Dom Mintoff's family has accepted a government offer of a state funeral for former Prime Minister Dom Mintoff, who died earlier today, aged 96.

The government said Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi had expressed his condolences to the family and saluted the memory of Mr Mintoff.

In a statement, Dr Gonzi was quoted as saying that Mr Mintoff was a leading personality in Maltese public life from the end of the Second World War right up to the end of the twentieth century. His work had profoundly marked recent political, economic and social history. His commitment and determination led to major developments which marked Malta and Gozo.

Funeral details are expected to be announced in the coming hours.

The Nationalist Party also expressed its condolences.

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