Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi yesterday described the incidents which took place during the FKNK protest in Valletta as being unacceptable under any circumstances.

Dr Gonzi was speaking from Brussels where he is attending an EU summit. He said that the government’s position was to stick to what had been agreed with the European Union – no more and no less. He said that no matter what threats were made, the government would not change its position.

He also said that he hoped the ORNIS Committee would issue its position on spring trapping of songbird and of hunting at sea. Dr Gonzi said that the government would in turn take its decisions on the issue as soon as it received the advice from its technical committee, ORNIS.

This decision, he said, would be in line with EU regulations. He issued a clear warning: “If anyone thinks that they can take to the streets of Valletta, threaten people and assault journalists who are merely carrying out their duty, thinking that they can change the government’s position – they are wrong. The government is determined to stick to what was approved by the people of Malta in the EU referendum.”