Reply to Euro Socialists 'probably next week'

The Malta Labour Party is yet to take a position on the letter sent by the Party of European Socialists last Monday, asking it to clarify its status regarding its connections with Eurosceptics.

PES spokesman Tony Robinson said the PES had written to the MLP on Monday. The letter was sent to Alfred Sant.

Contacted yesterday, MLP secretary general Jimmy Magro said the party would be taking a position "probably next week".

"We have the deputy leaders' election to sort out first. Then we will take it from there," he said.

The PES is also seeking to clarify the MLP's status within its fold. The MLP is a member of the PES but has only observer status, the lowest rank of status, and has never sought closer links.

The PES has appointed vice-president Jan Marinus Wiersma to head talks with Dr Sant.