Minister Manuel Mallia has said that the explanation he gave on the "eavesdropping" case "satisfied" the opposition and the case is now closed.

The following is the text of a letter The Malta Independent received from the Department of Information as a right of reply. The text is being reproduced as received.

Reference is made to the article entitled Manuel Mallia caught ‘eavesdropping’ outside the Opposition’s Parliament office’, published on Thursday 30th January, 2014.

The Honorable Minister has already given his formal explanation about the alleged fact to the Speaker of the House of Representatives who has informed the Honorable Opposition Whip that after hearing my version, the case is closed.

The Honorable Minister has also spoken to the Honorable David Agius, Opposition whip, who has also confirmed that the Opposition was satisfied with my explanation.

The Honorable Minister wishes to point out that the allegations contained in your article are totaly absurd and wishes to inform you that the Minister finds no time to eavesdrop anyone.

The editor of your newspaper would have done justice to his readers, if he would have explained that the photo he inserted was taken at an Armed Forces of Malta event and that the Minister was looking through high-tech night vision equipment, which equipment was presented to the AFM. Otherwise your readers, would have been deceived into believing the title of the Article.

One should also add that it is lack of professionalism not to seek the other side of the story to make sure that the news is fair. The Ministry notices that your newspaper asked to obtain the Minister’s version, only after the publication of the article.

Ramona Attard

Communications Coordinator

Ministeru tal-Intern u s-Sigurta’ Nazzjonali

The report the letter refers to is in link below:

http://www.independent.com.mt/articles/2014-01-30/news/manuel-mallia-caught-eavesdropping-outside-pn-parliament-office-3819175937/