AD’s spokesman for the environment Mark Causon added: “Our persistent pressure, both locally and within the European Parliament, has been rewarded. Arnold Cassola’s role has been vital in raising this issue in the European Parliament.

“Through our contacts in the European Greens, we have raised this issue with the European commission a number of times. The government’s decision to reconsider the siting of the temporary landfill shows that when civil society presents a united front, concrete results can be achieved.

“It also shows that through EU membership the Maltese government can be made accountable to EU institutions. Through the presence of AD and the European Greens in European institutions, the Maltese government will be even more accountable.

“It is incomprehensible that, due to the government’s past inertia in meeting EU deadlines, our historical heritage is being put at risk. AD will remain vigilant until the government completely abandons the idea of a landfill near a world heritage site.

“The government should now concentrate on establishing an efficient waste separation strategy. Without proper waste separation, the whole idea of an engineered landfill will not work. AD is willing to participate in the formulation of this strategy”, Mr Causon said.