stand up as models of democracy, forgetting the history, culture and identities characterizing North African Countries". When compared, European countries aren’t always the winners. "Let’s take the family. In North African countries – Pirotta added – it represents a strong bond. But when we look at how this value is being abused in Europe, it’s hard to say that European democracies should be taken as role models".The path leading to democracy. Emilio Platti retraced the events that sparked off the rebellion in North African countries, notably Egypt, through images and photography, highlighting the fact that initially Christians and Muslims appeared to share the same goals. Thus they were "on the same side of the fence", motivated not by religious ideals but rather by the yearning to exert the freedom to claim the respect of human rights. Islamic fundamentalist movements managed to worm their way into the struggle at a later stage, thus breaking the initial alliance and influencing the outcome of the May presidential elections.In the light of the testimonies and speeches, the ensuing debate with participants’ contributions focused on the hope that "the price paid in terms of human lives" may not be in vain, as underlined, among others, by Paolo Dall’Oglio, expert in North African questions. Only through constructive dialogue and through the respect for human rights will it be possible to reach democratic results. Expectations shouldn’t focus on immediate answers: these peoples should be given the time for self-acknowledgement, in order to plan their own future.