Ramallah, Tel Aviv diplomatic offices 'on hold'

Plans for Malta to open diplomatic offices in Ramallah and Tel Aviv have been put on hold because of the situation which followed the election of Hamas to form part of the Palestinian government, Foreign Minister Michael Frendo said in Parliament yesterday. He said that Malta, like the rest of the EU, had no contacts with Hamas and was of the view that it should recognise Israel, renounce violence and acknowledge existing international agreements.

Replying to questions by Labour MP Leo Brincat on Malta's representation abroad, the minister said that following the closure of Malta's embassies in Hungary and Sweden, a location had been identified for the opening of an embassy in Lisbon. The opening of a High Commission in New Delhi was planned for the second half of this year.

The foreign ministry was also strengthening Malta's representation in Tripoli and Tunis.