Speaker urges conclusion of report on Standing Orders

Sette Giugno was celebrated yesterday with a wreath-laying ceremony on Palace Square, Valletta, and the presentation of medals by President Guido de Marco, introduced seven years ago to mark the 75th anniversary of self-government.

Sette Giugno marks the four Maltese victims of the bread riots of June 7, 1919, a commotion which led to the granting by the British Government of Malta's first self-government Constitution in 1921.

In his speech on Palace Square, the Speaker, Anton Tabone, called for unity and respect between Members of Parliament at all times. A serene environment in Parliament was a necessity for its members to be able to discuss and make their contributions, he said.

It was his belief that the current legislature could lead to "a climate in Parliament that would allow for a better performance, with the required understanding and co-operation".

Referring to the report by former President Ugo Mifsud Bonnici on the revision and updating of the standing orders of the House of Representatives, he said it was time for Government and the Opposition to give their comments, reactions and proposals to reach a conclusion that would lead to an improvement in parliamentary work.

Mr Tabone spoke of the significance of the signing of Malta's EU accession treaty in Athens in April, saying it presented a new reality, offering new challenges and opportunities.

The commemoration ceremony should instigate "an examination of the past to create a better future", he continued.

The Sette Giugno events should be kept alive in the face of new realities, Mr Tabone said, adding that from 1919 to date, the road has been long and arduous.

Wreaths were laid by Prime Minister Eddie Fenech Adami and MLP deputy leader Charles Mangion in the absence of Opposition Leader Alfred Sant, Valletta Mayor Paul Borg Olivier on behalf of the city council, the Nationalist and Labour parties and the unions. Helen Zammit, a descendant of Carmelo Abela, one of the Sette Giugno victims, also laid a bouquet at the foot of the 7 ta' Gunju 1919 monument.

Inside the Palace, medals were presented to nine former Members of Parliament - Michael Refalo, John Vella, Michael Bonnici, Manuel Borda, Joseph Psaila Savona, Louis Buhagiar, Joe Cilia, George Hyzler and Carmel Borg (in absentia).

The medals were first issued in 1996 to mark the 75th anniversary of self-government on November 1, 1921.

In his address, President de Marco said the medals recognised the merits of the MPs and raised awareness of their work. He expressed the country's gratitude towards them and said the medals were a symbol of that gratitude.

A total of 133 persons are entitled to receive the medal since 1996, of whom 88 have already received it.