Front Harsien ODZ has called on the Nationalist Party to be clear and to have binding commitments regarding development in outside development zones.
Referring to a statement by Opposition leader Simon Busuttil that his party would be defining exceptions to the proposed ban on ODZ development, the Front called on the party to come up with clear and binding policies regulating ODZ development to which it would be held accountable if elected in government.
"We also expect the party to present these policies in a reasonable time-frame and not on the eve of the general election, to ensure a healthy debate with civil society," it said.
Front Harsien ODZ reiterated its position against ODZ development beyond the upkeep of the national infrastructure and real agricultural needs.
"Current policies like the SPED are full of generic and vague exceptions for ODZ development while other policies like the rural policy approved in 2014 include many loopholes which facilitate objectionable ODZ developments," it said.
It called on the PN to explain how its policies regulating ODZ development would be binding, especially in cases where these would conflict with other national policies already in place.
"Front Harsien ODZ expects all political parties to be clear, honest and coherent in their policies, and we will be holding each party accountable on this in the run-up to the general election. ODZ policy and rhetoric should not be used to justify ODZ development, but to protect ODZ land for present and future generations," the Front said.
'EVERYONE WILL KNOW WHERE PN STANDS WELL BEFORE ELECTION'
In a reply, the Nationalist Party said Dr Busuttil had always been clear - that there should be no more development on ODZ except for exceptional cases such as in the case of agriculture, and such cases should be made known to all in a clear and transparent manner.
It said it was currently in the process of updating its environmental policy, which process would lead to the identification of such exceptions.
The PN said it would not promise a road map that would never arrive but it would be clear and transparent so that everyone would know where they stood with the PN from well before the election.
The party said it welcomed proposals from the Front and all those that wanted to be part of its consultation process.