The signing of a memorandum of understanding with Alitalia and the Etihad Partners marks an important day, both for Malta and Airmalta, Prime Minister Joseph Muscat said yesterday evening.

The first steps have been taken, however this is just the start – long and difficult negotiations lay ahead, he added.

Dr Muscat’s comments were made during a roundtable conference organised by the Youth section of the Labour Party, right outside the Office of the Prime Minister at Castille.

He said that AirMalta will remain in the hands of the Maltese, and so with the majority of shares it will remain in the hands of the Maltese Government.

“We need this company to be a game-changer, because we inherited a difficult situation. We need to ensure that whatever happens next, the workers will remain protected while the national airline remains Maltese, and also has access to new and upcoming markets.”

“If negotiations go well, and the government is pleased with the deal being presented, Malta will snap up the opportunity – but if not, this door will close. Today the government gave a clear signal that it is willing to take decisions on difficult issues, and encouraged all workers and stakeholders that a solution is in sight.”

Turning to issues of civil liberties and integration, Dr Muscat said that this generational challenge which is so evident in other countries cannot be repeated in Malta. He spoke of the situation were minorities growing up in certain countries who never integrate fully – due to a number of reasons – and end up causing acts of terror themselves.

“We need to understand and tolerate everybody, without building ramparts around us or accepting absolutely everything that comes our way,” he said.

Dr Muscat also spoke about the progress with regard to persons with disabilities in the workplace, especially thanks to the law which speaks of a 2% minimum quota. Turning to the Gozo tunnel which would link the sister islands, the Prime Minister said he is in favour of this. He added however that geological studies need to be carried out in order for tenders to be released – and said that in the meantime alternatives need to be contemplated, such as a “fast ferry service.”

He acknowledged that with regard to the American Institute of Malta being built on an Outside Development Zone (ODZ) in Zonqor, the government could have handled the situation better.