Silvio Camilleri sworn in as Attorney General

Newly appointed attorney general Silvio Camilleri's main priority is the organisation of the AG's office into an agency.

Last week the House of Representatives agreed on the creation of a unified government agency for the office. The new set-up replaces a 2002 law that created two agencies, one for the attorney general and another for the prosecutor general.

Contacted by The Times yesterday, soon after he was sworn in, Dr Camilleri, 51, explained that a law being discussed in parliament laid down that the AG's office should operate as an agency.

"We need to address the new organisation and distribution of work, particularly to deal with the exigencies of European Union membership," he said.

Dr Camilleri explained that EU membership would have an impact on Maltese law, since EU regulations needed to be implemented.

Asked how he felt about his new role, Dr Camilleri said he appreciated it, and was very satisfied that there was agreement between the government and the opposition on his appointment.

"I appreciated the trust both sides expressed in me. It is satisfying, and also helpful, to know that there was agreement," he said.

The attorney general said his new job was not an easy one, because decisions taken were not always received well by everybody. He said he looked at the post with "humility" since his predecessors were all great people.

He added: "I am slightly daunted by it."

Dr Camilleri previously held the office of deputy attorney general.

The post of AG was previously occupied by Anthony Borg Barthet who is now a judge of the EU Court of Justice.