Pope Francis is expected to visit Malta in the coming weeks. This visit will be the fourth visit of a Pope to Malta in the last 30 years. The visit will take place possibly before the summer and the official programme of the visit will include stops in Malta and Gozo.

Recently Pope Francis spoke twice about Malta. It is understood that the visit of Pope Francis will not be so long this time. The official announcement is expected imminently. Archbishop Charles Scicluna and Pope Francis talked about this visit when they met on the 30th of January.

Two weeks ago, Archbishop Charles Scicluna said in an interview he hoped that one day the Pope accepts an “open invitation” to visit Malta.

The Archbishop’s Curia said that the Maltese Bishops, are moved by the warm words towards the people of Malta which Pope Francis has recently uttered in various occasions.

The first Papal visit to Malta was in 1990 when St John Paul II spent almost 3 days in Malta.  This was followed by another visit by Karol Woytilain 2001 when he beatified Dun Ġorġ Preca, Sr Adeodata Pisani and Blessed Nazju Falzon. In 2010, Malta was again blessed by another papal visit, this time by Pope Benedict XVI, who, in 2007 had canonised St Ġorġ Preca.

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The Malta Football Association has signed an agreement with the Italian Football Federation (FIGC), rubberstamping the long-standing partnership between the two national associations.
The sharing of knowledge and expertise on technical and organisational matters underpin the Memorandum of Understanding which falls within the paramaters of both FIFA and UEFA. It is intended to facilitate collaboration between the two national associations through exchange programmes involving managers and officials, technical experts, coaches, referees and players in several sectors, including:
• competitions organised by the respective organisations
• technical and educational initiatives
• exchanges of experience and expertise in the areas of construction and management of sports facilities, organisational procedures, sports science and sports medicine (focusing on football)
• women’s football
• youth football
• futsal
• football for persons with disability
• match officials
The MOU was signed by Malta FA President Bjorn Vassallo and General Secretary Dr Angelo Chetcuti, and Gabriele Gravina and Marco Brunelli, the President and General Secretary of the FIGC, at the Italian football federation’s headquarters in Rome. Francesco Ghirelli, the President of the Lega Pro, was also present for the signing of the MOU. Vassallo, the Malta FA President, hailed the signing of the MOU with the FIGC as an important development.
“I’m very pleased that we have finalised this MOU with the FIGC,” Vassallo said. “The Malta FA has always had a very good relationship with the FIGC and this agreement further strengthens this co-operation which should provide tangible benefits, in the process helping us to improve the level of our operations in several key areas. “It will provide new learning and knowledge-sharing opportunities for stakeholders from different sectors, both technical and organisational, with the ultimate aim being to enhance the skills and expertise of our workforce”.
FIGC President Gabriele Gravina shared Vassallo’s views. “This is an important document which rubberstamps the friendship between two national associations but also between two presidents,” Dr Gravina said. “We share Bjorn Vassallo’s approach to football development which also means a lot to us. This collaboration agreement will consolidate the relationship between our associations, two nations that have a common denominator… the willingness to do well and the desire to promote the footballing values”. The MOU provides for the creation of an exchange programme whereby Malta FA personnel will be given access to the expertise, courses and facilities of the FIGC in Rome and especially the FIGC Technical Centre in Coverciano. FIGC personnel will receive the same learning and knowledge-sharing opportunities in events and initiatives organised by the Malta FA. In addition, the two parties will engage in reciprocal consultation about specific issues and international relations, particularly those within FIFA.
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Despite apparent failure to meet eco targets set by the EU for 2020, Nicosia is optimistic that it will achieve its 2030 goals with a 10-year roadmap on energy and the environment drafted by ministries.Agriculture Minister Costas Kadis is optimistic that the National Strategy Plan drawn up with the Energy Ministry will go a long way in overturning Cyprus’ poor performance.The plan, after receiving the go-ahead from the Cabinet, was sent to Brussels for evaluation and approval.The European Commission’s answer is expected within the coming weeks. “The 2020-2030 plan is so ambitious that it gives the working space to achieve the targets set at a national and European level,” said the Minister.Kadis noted that with the implementation of the measures that have been decided Nicosia is expected to largely meet the target of reducing greenhouse gases set for Cyprus, so it will not be paying any more fines for CO2 emissions exceeding the target.The government will be spending some 1.3 bln on two sets of measures.”Most of the measures will have to do with the transport sector. We want to implement sustainable mobility plans while increasing the use of electric vehicles.”Kadis said increasing the use of electric vehicles in transport would only make sense if there is an increase in the percentage of Renewable Energy Sources in the energy production mix. As he noted the government is to further promote the use of RES in electricity production while investing in the energy efficiency of state buildings and better waste management.The ambitious two-pronged plan aims to facilitate Cyprus’ EU 2030 goals which include reducing the emission of greenhouse gases by 40%, for which a pollution rights exchange market does not exist.According to EU targets set for 2030, Cyprus is legally obligated to reduce emissions of these gases by 24%.Cyprus is legally obliged to increase the percentage of RES contribution to the gross final energy consumption by 2030 to 23%. The target for RES contribution to transport is 14% from 10% in 2020.Cyprus will also have to increase its energy efficiency by 32.5% by the end of the decade.One of the state’s obligations is to refurbish public buildings, enhancing their energy efficiency. EU targets for 2020 should have seen Cyprus revamp 3% of its public buildings every year.The plan, being more ambitious than what the EU has asked for, foresees that Cyprus will save some 243,04 Ktoe more than obliged to during the decade. The country is also obligated to contribute to the EU target for 15% of electricity interconnection between the Member States. And promote Projects of Common Interest that promote regional cooperation and contribute to the completion of the EU’s internal energy market, also 15% of transmitted energy should be produced from RES.Cyprus’ target will be met by the EuroAsia Interconnector project, connecting the electricity grids of Cyprus with Israel and Crete, but remains to be seen how much of that transmitted energy will be generated from RES.It is included in the 4th Union List of projects of common interest (PCI), that will lift Cyprus from energy isolation.It also makes EuroAsia eligible for funding from the Connecting Europe Facility and complies with Commission President Ursula von der Leyen’s ‘Green Deal’ of cutting back on the use of fossil fuels, boosting RES consumption and utilising electricity interconnectors, which should account for 20% of all energy supply.Cyprus will also have to establish an appropriate regulatory framework that will help develop the market and facilitate competition in favour of consumers.”The plan also provides that focus will be on increasing energy security by diversifying energy and supply sources, utilizing indigenous renewable energy sources and adopting measures to address supply difficulties,” said Kadis. Source: Financial Mirror.
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New car sales in Lebanon took a severe hit in 2019 as the number of registered vehicles plunged by 33.4 percent compared to the same period of 2018, according to data compiled by the Association of Car Importers. The association said that registered passenger cars stood at 21,991 in 2019, falling by 33.4 percent from a total of 33,012 in 2018.It attributed this decline in new car sales to the prevailing macro situation in Lebanon, the suspension of car loans, impossibility of opening documentary credits to import cars and spare parts, increase of interest rates, difficulty of converting cash collected in Lebanese pounds into U.S. dollars in the bank to pay the suppliers and the risk of seeing thousands of employees losing their job.In a look at the regions, Japanese cars took over the highest share of newly registered cars in 2019 with a total of 8,630, down by 35.7 percent from 2018. Korean cars took over the second place with a total of 5,495 cars, down from 9,357 cars in 2018.European cars took over the third place with a total of 5,023 cars in 2019, down by a yearly 21.8 percent.
Korea’s Kia ranked first in terms of new car registration during 2019, with a total of 3,205 cars against a total of 5,012 cars during the previous year.It was followed by Japan’s Toyota with a total of 2,479 newly registered cars in 2019, against 4,155 cars in 2018.Japan’s Nissan came in the third position with a total of 2,349 newly registered cars in 2019, compared to 3,995 cars registered in 2018. These were followed by Korea’s Hyundai with a total of 2,272 newly registered cars in 2019, compared to a total of 4,319 cars registered in the year earlier.
Source: The Daily Star.
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While addressing for the first time members of the diplomatic corps at Auberge de Castille in Valletta, the newly appointed Maltese Prime Minister Robert Abela declared that the institutional reforms will be a top priority to enhance the rule of law and good governance in the country. Referring to Malta’s relations within the European Union, Robert Abela declared that he is ready to work with the President of the European Council Charles Michel and the President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen. Robert Abela referred to the civil rights in Malta, and said that the country strengthened its top ranking on the International Lesbian and Gay Association-Europe Rainbow Map. “With an overall rating of 94%, Malta remains the leading European country in protecting LGBTIQ people in areas of equality and non-discrimination, hate crime, hate speech, legal gender recognition and bodily integrity, civil society space and asylum”. The Maltese Prime Minister referred to the turmoil in Libya, and declared that the government of Malta believes that only through diplomatic initiatives rather than military intervention, there will be a solution to the conflict and the political crises. “Malta continues to stress the need for a comprehensive and durable ceasefire, the effective implementation of the UN Security Council Resolution imposing an arms embargo on Libya, and for the strengthening of the mandate of the United Nations Support Mission in Libya. We must achieve results, for the benefit of the Libyan people first and foremost, and for regional peace, security, stability and prosperity.” Abela declared that under his leadership, Malta with its geographical position in the Mediterranean will be a bridge-builder between countries and will take an active role in international fora.
He spoke about the present situation in the Middle East with particular reference to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and the war in Syria. “Malta reiterates its long-standing position in support of a two-state solution between Israel and Palestine, as well as a commitment to the parameters established by the United Nations security council resolution.” Referring to Syria, the Maltese Prime Minister spoke about the importance of ensuring the unity and the territorial sovereignty of the Syrian state, together with the welfare of the Syrian people. Malta is expected to open its first new embassy in Japan, with Prime Minister Abela declaring this is an example on how Malta is putting more effort to consolidate further its bilateral relationships. Infact he mentioned that Malta is considering the possibility of opening its first diplomatic mission in Latin America. He concluded his speech by declaring that Malta whose aspirations are that of promoting peace, prosperity and equality, will be seeking election as a non-permanent member of the United Nations security council for the term 2023-2024.
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Maltese Prime Minister Robert Abela announced that the Interior Ministry had received the resignation of police commissioner Lawrence Cutajar. Abela confirmed that he had been informed of this resignation by Minister Byorn Camilleri. During the last weeks, there were calls from the Nationalist Opposition and the civil society for the resignation of Lawrence Cutajar after he failed to investigate alleged corruption cases involving among others, ex Minister Konrad Mizzi and ex Chief of Staff in the Prime Minister’s Office, Keith Schembri.
Prime Minister Abela explained that in his resignation letter, Cutajar stated that the change of prime minister calls for a change in the leadership of the police force so that the new prime minister can begin to implement the desired reform of the police force.
While praising the police force, Abela mentioned several investigations by the police, among them the case involving the murder of the Maltese journalist Daphne Caruana Galizia. He referred to the good work that the police had done in a very short time to investigate and arrest several people related to the murder. Abela said that this resignation will start the beginning of the reform in the police force which is an important body in the country regarding law enforcement. He explained that after the resignation of Lawrence Cutajar, senior police officer Carmelo Magri, was appointed as acting police commissioner. In the meantime, Abela said he will present a new system on the selection of the police commissioner. He said this will be a serious and transparent method, and confirmed that the new government is ready to listen to the views of the nationalist opposition.

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The new Labour cabinet was sworn in this afternoon in an official ceremony presided over by the President of the Republic of Malta George Vella at the Presidential Palace in Valletta.
The new cabinet is composed of 17 ministers, excluding the prime minister himself, and eight parliamentary secretaries, for a total of 26 members. They were selected in the last hours by the new Prime Minister Robert Abela. Chris Fearne remains the deputy prime minister responsible for the ministry of health.
According to the Maltese Prime Minister, the decisions are based on the priority that Malta continues to move forward with a sense of continuity and to bring about the necessary reforms. “The new government recognizes the country’s economic success and confirms the government’s determination to address the most genuine aspirations and social improvement of the communities”.
Sectors such as social housing, national heritage, consumer rights and animal rights have been raised at ministerial level. Justice, good governance, the environment and planning have been consolidated into a single ministry, while the law enforcement is part of the home affairs and national security ministry. European and foreign affairs are part of a single ministry to implement Malta’s commitments abroad more effectively.
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As today marks the first working day for the new Maltese Prime Minister Robert Abela, he called a number of Labour Party parliamentarians in his office in Auberge de Castille. The new Cabinet is expected to be announced on Wednesday.
In his first address to the Maltese nation, the new Prime Minister Robert Abela appealed to all Maltese to work hand in hand towards the improvement of the country. He emphasized his vision “to work harder so that no one is left behind in society”.
He promised to serve the Maltese nation with humility, and declared that his priorities and aspirations are the same of the Maltese society. Without referring to the present political situation which prompted the resignation of Prime Minister Joseph Muscat, Robert Abela promised that he will work hard so that Malta will overcome all obstacles and fears.
Before the televised address to the nation, the new Prime Minister met with the Labour Parliamentary Group for the first time under his leadership. The meeting took place a short time after Abela was sworn in as Prime Minister of Malta in a ceremony which was held at the Presidential Palace in Valletta. Robert Abela emphasized that the Labour parliamentary group should continue its work “because there is much work to be done for the country to continue moving forward”.
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Robert Abela won the election for the post of leader of the Malta Labour Party. This means that he will also become the Prime Minister of Malta. In a short message to the media, Dr Robert Abela said “with today’s vote, the Labour Party has won”.

Robert Abela acquired 57.9% of the votes, with his opponent Chris Fearne gained 42.1%. There were 16,216 party members who voted in the election that on Saturday evening. The turnout was 92.5%.

Robert Abela was born in June 1977 and graduated as a lawyer. He worked in a legal along with his father. He also served as legal advisor to various governmental bodies and private entities. He was elected to Parliament for the first time in 2017. Abela is married to Lydia, the Executive Secretary of the Labour Party, and is the son of President Emeritus George Abela.

In a tweet, Prime Minister Joseph Muscat who is expected to resign tomorrow, congratulated Robert Abela on being elecyed as the new Labour Party leader. “Proud to be handing over Rober Abela, Malta’s Prime Minister Office on Monday.” Muscat also thanked Chris Fearne for his excellent contribution to the Labour Party and the country.

Joseph Muscat was forced to resign last month amid pressure over the Maltese government’s handling of a probe into the murder of the investigative journalist Daphne Caruana Galizia. Muscat announced he would step down on December 1, but delayed his departure by over a month to allow his Labour Party to elect a new leader.

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