Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi said this morning that MPs Franco Debono, Jeffrey Pullicino Orlando and Jesmond Mugliett could have attended yesterday's meeting of the PN executive and stated their case.

He was speaking in reaction to statements made this morning by the MPs after the Executive yesterday condemned them for the way they voted on the motions against Carm Mifsud Bonnici and Richard Cachia Caruana. (see http://www.timesofmalta.com/articles/view/20120621/local/jpo-accuses-pn-of-apartheid.425226

Dr Gonzi said the PN was a democratic party and notice had been given of the meeting, but the MPs opted not to attend.

He recalled that he had said that the MPs who voted against the party whip would face political consequences.

Asked if they would be expelled from the Party, Dr Gonzi said that was up to the party to decide.

Meanwhile, Dr Debono this morning said the discussion and condemnation were not on the agenda of yesterday's meeting of the executive, and he could not attend because he was speaking in Parliament.

He said he would write to the Executive to contest its decision.

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