European language agency welcomed

Alternattiva Demokratika's spokesman on EU affairs, Arnold Cassola, welcomed measures in favour of the recognition of minority and lesser used languages in the European Union and reaffirmed AD's commitment for the recognition of the Maltese language in the structures of the EU.

Prof. Cassola said the setting up of a "European agency for linguistic diversity and language learning" was a positive step since lesser used languages and minority languages were great symbols of Europe's diversity and its rich cultural heritage.

AD also welcomed the Cabinet's approval of a memorandum, through which the stigma of being described as an "illegitimate child" would be removed and called for full legal recognition of the rights and duties of cohabiting couples.

AD's spokesman on civil rights, James Debono, said AD reaffirmed its electoral proposal through which the state should recognise different forms of families in order to ensure full social inclusion.

He also noted that the Nationalist Party has not yet fully honoured its pre-1998 electoral promise to recognise cohabiting partners.