Former EU Commissioner John Dalli said today he returned to Malta on April 6 when John Rizzo was still Police Commissioner and not ‘on the same day’ that the new Commissioner was installed, as claimed by PN leader Simon Busuttil yesterday.

“It is uncertain whether this false statement by Busuttil is due to superficiality or malice,” he said in a statement this afternoon.

Mr Dalli said that when his medical certificate expired, the police were informed through his lawyer that he would be back in Malta within a few days.

“I did not come in stealth.”

Yesterday, Dr Busuttil called for the resignation of Dr Zammit and for the Prime Minister to shoulder his responsibility following the testimony given  in Court by Mr Rizzo in relation to the bribery case involving Mr Dalli.

Furthermore, when the new Commissioner sent for him on May 21 to interrogate him, Inspector Angelo Gafà was present during the whole interview.

“This fact once again contradicts what was said by Busuttil.”

Mr Dalli said that during Mr Rizzo’s evidence in court as reported in the media, it was purported that he had enormous pressure from the media and Parliament.

“The Parliament issue needs explaining. As far as I know Parliament never discussed this case. Also Parliament did not meet between December 15 and April 6. How was Parliament exerting pressure on Rizzo? Does this sworn evidence establish political pressure on the police as was reported in the local media as far back as December 16,” Mr Dalli asked.