A request by Nationalist MP Jeffrey Pullicino Orlando for the party's executive to expel Richard Cachia Caruana has been included with the correspondence for the executive's next meeting on July 12.

Dr Pullicino Orlando last week voted with the Opposition in a motion which led to Mr Cachia Caruana's resignation from ambassador to the EU. His action was subsequently condemned by the PN Executive.

In a letter to the Executive this morning, Dr Pullicino Orlando wrote:

"I would like the Executive Committee of our party to consider the expulsion of Mr. Richard Cachia Caruana from the PN, for the following reasons:

1.       Colluding with high ranking members of the Labour administration led by Dr. Alfred Sant between 1996 and 1998 in an attempt to further his personal interests whilst putting his colleagues in the Nationalist administration led by Dr. Eddie Fenech Adami between 1987 and 1996 in a bad light.

2.       Colluding with high ranking officials representing foreign states in a clear attempt at bypassing the Nationalist Party parliamentary group and the Maltese Parliament.

3.       Fomenting the unrest which has led to the difficulties being faced by our leader, Dr Lawrence Gonzi, both within our party and in Parliament.

Since you will appreciate that this is a matter of great importance to the party I suggest that it is placed as an item on the agenda of the forthcoming meeting of the Executive Committee. I will be in a position to amplify on this issue during this meeting, during which I plan on presenting irrefutable evidence to support the abovementioned three points.

I will also be amplifying on these three points during an interview I am scheduled to give to ‘The Times’ later on in the day.

You will also appreciate that since this is obviously a matter of national importance I will also be sending a copy of this letter to all the press."

In a reply, the PN acknowledged receipt of Dr Pullicino Orlando's letter and said and Dr Pullicino Orlando's e-mail was being included with the correspondence for the executive's next meeting.