Labour leader Joseph Muscat this afternoon met representatives of the Syrian community in Malta and augured that the situation in their country would return to normal as soon as possible.

The representatives were accompanied by a delegation from the GWU and the Libyan community.

Dr Muscat congratulated the members of the Libyan community who recently joined the union and said this was a fine example of integration. It was important that the rights of such workers were safeguarded since they were workers who paid their taxes and observed the law in Malta.

Dr Muscat said Labour was backing a fund raising campaign that the GWU would hold for the Syrian community and he asked the Maltese to be generous.

Dr George Vella, opposition spokesman for foreign affairs, reiterated Labour condemnation of the actions of Syrian President Assad. He also condemned the UN veto by Russia and China, who blocked a resolution against Syria. Such actions, he said, encouraged Assad to continue his actions against the civilian population.