The government has again denied the existence of a “secret deal” with Italy and criticized Opposition Leader Simon Busuttil for repeating an “invention” by an Italian newspaper.

Dr Busuttil yesterday insisted that it would be a “national betrayal” if Malta is allowing Italy to drill in Malta's sovereign waters.

Italian newspaper Il Giornale claimed earlier this week that Italy had agreed to take all of Malta’s migrants in exchange for oil exploration rights. The claim followed the confirmation, and later denial, by Home Affairs Minister Carmelo Abela that Malta and Italy had an informal agreement for the latter to take all migrants rescued at sea.

In a statement this morning the government said that Dr Busuttil was belittling his role and devaluing serious politics by repeating an allegation that had already been denied by the government.

“Unfortunately, in the same way he had spoken against our country to foreign news agencies, Simon Busuttil has now chosen to take the invention of a foreign newspaper on board.”

The government insisted it was following international law and that there was full collaboration with neighbouring countries, including Italy. However there was no agreement on migration or oil exploration.

'Denial insufficient'

In a statement, AD Deputy Chairperson Carmel Cacopardo stated that it is fine for Government to issue a denial but at this stage this is insufficient. The denial ion its own will not solve anything. It is pretty obvious that there exists some agreement on the matter, even if this is own which is only based on the traditional friendship between Malta and Italy.

It woukd have been much better if in addition to the denial Government published all the documentation which it has in its possession about what was actually agreed to with the Italian Government.

Alternattiva Demokratika, concluded Carmel Cacopardo makes one request of Malta’s Government: “put all your cards on the table, immediately. Be transparent.”