Former Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi this evening categorically denied that he ever had any meetings with businessman George Farrugia on any matter and said that those who were alleging to the contrary were lying blatantly.
He was referring to testimony given in court this morning by MediaToday managing editor Saviour Balzan.
Testifying in a libel case filed against him by former minister Austin Gatt, Mr Balzan presented seven documents in court which he said confirmed that businessman George Farrugia had met with former minister Austin Gatt and Dr Gonzi.
But Dr Gonzi insisted this evening that the only time he socially met Mr Farrugia was during an open day at the Aviation Park in Safi when, as Prime Minister, he was photographed meeting the hundreds of visitors at the park.
He said that on October 19, 2009, Horizon Terminals had made a presentation at Castille on a proposal for the development of a terminal in Benghazi including a breakwater, during which the firm was represented by Beppe Hili and Mr Farrugia. Nothing had come out of the proposal.
Mr Balzan told the court this morning that the documents included an e-mail which confirmed that Mr Farrugia not only knew Dr Gatt but also his opinion about third persons.
In another e-mail, Mr Farrugia informed a bidder that Powerplan was the favourite. Powerplan had eventually won that tender, Mr Balzan said adding that another e-mail confirmed that Mr Farrugia knew the Prime Minister and Dr Gatt as there were a number of exchanges about meetings with them through Leonard Callus, who used to work at the Office of the Prime Minister at the time.
In another document, Mr Farrugia said to Mr Callus that the company Horizon was inviting the Prime Minister and AG to Dubai and possibly for a dinner.
Mr Balzan also presented a chat log between Mr Farrugia and Nicholas Vernerey from Gasoil, where they were speaking about a contract and Mr Vernerey asked Mr Farrugia if he had an ‘inside guy’. Mr Farrugia had answered that he did.
Another email received by Mr Farrugia made it evident that Mr Vernerey was present for a meeting with a number of people from Enemalta, including then chairman Alex Tranter.
He said that meetings used to take place between politicians, the management of Enemalta and the companies tendering without any form of protocol and while he was not making any allegations, these things appeared to happen regularly.
In a statement, the Labour Party said new facts in this biggest political scandal were continuing to be uncovered. The e-mails presented in court today confirmed that Dr Gonzi and Dr Gatt used to meet Mr Farrugia even though they denied knowing him during the electoral campaign.
The PL said that as PN leader, Simon Busuttil should shoulder responsibility. The people had a right to know what happened to public funds paid from their taxes, it said.
Referring to the PL's statement, Dr Gonzi said he had authorised procedures for a presidential pardon to be given to Mr Farrugia to say the whole truth about the case and give evidence in court for the truth to come out.