AD’s environment spokesman Mark Causon said: “We welcome the fact that the government is refraining from persisting in error. On the other hand, we are still concerned by Minister George Pullicino’s declaration that there is no guarantee that sites in Qrendi and near Mnajdra will not be used.

“Following this policy reversal, we hope we can look forward to a time of prior consultation with all those involved in order to avoid tensions in a crucial area such as waste treatment.

“AD is grateful to all the people and organisations who have opposed the misguided Mnajdra proposal and also to the government for not persisting in error.

“We are also satisfied that the various initiatives of Arnold Cassola and the European Greens in the European Parliament have borne fruit and are sure that international pressure was an important factor which led to the government’s decision”.