The Labour Party said today that the government reaction to the risk that Valletta would lose its Unesco World Heritage Site status was poor and unacceptable.
The government had failed to explain how Malta had reached this stage when it was supposed to be basing its actions on sustainable development and protection of the nation's heritage. The situation was compounded by the fact that the government had been warned that Malta could be brought to this situation.
Labour spokesman Owen Bonnici asked what the government had done in the past two years to address the matter and what documentation it would now send Unesco.
Yesterday, the government said it would be studying and analysing Unesco’s communication on the World Heritage status of Valletta.
In a statement, the government said this analysis would include the recommendations made by Unesco.
“All statements made by Unesco regarding Valletta are given due consideration and importance, as government is committed to preserve the status of Valletta as a World Heritage Site.
“The relevant authorities, including Heritage Malta, the Superintendence of Cultural Heritage and Mepa will be working together to reply and prepare the necessary briefs by February 2010,” it said.
See also:
http://www.timesofmalta.com/articles/view/20090811/local/concerns-on-heritage-status-of-valletta
http://www.timesofmalta.com/articles/view/20090812/local/government-criticised-for-ignoring-its-obligations