Updated | Government, Opposition agree on ‘opportune moment’ to discuss Dalli resignation

Government and the Opposition this evening agreed that the discussion in Parliament on the resignation of former European Commissioner John Dalli should wait until the "opportune moment".

Addressing the House, Nationalist MP Franco Debono was the first to make the request  to discuss Dalli's resignation. He said that the matter was urgent especially in light of the speculation being carried out in the international media.

"All eyes are on Malta and we have a reputation to defend. The issue is not only one of public importance but the speculation is damaging for the country," Debono told Speaker Michael Frendo.

Debono said the issue was urgent in view of the fact that Dalli was a Maltese citizen. "We are the Maltese parliament. Just like foreign MEPs are worried over the way Dalli resigned, so should we," Debono said.

Debono added that "all eyes are on Malta" and urged parliament not to forget that Dalli was a "Maltese citizen representing Malta".

"So far all we have is media speculation. A week has passed since Dalli resigned and several claims have been made in the media. If it's true that Dalli committed any illegality, I would be the first to condemn him," Debono said.

The MP added that given that Dalli never submitted an official resignation, this would in itself cast doubt on Tonio Borg's nomination as the Commissioner-designate. However, Debono added, given that European Commissioner President Jose Manuel Barroso has approved Borg's nomination "this process should go ahead".

He went on to add that so he hasn't had any communication with John Dalli and his call for the debate was purely out of his own initiative: "I want to defend my country's unity and I urge unity between all [political] sides."

Debono added that it was of concern that Dalli has insisted he hasn't seen the OLAF report and therefore he didn't know what accusations he is facing. He went on to say that this didn't reflect the road Europe was embarking on with regards to human rights.

He said that European was working toward a common charter of rights where an individual facing criminal accusation would have access to the files in order to defend himself.

"Even if it isn't discussed today, I believe the House should agree on a date for this issue to be discussed," Debono urged.

Reacting to Debono's request, Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi said he "appreciated" Debono's comment but went on to warn over the repercussions of having the issue debated at this stage.

"It would be unfair if we debate it today and end up influencing the process in one way or another," Gonzi said, suggesting that the debate should wait until the Attorney General has carried out his review.

Gonzi said he understood that Dalli's resignation had not only "worried" parliament but also the public: "But I appeal to the sense of maturity of all. We have found ourselves in a delicate moment. I give my word that parliament will find time to discuss the issue but now is not the right moment."

He added that he hasn't yet seen the contents of the OLAF report: "I don't know what the Attorney General has decided and I don't know what proposals or suggestions will be put forward."

Gonzi's position received the support of the Opposition.

In reply to Gonzi, Debono said he "welcomed Gonzi's proposal" and added that the two "were on the same wavelength".

He however added that it worried him that a Maltese person had been "humiliated before Europe and the world", adding that as Maltese "we should understand the anxiety Dalli is passing through".