So the people may be heard

Former President of Malta Guido De Marco, who is now chairman of the Commonwealth Foundation, talks to Steve Mallia of The Times. Professor De Marco says that civil society's voice "is sometimes not heard at all or is heard as a murmur". From today's Times:

That is not to say he finds all aspects of civil society attractive. In a direct reference to the scenario in Malta, Prof. de Marco expressed concern that at times civil society reflected people whose unpreparedness led them unwisely to pontificate on issues. He also warned the Maltese to avoid provincialism, which was so obvious in debates on topics like the Eurovision Song Contest.

But there is no doubt in his mind that civil society can express itself. "If you look at the recent referendums on the EU Constitution in France and Holland, you notice that while representative society - parliaments, governments - were speaking with one voice, civil society was speaking with another. I think both have to be taken into account and this is what makes the Commonwealth Foundation relevant in its quest to give a voice to civil society."

Prof. de Marco does not accept the idea that the Commonwealth itself is a remnant of an empire dying a slow death and stresses the importance the need for it to provide a bond of friendship, common ideas and ideals. "The Commonwealth is a positive force. Its strength lies in the fact that it has few rules but they are felt."..

While he urges a cautious approach to avoid being over-run by illegal immigrants, he says an inhuman approach towards them is not acceptable...It is a question of striking the right balance and seeking the right balance is easier said than done. "Whatever is done should be done within the framework of the EU and our Mediterranean belongingness. These illegal immigrants have lost their sense of state and people have lost their sense of future. It is here where we have to galvanise public opinion. If we manage to do this, something may be done. As things stand today, there is a lot of talk from the international community but few tangible facts."...

Miriam Dunn interviews President Guido de Marco - Malta Today 2001

The Road to Europe - MaltaMedia special feature - President Guido Demarco addresses a press conference at the Presidential Palace in Valletta after signing the 2003 Act to provide for Malta's Accession to the EU - Audio webcast