Malta's leaders had one common message of peace yesterday and they called on the public to embrace the values of solidarity during this Christmas season.

Prime Minister Eddie Fenech Adami also recalled the values of former prime minister Nerik Mizzi, since yesterday coincided with the 53rd anniversary of his death.

"He was a man of high moral standing and ethics. When he was on his deathbed he asked for forgiveness from those he felt he may have offended and also forgave all - these are the values we should recall," he said.

"I think this is also a time when all of us, including myself, should stop for a little while and look within ourselves - examine our failings and face the future ahead with determination and compassion," he added.

Dr Fenech Adami and his wife Mary joined President Guido de Marco and his wife Violet; Archbishop Joseph Mercieca and Opposition leader Alfred Sant in Freedom Square, Valletta, to deliver the Christmas and New Year greetings as part of the Milied Flimkien campaign.

Also present for the ceremony, presented by Anna Bonanno and Joe Dimech, were a number of ambassadors resident in Malta who gathered to hear the greetings.

A choir of young children, led by Ray Mangion, added to the atmosphere singing traditional Christmas carols.

For the first time this year the Scouts of Malta, represented by the Stella Maris Scout Group, presented the leaders with a candle symbolising the light of peace and friendship.

The 'peace-light' originated from the eternal flame near the spot where Jesus reputedly was born in Bethlehem and it has travelled across the globe.

The Stella Maris Scouts received the 'peace-light' from the Scout federation of Italy after it was presented to Pope John Paul II last week.

Peace was also the theme of Professor de Marco's message. He recalled the Christmas he celebrated in Bethlehem before ushering in the new millennium.

"It was an unforgettable moment of peace. Christmas is not just any other day and it manifests a sense of solidarity, which we always have to embrace throughout the year," he said.

Dr Sant said that while Christmas was a time to spend with family and our loved ones, it was important to remember those less fortunate, be they the unemployed, the elderly, prisoners or those who were battling in the war in Iraq.

Mgr Mercieca spoke of the importance of peace, a fundamental value that was crucial to any relationship between individuals and societies.

"We have to work for peace all year round and the first school where we can learn this treasured value is within the family," he said.

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