Prime Minister Joseph Muscat has announced that the automatic land reclamation rights clause is being removed from the Corinthia contract.
Asked by the media why the government is dragging its feet on publicly debating the Corinthia contract, Muscat said: "because we are improving the contract that the Opposition had agreed with when it was first announced back in 2014. The Opposition first agreed when we charged less money, but now because we are charging more and are acting on criticism, some of it which is justified, that is occurring, the Opposition is now against."
He said that when the agreement was first announced, PN MP Mario de Marco had said that he and the Opposition agreed with the agreement. He said that the agreement was for a mixed-use development at the time.
"We are listening to the criticism and acting on it. It will be presented at the adequate time. The Environment Committee will meet and the postponement is only minor. If we work fast we are accused of trying to hide something and when we work slowly in order to take time and listen, making any changes if needed..."
He mentioned certain changes being made to the agreement. He said that the original contract allows for automatic land reclamation. "There was criticism on this, we checked and it is a justified criticism and we are removing it from the contract. For that amendment and anything else needed, then it takes time." It is pertinent to note that while it was in the contract, the Corinthia group already stated that they do not intend to conduct any land reclamation.
He said that he expects that, once the new version is released, then one could possibly re-evaluate their position.
Asked about when he will publish the full Egrant inquiry report, he said that there is an ongoing court case. He said he will do what the court orders.
from The Malta Independent http://bit.ly/2Rq8n6M
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