medNews

MIGRATION, MUSCAT “MALTA WILL CONTINUE USING COMMON SENSE”

Maltese Prime Minister Joseph Muscat declared that Malta will continue using its common sense and be part of the European Union solution to address the migration problem in the Mediterranean. 

He said that the Maltese government is lead by two principles; the protection of human lives and that of the national interest. “Malta has to respect the international law and save people from drowning”. However, Muscat added “Malta cannot carry other countries’ burden”.

The Maltese Prime Minister referred to two recent issues concerning the migration problem. In the case involving the Open Arms vessel, Muscat said “this led to a whole drama in Italy with serious repercussions on the country’s government”. On the contrary, the Maltese Prime Minister added that in the case of the Ocean Viking vessel with 356 migrants on board, the Maltese government engaged into a dialogue with the European Commission and various European governments. The end result was that all migrants will be taken by other European countries; including France which will accept 150 African migrants and Germany will send an aircraft next week to take more migrants who were disembarked from the Ocean Viking vessel.

Meanwhile a Maltese politician from the Opposition party was criticized heavily after he praised the Italian Home Affairs Minister Matteo Salvini. In a Facebook status, Nationalist councillor Justin Schembri, agreed with Salvini for “standing up to the European Union and his own Prime Minister”.

Various officials from the Nationalist Party including the Party’s Executive Committee President and a former deputy leader have distanced themselves from the personal sentiments shared by Justin Schembri. The Leader of the Opposition himself declared that Malta needs to rise above populism where human lives are concerned and should do the right thing by saving the lives of innocent people while an immediate action by EU member states should follow so that migrants are redistributed accordingly.

The Maltese Prime Minister warned that people who use anti-migrant rhetoric must have forgotten the killing of Lassana Cisse Souleymane, what the police in Malta believe to be a racist murder.

(ITALPRESS/MNA)

L’articolo MIGRATION, MUSCAT “MALTA WILL CONTINUE USING COMMON SENSE” proviene da Italpress.


Source: medNews

MALTA SUFFERED A CYBERATTACK

Malta, known as an international financial hub in the Mediterranean, is among 17 countries that ended up a victim of the North Korean regime. United Nations experts are investigating at least 35 occasions in 17 countries that suffered from a cyberattack which was carried out by North Koreans to raise money for weapons of mass destruction. 

13 countries suffered from one attack; Malta, Costa Rica, Gambia, Guatemala, Kuwait, Liberia, Malaysia, Nigeria, Poland, Slovenia, South Africa, Tunisia and Vietnam. South Korea suffered most from these attacks, 10 in total. Then there were three attacks in India while Bangladesh and Chile had  two attacks.

An expert report which was presented to the United Nations Security Council North Korea Sanctions Committee says that North Korea illegally acquired $2 billion from online activities against financial institutions and the cryptocurrency exchanges.

The Maltese Government did not issue any official statement but it is believed that the attack on Malta concerns Bank of Valletta. Last February, the Bank systems were hacked and €13 million were stolen. Since then, €10 million were recovered. Sources said that a Federal Bureau of Investigation Team is in Malta investigating this attack in collaboration with Maltese experts from the state IT agency; Malta Information Technology Agency.

Experts said that there are three ways of carrying out these cyberattacks. The first way is by using the Society System for Interbank Financial Telecommunication Around the World (SWIFT) to transfer money between banks, using the computers of employees to send fraudulent messages and then delete the evidence. Another option is by theft of cryptocurrency through attacks on exchanges and users, or using the cryptocurrency as a source of funding for professional branch of the military.

(ITALPRESS/MNA)


Source: medNews

IN BULGARIA KINDER+SPORT INTERNATIONAL TENNIS TROPHY 2019

The Kinder+Sport Tennis Trophy is back for the third year in a row. This time, the international tennis tournament for children aged nine to 12 is welcoming two new countries alongside the ones from last year, for an overall total of 13 countries playing in 172 tournaments.
The first phase began on 2 February in the town of Alba, in Italy, with the “Tennis Trophy Fit – Kinder+Sport”. The next stop will be held in Sofia at the Bulgarian National Tennis Center from 15 to 17 August. Then others in Belarus, Germany, Hungary, Ireland, Israel, Malta, Monaco, Poland and the Ukraine.
The winners of these will go on to the International Masters, the finals of which will be held from 17 to 20 October at the exclusive Monte Carlo Country Club, site of the ATP Tour.
As an integral part of Kinder+Sport Joy of Moving – the Ferrero Group international Social Responsibility project set up to get children and families involved in fun-filled motor activity – the Kinder+Sport Tennis Trophy is more than an athletic competition. The trophy focuses on values like trust in yourself and others, integration, respect and friendship.
The guiding principle of the tournament is that matches are played without referees, so that children can put their honesty and integrity to the test on the court. In keeping with this principle, the Fair Play Trophy is awarded at the end of each national tournament to recognise the young tennis player who has stood out the most for their honesty and good sportsmanship.
The initiative began in Italy in 2006. It was the brainchild of tennis star Rita Grande and Kinder+Sport Joy of Moving. In recent years, it has become more international in scope, helping spread the concept of an active lifestyle to younger generations. In past editions, the finalists also had the opportunity to meet world-renowned tennis idols Francesca Schiavone, Flavia Pennetta, Sara Errani, Jo-Wilfried Tsonga, Fabio Fognini, Simone Bolelli, Corrado Barazzutti and Nicola Pietrangeli, as well as coach Patrick Mouratoglou.
(ITALPRESS/MNA)


Source: medNews

IN SALZBURG THE WINNERS OF THE "TENNIS INTERNATIONAL KINDER + SPORT TROPHY

The Kinder+Sport Tennis Trophy is back for the third year in a row. This time, the  international tennis tournament for children aged nine to 12 is welcoming two new countries alongside the ones from last year, for an overall total of 13 countries playing in 172 tournaments. The first phase began on 2 February in the town of Alba, in Italy, with the “Tennis Trophy Fit – Kinder+Sport”.

The last phase of the tournament took place from 9 to 11 August in the TC Piding in Salzburg. The winners of the tournament are:
U9 1st and 2nd Final HAIDER MAURER LEA against PREVENTED LEONIE 4/0 4/0
U10 1st and 2nd Final PYNDA SOLOMIA against POSCH ANNA 4/2 4/1
U9 1st and 2nd Final KREN KIAN against HANDLECHNER PHILIPP 4/0 3/4 14/12
U10 Final 1st and 2nd BRAMMEN PAUL against RASER FELIX 4/3 4/0 (the latter won the “Fair Play” Award).

Then others tournaments will be in Belarus, Bulgaria, Germany, Hungary, Ireland, Israel, Malta, Monaco, Poland and the Ukraine. The winners of these will go on to the International Masters, the finals of which will be held from 17 to 20 October at the exclusive Monte Carlo Country Club, site of the ATP Tour. As an integral part of Kinder+Sport Joy of Moving – the Ferrero Group international Social Responsibility project set up to get children and families involved in fun-filled motor activity – the Kinder+Sport Tennis Trophy is more than an athletic competition. The trophy focuses on values like trust in yourself and others, integration, respect and friendship.
The guiding principle of the tournament is that matches are played without referees, so that children can put their honesty and integrity to the test on the court. In keeping with this principle, the Fair Play Trophy is awarded at the end of each national tournament to recognise the young tennis player who has stood out the most for their honesty and good sportsmanship.
The initiative began in Italy in 2006. It was the brainchild of tennis star Rita Grande and Kinder+Sport Joy of Moving. In recent years, it has become more international in scope, helping spread the concept of an active lifestyle to younger generations. In past editions, the finalists also had the opportunity to meet world-renowned tennis idols Francesca Schiavone, Flavia Pennetta, Sara Errani, Jo-Wilfried Tsonga, Fabio Fognini, Simone Bolelli, Corrado Barazzutti and Nicola Pietrangeli, as well as coach Patrick Mouratoglou.

(ITALPRESS/MNA)


Source: medNews

IN SALZBURG THE WINNERS OF THE “TENNIS INTERNATIONAL KINDER + SPORT TROPHY

The Kinder+Sport Tennis Trophy is back for the third year in a row. This time, the  international tennis tournament for children aged nine to 12 is welcoming two new countries alongside the ones from last year, for an overall total of 13 countries playing in 172 tournaments. The first phase began on 2 February in the town of Alba, in Italy, with the “Tennis Trophy Fit – Kinder+Sport”.

The last phase of the tournament took place from 9 to 11 August in the TC Piding in Salzburg. The winners of the tournament are:
U9 1st and 2nd Final HAIDER MAURER LEA against PREVENTED LEONIE 4/0 4/0
U10 1st and 2nd Final PYNDA SOLOMIA against POSCH ANNA 4/2 4/1
U9 1st and 2nd Final KREN KIAN against HANDLECHNER PHILIPP 4/0 3/4 14/12
U10 Final 1st and 2nd BRAMMEN PAUL against RASER FELIX 4/3 4/0 (the latter won the “Fair Play” Award).

Then others tournaments will be in Belarus, Bulgaria, Germany, Hungary, Ireland, Israel, Malta, Monaco, Poland and the Ukraine. The winners of these will go on to the International Masters, the finals of which will be held from 17 to 20 October at the exclusive Monte Carlo Country Club, site of the ATP Tour. As an integral part of Kinder+Sport Joy of Moving – the Ferrero Group international Social Responsibility project set up to get children and families involved in fun-filled motor activity – the Kinder+Sport Tennis Trophy is more than an athletic competition. The trophy focuses on values like trust in yourself and others, integration, respect and friendship.
The guiding principle of the tournament is that matches are played without referees, so that children can put their honesty and integrity to the test on the court. In keeping with this principle, the Fair Play Trophy is awarded at the end of each national tournament to recognise the young tennis player who has stood out the most for their honesty and good sportsmanship.
The initiative began in Italy in 2006. It was the brainchild of tennis star Rita Grande and Kinder+Sport Joy of Moving. In recent years, it has become more international in scope, helping spread the concept of an active lifestyle to younger generations. In past editions, the finalists also had the opportunity to meet world-renowned tennis idols Francesca Schiavone, Flavia Pennetta, Sara Errani, Jo-Wilfried Tsonga, Fabio Fognini, Simone Bolelli, Corrado Barazzutti and Nicola Pietrangeli, as well as coach Patrick Mouratoglou.

L’articolo IN SALZBURG THE WINNERS OF THE “TENNIS INTERNATIONAL KINDER + SPORT TROPHY proviene da Italpress.


Source: medNews

MALTA, IMMIGRATION ONE OF THE PRIORITIES FOR CITIZENS

The recently published Eurobarometer report provides a clear picture of the perceptions that Maltese citizens have on the issues they consider most important. Immigration, housing and the environment are at the top of the list. One in two Maltese citizens (49%) considers immigration as one of the two major national problems; the percentage drops to 43% with regard to housing. One in 3 Maltese places the environment among the first two issues instead.

It is interesting to note that immigration is also seen as a European problem (63% of Maltese mention it as one of the two main concerns at the EU level).

The survey conducted in Malta also shows that Maltese citizens trust institutions, both national and European, much more than the European average. The trust of the Maltese citizens in the European Union is much higher than the European average: 56% in the archipelego compared to 44% in Europe. This difference is even greater for national institutions, both the parliament (53% confidence among the Maltese, 34% the European average) and the government (58% among the Maltese, 34% the European average).

 

Eurobarometer has also investigated the benefits that Maltese citizens get from being citizens of a member state of the European Union. There is a certain uniformity of response with European citizens, but two major differences emerge: 45% of Maltese citizens consider the Euro as a highly positive fact, a sentiment shared by only 24% of European citizens. There is also a marked difference for the Erasmus exchange program: 39% of Maltese indicate it as the most positive thing, while only 26% of European citizens are of the same opinion.

Among the achievements of the European Union from which they have benefited the most, Maltese citizens have indicated the possibility of using the telephone at lower costs when traveling in Europe (63%), greater rights for passengers and for consumers when they buy an European product (60% for both) and the absence of border controls during trips (58%).

In general, it can be said that Maltese citizens show a more positive sentiment towards the concept of Europe than the average recorded among the 28 member countries. This figure emerges from the answers to more general questions such as “Do you feel like an EU citizen?” (81% positive responses in Malta, 73% at European level).

The study refers to interviews conducted in June 2019. 503 people were interviewed in Malta, while over 27 thousand people were interviewed throughout Europe. The Eurobarometer is a series of public opinion polls conducted by the European Commission since 1973. These polls address a wide range of topical issues relating to the European Union within all its member states.

(ITALPRESS/MNA)

 


Source: medNews

IN AUSTRIA KINDER+SPORT INTERNATIONAL TENNIS TROPHY 2019

The Kinder+Sport Tennis Trophy is back for the third year in a row. This time, the international tennis tournament for children aged nine to 12 is welcoming two new countries alongside the ones from last year, for an overall total of 13 countries playing in 172 tournaments.
The first phase began on 2 February in the town of Alba, in Italy, with the “Tennis Trophy Fit – Kinder+Sport”. The next stop will be held in Austria at the TC Piding, Salzburg from 9 to 11 August. Then others in Belarus, Bulgaria, Germany, Hungary, Ireland, Israel, Malta, Monaco, Poland and the Ukraine.
The winners of these will go on to the International Masters, the finals of which will be held from 17 to 20 October at the exclusive Monte Carlo Country Club, site of the ATP Tour.
As an integral part of Kinder+Sport Joy of Moving – the Ferrero Group international Social Responsibility project set up to get children and families involved in fun-filled motor activity – the Kinder+Sport Tennis Trophy is more than an athletic competition. The trophy focuses on values like trust in yourself and others, integration, respect and friendship.
The guiding principle of the tournament is that matches are played without referees, so that children can put their honesty and integrity to the test on the court. In keeping with this principle, the Fair Play Trophy is awarded at the end of each national tournament to recognise the young tennis player who has stood out the most for their honesty and good sportsmanship.
The initiative began in Italy in 2006. It was the brainchild of tennis star Rita Grande and Kinder+Sport Joy of Moving. In recent years, it has become more international in scope, helping spread the concept of an active lifestyle to younger generations. In past editions, the finalists also had the opportunity to meet world-renowned tennis idols Francesca Schiavone, Flavia Pennetta, Sara Errani, Jo-Wilfried Tsonga, Fabio Fognini, Simone Bolelli, Corrado Barazzutti and Nicola Pietrangeli, as well as coach Patrick Mouratoglou.
(ITALPRESS).


Source: medNews

EGYPT, 4 PROJECTS OF WATER AND DRAINAGE IN MINYA

The Ministry of Housing confirmed implementing four projects for drinking water and sanitation in Minya governorate at a cost of LE 1.818 million.

The ministry explained that running tests are being conducted for Abu Bakr water station and networks at a cost of LE 920 million. Cranes are also under construction at a sewage project in Minya worth LE 565 million. 

The project to expand the water purification plant in the new city of Minya is being carried out at a cost of LE 53 million. The treatment plant in the new city of Minya will also be implemented at a cost of LE 280 million by the end of 2019. 

Also, Ministry of Housing-affiliated Central Agency for Reconstruction established several developmental projects in North Sinai and South Sinai governorates worth LE 4.8 billion in 2017. 

The projects established in North Sinai are implemented at a cost of LE 3.2 billion and include 19 new developmental Bedouin communities in addition to road projects, schools and administrative buildings. 

(ITALPRESS/MNA)


Source: medNews

EU INCREASES SUPPORT FOR SECURITY IN JORDAN

The European Union has launched a new 6 million euro program to improve the border management capabilities of the security and law enforcement authorities in Jordan and to support economic activities and trade in the region. The program – as explained by Brussels – will help the Jordanian authorities operating on the border with Iraq (Mafraq governorate) to react quickly to any future humanitarian emergencies and security threats.

The program will also integrate ongoing support to restore a trade route to the Karameh-Treibil crossing, which will help facilitate bilateral trade and the safe movement of people and goods between Jordan and Iraq. The program is an important step forward in supporting Jordan’s resilience and ability to cope with threats, in accordance with the priorities of the EU-Jordan partnership. In the context of continued EU support for border management and facilitating trade between Jordan and Iraq, in particular through the adaptation of the Karameh-Treibil border crossing point, the program helps restore confidence in a region hit by multiple crises, including the conflict in neighbouring Syria and the threat of ISIS.

(ITALPRESS/MNA)


Source: medNews

INFRASTRUCTURE: EUROPE’S CHANCE TO GROW AGAIN

Europe’s infrastructure sector has a new ally: Christine Lagarde, who has been nominated to succeed Mario Draghi as president of the European Central Bank. According to an analysis by Bloomberg Intelligence, the research arm of Bloomberg, the news and information company, infrastructure was recognised by Lagarde as playing an important role in helping economies grow when she was managing director of the International Monetary Fund. And this could have an influence on decisions taken within the European Union regarding infrastructure investment at a time when the region is lagging behind Asia. As developed countries in that region invest the equivalent of 36.8% of their collective gross domestic product in the sector, the euro zone has stopped at 21%. It is a percentage that could rise when considering how Lagarde in April told the second summit of the Belt and Road Initiative in Beijing that China’s massive investments in transport infrastructure would have a considerable impact on growth. Europe is set to spend during the next 10 years $1 trillion on infrastructure, from energy to transport, according to Bloomberg Intelligence. The European Union is obviously doing its part, with $24 billion earmarked for roads, railways, air transport and water. One of its biggest initiatives is the Trans-European Transport Network (TEN-T), which will better connect the single market’s 500 million consumers.

AN OPPORTUNITY FOR EUROPE – Europe, especially thanks to cities like Paris, is returning to invest in major infrastructure projects, partly thanks to TEN-T, which is connecting the region’s railway network, many parts of which are equipped for high-speed travel. According to the Bloomberg Intelligence, this trend has been confirmed by the European Commission’s confidence indicator in the sector, which shows that business sentiment is very high. The trend is also confirmed by how the level of investment at the end of March rose by 2.7% compared with the same period last year. Euroconstruct, which publishes every year a development index on the sector, sees the market for public works growing by 1.9% this year. A good part of the drive behind this rise comes from France where mega projects are under way like the Grand Paris Express, a rail and metro network that will connect the periphery of Paris with the historic centre. In Germany, meanwhile, growth is seen stalled at 0.2%. Euroconstruct sees other countries like France, Spain, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands and Eastern European countries growing at higher rates. The Nordics, however, are slowing down.

THE ROLE OF BIG COMPANIES – 2019 will be an important year for big companies. The performance of one of the world’s leading stock market indices, the S&P 500, confirms this projection. It is up 17.8% so far this year as a result of strong fundamentals with infrastructure spending rising in several reasons, according to Bloomberg Intelligence. This year does have its risks, however. These include geopolitical tensions as the United States is embroiled in a trade spat with China and confronting Iran in the Gulf. The sector’s global players are looking with interest at China’s Belt and Road Initiative, a veritable Marshall Plan for infrastructure that could open the way for $4 trillion to $8 trillion worth of investments in the next 10 years. Big contracts have been signed in countries like Iran, Indonesia and Pakistan as China looks to reach Europe with an efficient and modern transport network to create an intercontinental highway for people and goods.

AMERICA CATCHING UP – With Asia forging ahead and Europe taking up speed, the United States seems to be at a stand still. According to a Bloomberg Intelligence forecast, U.S. spending on transport infrastructure will reach $306 billion a year for the next 10 years against $245 billion by 2016. The amount is significant, but it is deemed not to be enough to modernise fully the infrastructure network. The American Society of Civil Engineers estimates the country needs to invest as much as $454 billion a year to bridge the infrastructure gap. Of the total, nearly 60% of investments should be directed towards highways and bridges. The delay that U.S. President Donald Trump’s administration has had in executing its own infrastructure plan has been due to a lack of consensus with the opposition Democrats as well as foreign policy issues. Meanwhile, other players that could play a role in pushing the agenda forward are public-private partnerships and infrastructure funds. Bloomberg Intelligence calculates that these funds managed $85 billion worth of assets in the United States in 2018, and the amount could double at the end of this year. They could offer an answer to the needs facing the country’s infrastructure, which is in need of a big push forward to catch up with other parts of the world that are far ahead of it in terms of modernising roads, railways and other crucial infrastructure.


Source: medNews

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