With reference to Raphael Vassallo's article entitled Foetus Frenzy published in the edition of the Malta Independent on Sunday of June 5, 2005 the Editor and Mr. Vassallo declare that:

1) Dr. George Gregory Buttigieg who took part in the programme Xarabank which was discussing abortion clearly and strongly expressed his views in that programme in favour of the protection of the unborn child. Dr. Buttigieg has often expressed his strong views on the subject in the media.

2) During the programme Dr. Buttigieg exhibited a real foetus to illustrate the reality and horror of abortion. Furthermore Dr. Buttigieg's intervention was professional. It was not an attempt to obtain cheap publicity as was stated in the article referred to above.

The Editor and Mr. Vassallo apologize should they have in any way injured Dr. Buttigieg's feelings and reputation.