The Christmas message of peace among humankind is never-ending and one that is yet to come into effect, President Edward Fenech Adami said in his greeting to Maltese and Gozitans living abroad.

Dr Fenech Adami asked why peace is lacking in a number of countries, including Palestine, particularly at this time of year, but expressed hope and courage that the message of peace is one that lasts forever.

He mentioned certain problems like bioethics and certain marital problems that may threaten traditional values and said the world must deal with such issues in a manner that ensures that “we keep our values”.

In a separate message, Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi said Maltese and Gozitan emigrants “are very dear to us and we thank them for their contribution to the Maltese society”.

He expressed pride in the fact that generation after generation, Maltese migrants have kept their particular Maltese character, and this has proven to be very useful to unite all the Maltese, “even if we are separated by a certain distance” and by means of this unity, Maltese migrants have managed to show that Malta is as strong a nation as any other.