The opposition should stop the partisan games it was playing to hinder the government and act seriously and with respect towards Maltese artists, the Culture Ministry said in today.

In a statement issued in reply to a press conference held this afternoon by PL spokesman Owen Bonnici, the government said partisan politics should be kept away from the sector should be kept away from partisan politics and an effort should be made for a fair balance to be found between the freedom of artistic expression and respect to Maltese culture and society.

During the press conference, Dr Bonnici said that the government's new position on the freedom of artistic expression was positive but the result was one of convenience, rather than conviction.

He said that following the last referendum result, the PN conveniently made a 180 degree turn and was now portraying itself as the defender of free expression.

He said that two reforms had to be carried out - one to remove censorship in theatrical works, the other to the criminal procedures artists could face.

He noted that the Labour Party had not been consulted about the proposed reforms.

In a reply, the ministry said that the government had set up working group which was making a number of proposals to encourage creativity.

It said that a legislative change was required regarding censorship in theatrical works.

But these were important changes which should only be carried out following consultation and a serious debate in Parliament and not hastily, as the opposition wanted.

For they had to strengthen artistic and creative expression while reaching a fair balance with society and culture. Such balance would not be reached with unnecessary haste.