Police 'will issue' permit for GWU protest

The General Workers' Union will be obtaining the necessary authorisation to hold a mass protest in Valletta on Thursday despite security fears that Queen Elizabeth II would be hosting a reception close by.

A spokesman for the Home Affairs Ministry confirmed that the Commissioner of Police would be granting the permit for the manifestation in the coming days, possibly with time restrictions and designated areas, to ensure public order and security.

"The Ministry of Justice agrees with this," the spokesman said.

The GWU, he said, had initially applied for a week of protests, but ultimately decided to hold one event.

Announcing the protest on Thursday, GWU general secretary Tony Zarb said his union wanted to show to foreigners present for the Commonwealth meetings the hardships the Maltese workers were going through.

The decision was made following a meeting of the GWU national council, and days after the union's central administration held an unfruitful meeting with Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi in connection with the fuel surcharge compensation.

The protest was announced hours after the government gave details of the Queen's state visit. Her Majesty is scheduled to host a reception for 300 guests, including President Eddie Fenech Adami, at the Le Meridien Phoenicia, in Floriana on Thursday at 7 p.m.

Contacted yesterday, British High Commissioner Vincent Fean would not comment on the matter, saying it was standard practice not to speak on security matters.

The chairman of the organisation committee for the Queen's visit, Edgar Galea Curmi, said the programme would remain unchanged. "It is the responsibility of the Police Commissioner to ensure there are no disruptions," he said.

The police and the armed forces are expected to be stretched to the limit next week as an unprecedented series of international meetings are hosted in Malta in connection with the Commonwealth summit.