Pullicino Orlando says his actions on Mistra no different from other MEPA applications

Nationalist MP Jeffrey Pullicino Orlando insisted in court today that the way he acted with regard to the Mistra development application before MEPA was the same as with any other application where MPs were asked to help constituents.

Dr Pullicino Orlando was giving evidence in the case instituted against Philip Azzopardi, 57, and Anthony Mifsud, 50, respectively former chairman and a member of the Development Control Commission, who are alleged to have had private interests in the adjudication process of an application for a disco in Mistra.

Dr Pullicino Orlando confirmed that he owned land in Mistra which he had rented out to Dominic Micallef . An application was made to MEPA for the development of an outdoor entertainment area. Mr Micallef had explained to him that the project involved more landscaping than actual paving.

The Nationalist MP said that like every Member of Parliament did, he contacted the MEPA liaison officer, Lawrence Vassallo, whenever he needed to speak to him about any development applications. His constituents would go to him, like Dominic Micallef did, to see what progress had been made in their application.

On some occasions, such as the Mista development, Dr Pullicino Orlando said, Mr Vassallo felt the need to discuss particular points and called meetings for this purpose.

The architect of the project, Paul Camilleri, had the most input during the meetings, They were very normal meetings, held after appointment. They were held in Mr Vassallo's office and there was nothing to hide. Indeed, Dr Pullicino Orlando said, before the meetings, he would wait outside the office with other members of the public and other MPs from both sides.

When asked how many meetings had been held, Dr Pullicino Orlando said that, speaking from memory there were three meetings spread over a number of months.

When asked if had had put any pressure to speed up the proceedings, Dr Pullicino Orlando said 'absolutely not.'

Dr Pullicino orlando said he never had any direct input in the application by the Malta Tourism Authority to embellish the bay.

Dr Pullicino Orlando said he never promised or offered anything to the accused. The accused had no private interest in the application.