Sant's no comment on minister's letter

Tourism Minister Francis Zammit Dimech on Thursday published a letter he had sent to Labour leader Alfred Sant informing him about the possibility of having part of the September 8 ceremonies take place in Vittoriosa instead of Valletta, however, when contacted by The Times, Dr Sant said he had nothing to add to what he already said about the matter.

While stating that he agreed with the idea, Dr Sant had said on Wednesday he was not consulted on the matter. Dr Zammit Dimech denied this immediately. On Thursday, however, he published a copy of the letter he had sent to Dr Sant in June.

Dr Zammit Dimech explained that he was approached by Vittoriosa mayor John Boxall, who asked him to have the ceremony which takes place on the eve of September 8 at Victory Square in Vittoriosa rather than at Great Siege Square in Valletta, where it is usually held.

The request was made for this year only, in view of the fact that the Vitorja Monument, which commemorates the Great Siege, celebrates its 300th anniversary this September.

The Prime Minister and Dr Zammit Dimech found no objection to the proposal. In fact, Dr Zammit Dimech sent Dr Sant a letter asking for his opinion, the minister said, adding that Dr Sant's secretary then relayed his approval two days after the letter was received.

"It's incredible that the Opposition Leader is trying to make something he agreed upon a controversial matter," Dr Zammit Dimech said in his statement.

Questioned about the letter, Dr Sant insisted on a "no comment", adding however that for the first time since the September 8 ceremonies have been held, the government unilaterally and without consultation decided to have a political speech by the Prime Minister.