British High Commissioner Louise J. Stanton has expressed her condolences at the death of former Prime Minister Dom Mintoff.

She also expressed the condolences of Rear Admiral Sir Nigel Cecil, the last Commander of the British Forces in Malta.

Ms Stanston said in her letter:

“My time in Malta has allowed me to understand just how influential a figure he was, whose legacy I imagine will continue to shape the Maltese landscape for many years to come.

“The response of the Maltese people over the past few days is, for me, the clearest indication of exactly what his contribution has meant to Malta.

“Of course there were occasional difficulties in the relationship between the UK and Malta during Mr Mintoff’s time. However, this does not change the fact that, whether from a Maltese or outside perspective, he was the defining figure of the past 60 years, who leaves a lasting and significant legacy.

“He was undoubtedly a leader who acted wholeheartedly in the pursuit of what he believed was in the best interests of Malta,” Ms Stanton said.

In his condolences, passed to Dr Abela through Ms Stanton, Sir Nigel said:

“I, the last Commander British Forces in Malta wish to pay my personal last respects to Mr Dom Mintoff, with whom I always enjoyed a good personal relationship during a politically very complicated last few years leading up to the final departure of the British Forces from Malta in 1979.

“We will always remember the good will shown to the British Forces in those days from the President, through so many of the people of Malta. All these factors made the final departure so much easier and all of us involved at the time are ever grateful.”

Sir Nigel asked Ms Stanton to represent him at the State Funeral tomorrow.

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