I refer to recent articles regarding a pending application with Mepa for the granting of development permits in Siġġiewi.

My clients, Rodrick Farrugia and Bertu Pace, would like to make the following clarifications since the contents of the said articles are untruthful, to say the least.

Pace did, in the last days, ask to be suspended pending the outcome of the procedure before the competent authorities. He was not suspended due to any police involvement, as stated, or at anyone’s request.

The procedure for the granting of the relevant permits by Mepa were conducted in the most regular manner possible. It is completely untrue that the permits were obtained because of any false documentation, as is being alleged.

The declaration made by Stephen Galea portrayed the truth about the farm in question and his version is collaborated by numerous individuals who are familiar with the immediate area.

The allegation in the articles that forgery was committed is malicious and my clients reserve every right at law to institute proceedings for defamation at a later stage. The only allegation made in good faith was that the document signed by Galea was not necessarily issued by the head of the relevant department.

My clients were given necessary explanations as to why the declaration in question was made in this manner.

My clients will contest the special proceedings taken by Mepa after the articles were published and this both at law and also on the merits of this issue.

My clients are not in a position to decide whether or not the report compiled by the relevant department is made public or not.

A considerable number of individuals familiar with the area have come forward and approached my clients, confirming that the area was in fact used as a farm as was declared by Galea from the department. These individuals have confirmed that they will make themselves available if need be.

Finally, regretfully, my clients believe that the articles which have been published in the Times of Malta were the result of a spiteful agenda, declaring untruthful events, simply because Pace was a Labour Party MP in the past and, consequently, any revelations, even malicious ones, which might potentially tarnish the present administration unfortunately sell fast in certain quarters.

Editorial note: This newspaper reported Pace’s suspension as police investigations continue. Also, there must have been a reason why Mepa initiated procedures for the revocation of the permit.

The reports in question were based on the conclusions of an investigation as yet unpublished despite a freedom of information request and the right to know granted by the Aarhus Convention.

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