Maltese MEP Alfred Sant abstained on the final vote on the resolution which sets out the European Parliament’s position on the negotiations with the United Kingdom following its notification that it intends to withdraw from the European Union. Dr Sant said the proposals on the dissolution of the UK membership from the EU may have the effect of increasing uncertainties, instead of minimizing them. A more effective approach would be to negotiate on a final position for the UK-EU relationship, and then move towards it in a phased manner, remarked the Maltese MEP when explaining why he was abstaining on this resolution.
“While in broad agreement with this resolution, I have abstained in the vote on it for the following reasons: I fail to see how in negotiating for an amicable divorce, it is proposed to first decide on the dissolution of the marriage, and then discuss the terms for the post divorce situation. This procedure is neither realistic nor coherent with objectives that the resolution itself sets. It may have the effect of increasing uncertainties, instead of minimizing them. A more effective approach would be to negotiate on a final position for the UK-EU relationship, and then move towards it in a phased manner. I fail to understand the claim that this would weaken the hands of EU negotiators. Also, the time allowed to MEPs for reflection and discussion was too short. Internal discussions on the draft text were basically on a take it or leave it basis. Thirdly, a Parliament which rightly prides itself on insisting for full transparency in public affairs, has chosen as its representative in the Brexit negotiations, a member who derives income from sources outside Parliament but on matters related to its activities. I cannot accept this; huge scope could arise for potential conflicts of interest.” remarked the Maltese MEP.
The resolution was approved with 516 votes in favour, 133 against, with 50 abstentions.
Maltese Version – Il-proċedura għall-ħruġ tar-renju unit mill-UE mhix realistika
Il-proċedura għal ħruġ tar-Renju Unit mill-Unjoni Ewropea mhux realistika u tista’ żżid l-inċertezzi bejn iż-żewġ naħat aktar milli tnaqqashom. Dan qalu Alfred Sant fil-Parlament Ewropew meta ta r-raġunijiet għala astjena f’riżoluzzjoni dwar il-pożizzjoni tal-Parlament Ewropew dwar in-negozjati bejn l-UE u r-Renju Unit wara li dal-pajjiż wera l-intenzjoni tiegħu li ma jibqax membru tal-UE. Dr Sant qal li kien ikun aktar effettiv jekk isiru negozjati fuq tip ta’ relazzjoni finali bejn ir-Renju Unit u l-Unjoni Ewropea. Imbagħad b’mod sistematiku nimxu lejn din it-tip ta’ relazzjoni.
“Għalkemm naqbel ma’ din ir-riżoluzzjoni, astjenejt fil-vot tiegħi minħabba dawn ir-raġunijiet: Ma nistax nagħraf kif waqt in-negozjati għal divorzju ta’ ħbiberija, qed ikun propost biex l-ewwel ikun deċiż kif se jkun xolt iż-żwieġ, imbagħad ikunu diskussi t-termini tas-sitwazzjoni wara d-divorzju. Din il-proċedura la hi realistika u lanqas taqbel mal-għanijiet li għandha din ir-riżoluzzjoni, u jista’ jkollha l-effett li żżid l-inċertezzi aktar milli tnaqqashom. Metodu aktar effettiv ikun dak li ninnegozjaw fuq it-tip ta’ relazzjoni mixtieqa bejn ir-Renju Unit u l-UE, imbagħad nimxu pass pass biex nilħqu din ir-relazzjoni finali. Ma nistax nifhem kif din l-istqarrija xxekkel lin-negozjaturi tal-UE. Barra minn hekk, il-ħin li ngħataw l-Ewroparlamentari għar-riflessjoni u diskussjoni kien qasir wisq. Id-diskussjonijiet interni dwar l-abbozz tad-dokument bażikament kienu fuq livell ta’ jew taċċettah jew le. It-tielet punt, Parlament li jiftaħar dwar trasparenza assoluta fl-affarijiet pubbliċi, għażel biex jirrappreżentah fin-negozjati tal-Brexit, membru li jaqla’ flus minn sorsi barra l-Parlament iżda b’attivitajiet relatati miegħu. Ma nistax naċċettaha din; jista’ jinqala’ kunflitt ta’ interess.” qal Alfred Sant.
Ir-riżoluzzjoni kienet approvata b’516 vot favur, 133 kontra u 50 astensjoni.
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