Many Maltese have a racist element, according to President Edward Fenech Adami, which he believes goes against "one of the more important values in Maltese culture and character".
In a wide-ranging interview to the Times of Malta, Dr Fenech Adami said that "Xenophobia is growing. It has always been here but it is becoming manifest. There are people who are intentionally fomenting these attitudes". He continued to say "that is very, very dangerous. Those who are fomenting it are most probably committing a crime, so they should be pursued".
The President also said he would not sign any law that went against his moral values and principles, before adding: "And face the consequences". Dr Fenech Adami also discusses his recent address to the European Parliament, arguing that the constitutional treaty should be resuscitated because it amplifies the political dimension of the EU.
However, The Times further said that he is critical of the EU's attitude to the illegal immigration problem. "Small countries have been left to deal with the problem on their own. That's the case with Malta. The financial assistance the EU has offered Malta so far is insignificant." Yet, Dr Fenech Adami added that Malta's process to deal with applications for refugee status "leaves much to be desired" and must be shortened.
When asked by the Times whether the media should be allowed into detention centres, he replied: "Why not allow them?". The President said he would like his relationship with the opposition to be more "intimate" and "productive".
Source: The Times Of Malta
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