Opposition Leader Alfred Sant received physiotherapy yesterday after spending a restful night at Mater Dei Hospital, his surgeon, Anthony Zammit, said, describing Dr Sant's condition as "very satisfactory".

Dr Sant was operated upon successfully on Thursday morning. So far no details have has been given about the nature of the surgery he underwent except that its was a major operation and took three and a half hours.

The Labour Party yesterday expressed its appreciation for the wave of solidarity and support being shown to Dr Sant, his family, friends and the party.

It said Prof. Zammit would continue to issue regular information about Dr Sant's health, adding that any speculation in the media or elsewhere was unnecessary. The MLP said one should show respect towards Dr Sant and his family and also behave in an ethical and prudent manner.

Expressing solidarity with Dr Sant, Archbishop Paul Cremona and Gozo Bishop Mario Grech said they were being kept informed on his situation.

They wished him a speedy recovery, adding that the Church was demonstrating its solidarity with Dr Sant through prayer.

Other messages were from the executive secretaries and employees of local councils, the Malta Union of Bank Employees, the Malta Movement for Hunting and Environmentalists and from the Gzira local council.