The Government of Gibraltar notes with sadness the report of the death of Maurice Xiberras.

Mr Xiberras was a former member of the House of Assembly. In that role he held ministerial office in the 1969 to 1972 Government of Sir Bob Peliza's Integration With Britain Party that he was a founder of. He also held the post of Leader of the Opposition in the mid 1970's.

The Chief Minister Fabian Picardo said: "I have been saddened to hear of the death of Maurice Xiberras. He was a man who made an important contribution to Gibraltar politics and who was in Government at a challenging time for our Nation.

"Although we have often been on different sides of political arguments, I considered Maurice a friend and was always pleased to see him. I recall seeing him in Parliament in Gibraltar earlier this year on what was probably his last visit to the Rock. It is almost as if Maurice came back to the House to say "goodbye". This morning I spoke to his son David to express the condolences of the Government and People of Gibraltar to his family."

The flag at the Parliament building is flying at half mast to honour Mr Xiberras' memory.

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