The AX Group refers to the protest by former employees of The Grand Hotel Verdala emanating from their employment between 1971 and 1982. The AX Group wishes to clarify that it was not in any way involved with the Verdala Hotel operations during these years. Moreover, when the AX Group acquired the properties in question in 1997, it did not assume any of the liabilities of former owners or operators of the property. Any claim for compensation raised by the ex Verdala Hotel employees stands to be resolved by the owners or operators at that time or the Malta Development Corporation or its successors in the title as the case may be.