Parliament yesterday agreed that a discussion on John Dalli’s resignation from the European Commission should be held “at a more appropriate time”.

The decision was prompted by a request for an urgent debate from Nationalist MP Franco Debono, who agreed with the Prime Minister’s suggestion to hold the debate later.

Lawrence Gonzi said this issue was worrying for Maltese people and the country. But this was a delicate matter for everyone.

OLAF, the EU anti-fraud office, had submitted its report to the Attorney General who needed to reach his conclusions. He did not know what the report said but the House should not be seen as influencing the process.

Dr Debono said he agreed with the Prime Minister’s argument but it should be a concern that Dr Gonzi did not know the contents of the OLAF report. The way matters were unfolding was humiliating for Mr Dalli, a Maltese national, and his rights as well as Malta’s reputation needed to be safeguarded.

Half a truth was often worse than a lie and the EU spokesman himself had said there was no evidence of any illegality committed by Mr Dalli, Dr Debono said.

In making his request, Dr Debono said Mr Dalli had been made to resign without seeing the OLAF report and without being able to defend himself.

The whole world was speaking about the resignation. An Irish MEP had expressed her concern and the Greens were calling for transparency.

Opposition deputy leader Anġlu Farrugia said he agreed that the debate should be held once the Attorney General had taken his decision.