Muscat to first see what ‘agreements were made’ on Armier

Labour Leader Joseph Muscat has insisted that Labour cannot give a firm commitment on the controversial Armier boathouse situation until the party is able to determine what "agreements" there were between government and MEPA and the Armier boathouse owners.

Muscat was speaking during a presentation during which he reiterated much of Labour's planning and development proposals unveiled earlier today.

Muscat fielded questions on several topics, most prominently on the Armier boathouse situation, and what would Labour's position be on situations where public land is taken for private use, and whether it would come down hard on such illegalities.

Muscat reiterated statements delivered earlier, insisting that the Armier boathouse situation is "very particular" and that Labour would first need to examine the situation before being able to deliver a commitment.

He however insisted that a "just" situation would be found that was acceptable to all involved.

Muscat also noted statements by Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi delivered today.

"Gonzi said he would be keeping his word regarding Armier," Muscat said. "I hope I am misquoting him, because this suggests to me that there might be some other agreement that we are not aware of to this day."

"If elected, once in government we will be able to see what agreements there are," Muscat said. "We believe that there is a solution that is just and acceptable to all involved." He said that this would be reached by means of consultation with stakeholders.

However pressed for a firmer answer, Muscat said that Labour needs to establish "a platform of understanding," and insisted that "we do not know what sort of agreement exists."

"We need to know the state of play. We need to know what agreements there are between government and the Armier boathouse owners."

"We do not know whether there will be some new reality by 9 March," he added. "We can give more details when we know what sort of commitments were made, or if there is some sort of plan that we do not publically know of, or some on an agreement on MEPA's side that we are not aware of."

Asked by NGO representatives whether a Labour government would respect an agreement entered into by a previous government, Muscat said that Labour would approach the situation from the perspective that "everyone in government must shoulder responsibility for what is done."

He however added that it would send "a very bad message were to start saying that we would not uphold or honour government's commitments or agreements."

Asked whether the Labour Opposition would be informed or aware if government decided to enter into some sort of 'covert' agreement, Muscat was candid: "Not necessarily."