Labour MP Owen Bonnici has complained that he was banned from speaking in Maltese at a meeting of the joint committee of the European Parliament and the Maltese Parliament.

The meeting was, ironically, discussing the importance which European languages have in the promotion of European cultures.

Dr Bonnici pointed out in a statement that Maltese had been recognised as an official language of the EU. He delivered his speech in English. There were no interpreters at the meeting, which was held in Brussels.

Those present included EU Languages Commissioner Leonard Orbam.

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