Update: Front Harsien ODZ expressed its satisfaction over the very large turnout this morning, by members of the public and organisations from all walks of Maltese society, to participate in the national protest held in front of the new Parliament building in Valletta.

The Front thanked everyone there, who, the it said, “put aside partisan differences and who united to defend the common good in this citizens’ protest to save ODZ land in Zonqor from destructive development. Such goodwill will help save Malta’s environment.”

The representatives explained that, as a citizen’s movment, “Front Harsien ODZ has no other aims other than to safeguard the common good from those who want to benefit at the expense of everyone else. The environment belongs to us all and has no political colour. It should not be taken away from present and future generations.”

Front Harsien ODZ insisted that the Government should immediately publish its agreement with the Sadeen Group and that MEPA acts like a regulator, and not as a political rubber stamp for the Office of the Prime Minister. “Transparency is required so that civil society can fully participate in the national debate to save Zonqor. We urge the Government to change its position on development on Zonqor ODZ land,” it said.

“Zonqor and Marsascala belong to us all, to all present and future generations. We express our solidarity with farmers, residents, parents, children, and all others who are showing deep concern for the loss of agricultural land and open spaces for the benefit of a Jordanian investor who is involved in a secret deal behind the back of all citizens.”

Update: Hands off open spaces: Alternattiva Demokratika statement

Following today’s massive protest on the Zonqor issue, AD Deputy Chairperson Carmel Cacopardo said, “After having uncovered the Government’s plan of giving away the ODZ Natural Park land to Sadeen five weeks ago, we at Alternattiva Demokratika participated in and supported strongly the Front Harsien ODZ demonstration today which has attracted thousands of people sounding their voice strongly in defence of the Maltese environment.

“The Maltese people are telling the Government clearly: ‘Hands off the open spaces of our present and future generations.”

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