Only one woman amongst 13 new diplomats

Women's organisations are heavily disappointed at the gender imbalance in the appointment of new diplomats who will be representing Malta overseas.

"Only one of 13 newly appointed diplomats is a woman," the Malta Confederation of Women's Organisations (MCWO) said, expressing concern over the lack of gender parity.

"We urge government to work more towards gender parity when making such nominations," the confederation said.

In the past weeks, the MCWO said, foreign affairs minister George Vella appointed 13 new diplomats to represent Malta at various designated postings overseas.

Among those set to be given diplomatic posts is Marisa Micallef, former Housing Authority chairwoman, who will be appointed Maltese ambassador to the US. Micallef previously a heavyweight within Nationalist ranks, switched to Labour leader Joseph Muscat's ranks in 2009.

New appointments will also see Mgr Joe Vella Gauci, a member of the secretariat of the Commission of the Bishops' Conferences of the European Communities, will be Malta's representative to UNESCO.

Renowned gynaecologist George Buttigieg, currently ambassador to the Order of the Knights of Malta, will also be assigned to the Holy See.

Retired Judge Joseph Filletti will be Malta's representative to the Council of Europe while Albert Friggieri will head the Maltese embassy in Berlin. Friggieri is being seen as an asset in trade promotion.

Vincent Camilleri will be appointed ambassador to France, returning to the post he held during the Alfred Sant administration.

Chinese-speaking Clifford Borg Marks will become ambassador to China while Carmelo Brincat is heading for Moscow.

Jamie Cremona will be appointed to Saudi Arabia. Cremona also served as the obstetrician to the Saudi Royal Family.

As widely reported, travel agent Norman Hamilton will be appointed High Commissioner to London while ONE broadcasting manager Ray Azzopardi will be assigned to Brussels.