Updated - PN explains why it stayed out of Action Committee for Economic Growth

The government said today that the Opposition had turned down its invitation to participate in a bipartisan Action Committee for Economic Growth. The PN said it did so because its representative would have been required to act as a consultant to the government, something which went against the Opposition's role. In a statement, the Office of the Prime Minister said the PN had closed the door to a golden opportunity to start a new page of joint action for the country's economic development. "The Government regrets that the Opposition appears to intend continuing its negative attitude even when it is offered the hand of friendship," the OPM said. It said the government's 'positive attitude' sought to involve everyone for economic growth. This was a modern style found in modern democracies. Unfortunately, however, the PN was not reading the signs of the times about the role of an opposition party, even though the electorate itself had shown it wanted positive politics, The Government said its doors remained open to the Opposition. PN REACTION In a reaction, the Nationalist Party said it could not participate in the Action Committee for Economic Growth. The PN said its parliamentary...