The Office of the President said this morning that, contrary to incorrect media reports, a meeting between the St Paul’s Bay Local Council and the resident Muslim community would be held with the sole aim of creating space for dialogue.

The OPR said incorrect reporting and speculation would only serve to create division in our communities. “Part of the Presidency’s role is to see that there is unity, not division, because Maltese families deserve to live in a serene environment within their communities.”

The Office of the President was reacting to reports that Mrs Coleiro Preca would be meeting with the St Paul’s Bay Local Council over its objections to the opening of a prayer room in Triq il-Mazzola, Bugibba.

The council, led by Mayor Graziella Galea, says its decision was taken after listening to the views of residents. The council also says the chosen site was inadequate as it would reduce public order and cause inconvenience and also contribute to the parking problem. The decision has received mixed reactions.

While some have applauded the council for taking this stand others have criticised it and compared its stance to those taken by anti-immigration groups.

One of these groups, the Moviment Patrijotti Maltin, has labelled Mrs Coleiro Preca as a “traitor” after news that she had convened a meeting broke.