Flimkien ghal Ambient Ahjar said today it took a conscious decision not to be present for the planning authority's public consultation discussing the LNG storage tanker in Marsaxlokk.

"FAA have quietly followed the various expert reports and concluded that, barring the need for a Maritime Impact Assessment as commented by many, this clean air technology should be allowed to proceed. This technology will help mitigate many of the health concerns of local residents."

During these last two weeks Malta witnessed an issue of national importance reduced to political posturing and MEP election fever to the detriment of the people's voices.

"The politically partisan behaviour so typical of this country, does not contribute to clear analysis and discussion," it said.

It added that when considering the many voices arguing against this issue it was a shock to realise that FAA were the only registered official objectors.

"Had the Prime Minister not taken the prerogative of not allowing any appeals there would have been no objectors to do so. As stated FAA is in favour of this technology even more so when the local community, through their elected representatives decided in favour of this clean technology."

FAA said it registered its objection on the possible archaeological sensitivity of the site, in the knowledge that even important discoveries would not deter the development.

"Sadly, the country is once more reminded that all developments of this magnitude are a foregone conclusion, without any hope of genuine public participation as in this case dismissed by the Prime Minister's intervention informing all that there will be no delays or appeals to slow the process," it said.