New right-wing movement set up

A new political movement and social pressure group - the Alleanza Nazzjonali Repubblikana, was announced in a statement yesterday.

The movement, which is not a political party, described itself as "the voice of the conservative and social Right". It is expected to be launched in the first months of next year.

It said it aimed to bring together "genuine Nationalists and Catholic conservatives united in their action for the defence of our traditional Christian values, the nation and the family."

On its Website, www.anrmalta.info , the movement criticised The Times for having three articles "to remind us what a xenophobic and racist society we are. Failing to make the distinction between tourists and invaders, in lamentation it further erroneously concludes that our traditional generosity and hospitality are just a myth".

It called on the 97.3 per cent who in a Sunday Times opinion survey stated they were decidedly against illegal immigration and expected the government to join the movement.

The statement was signed by Philip M. Beattie, who is described as "national secretary, ANR".