Foreign Minister George Vella said today that he could not disclose whether the government would be backing Israel during the UN Security Council elections in 2018.

Last month during a meeting with an Israel delegation, Civil Liberties Minister Helena Dalli wished Israel well for the upcoming elections.

This morning Dr Vella was asked whether there was a policy shift since Malta has always supported the Palestinian cause.

Dr Vella said he was not present for the meeting when Dr Dalli wished that Israel and Malta would be successful in the elections and contribute to the council’s objectives, especially Mediterranean issues.

However Malta's support for the Palestinian cause remained strong.

Malta’s bid to obtain a seat on the UN Security Council in 2022 was also on the Maltese government’s agenda when Prime Minister Joseph Muscat visited Israel in October .

Dr Vella told the newspaper that while Malta still supported the Palestinian cause, the country also had an excellent relationship with Israel.

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