Karl Izzo approved as non-resident ambassador to Montenegro

The Opposition on Tuesday voted against the appointment of Karl Izzo to the post of non-resident ambassador to Montenegro following a heated sitting of the Public Appointments Committee. Mr Izzo's nomination was approved by the Committee on the strength of the votes of government MPs. Mr Izzo is coach of Malta's waterpolo team, who, together with his wife Diane, owns the fashion retail group Dizz. Asked to justify his suitability for the role, Mr Izzo referred to his many trips to Montenegro relating to his work in sports. He identified various avenues for collaboration. Opposition MP Carmelo Mifsud Bonnici highlighted the candidate's lack of qualifications and experience in the diplomatic arena, arguing that he was not to blame but that whoever had nominated him to the post should have known better. Pointing out that Montenegro would soon be joining the European Union, he argued that it merited a more seasoned ambassador. Government MP Robert Abela stated that qualifications were not the only consideration when it came to the appointment of ambassadors. He was echoed by government MP Glenn Bedingfield, who asserted that Malta had had qualified ambassadors who had only lasted a...