Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi today promised to forgive interest-free loans amounting to €400,000 which were granted to the Muslim school in Paola in 2011 and 2012.

He said his Government had also allocated a subsidy of €300,000 in this year's Budget which would also be honoured if he were to be re-elected.

"Your school is our school and your children are our children," he said after a visit to the school in Kordin where he was shown around by Imam Mohammed el Sadi and head Maria Camilleri, a former Labour MEP candidate.

Dr Gonzi also said he would support the Libyan government's plans to upgrade the Ta' Giorni school into a higher education institution.

Meanwhile, the Imam called on the Government to issue a directive to prevent discrimination against Muslim women who want to wear the hijab at work or in schools. He also asked for more multi-faith places of worship, the permission to slaughter animals according to Muslim tradition and for help with the planning authority on expansion projects and the regularisation of other mosques.

He thanked Dr Gonzi for helping the Libyan community during the crisis and wished him more success.

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