LA VALLETTA (ITALPRESS/MNA) – The President of Malta George Vella urged the Maltese authorities to do what must be done so that the perpetrators of Daphne Caruana Galiziàs murder face justice.
In his final Republic Day address, President George Vella also urged the authorities to close this chapter and see justice served, with all those responsible “paying for their actions”.
“The human chapter and the pains of relatives and family members will never be closed. The only consolation for them will be that at least justice would have been done with all those who were responsible for this heinous murder,” Vella said.
President Vella referred to the negative media coverage that Malta received as no longer having people of integrity. “What use is it to celebrate that our country is a Republic, and boast that we have now taken control of our own future if we do not have people who are wise and smart enough to lead this country in the best interest of the Maltese and Gozitan people? Vella said, while adding “Corruption, both proven and alleged, gnaws at the very backbone of democracy and deters those who wish to participate in political and public life.”
In his speech, he referred to Maltàs rapid population growth, and said that the country must reflect properly on how to continue expanding the economy and come up with a plan that encompasses all of what the future can offer in the interest of moving forward.
“As long as foreigners are here, we must acknowledge that our population is now mixed, and therefore we must educate ourselves on how to live together in a multicultural society, with all the advantages and disadvantages that such situations bring about,” he said.
President Vella added, integrating foreign workers into Maltese society should be about teaching them the Maltese language and customs, and protecting them from exploitation. “We do this not only by encouraging them to learn the language, or by giving them venues in which to practise their religion, but above all by protecting them from exploiters, from those who deceive them, from those who leech as much money as they can out of their pockets, and accommodate them in places not fit for human residency.”
The President of Malta spoke about the country’s neutrality on armed conflicts described as an important tool in the quest for peace while mentioning Maltàs stance on the Russian invasion of Ukraine and the war between Israel and Hamas. “Where there was a need to condemn, we condemned; where there was a need to defend, we defended; and where there was a need to impose sanctions, we imposed them; always within the parameters enshrined in our Constitution,” he said. He added that it is “a pity” that the United Nations Security Council has not been able to reach an agreement to call for a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas.
During his speech, President Vella made a special reference to various sectors that really matters the quality of life in Malta. “It is a pity that despite warnings from different sectors, construction still continues to take over large parts of the limited space we have left,” he said, while urging for more enforcement of the existing regulations.
He also referred to the traffic situation, declared that Malta lacks a plan on how to tackle traffic problems, despite infrastructural investment. “The problem is the number of vehicles on our roads, which continue to increase by regular amounts every day,” he said. “There is a need for a holistic plan that includes education about our travel habits, research on other individual as well as collective modes of transport that we can develop, times for certain heavy vehicles, and possibly controls over parking times in certain localities”.
-Photo DOI –
(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

STRASBOURG (FRANCE) (ITALPRESS/MNA) – The European Parliament has awarded the 2023 Sakharov Prize for Freedom of Thought to Jina Mahsa Amini and the “Women, Life and Freedom” movement in Iran.
The award was received by Saleh Nikbakht, an academic and lawyer who represents the family of Jina Mahsa Amini, Afsoon Najafi and Mersedeh Shahinkar, supporters of the movement in defense of Iranian women’s rights who left Iran in 2023.
The President of the European Parliament Roberta Metsola said, “This year’s Sakharov Prize for freedom of thought, awarded to Jina Masha Amini and the Women, Life, Freedom movement is a tribute to all courageous Iranian women, men and young people, who despite growing pressure, continue to fight for their rights and push for change. The European Parliament listens to you and supports you. You are not alone”, Metsola was addressing the opening of the award ceremony.
Jina Mahsa Amini was a 22-year-old Iranian Kurdish woman. She was arrested by police in Tehran on September 13, 2022 for ignoring Iran’s strict headscarf laws, and died in hospital three days later following physical abuse while in detention. Her death sparked massive protests led by women in Iran.
With the slogan “Women, life and freedom”, they protested against the hijab law and other discriminatory laws. On December 8, 2023, as they were about to embark for France to attend the ceremony, Jina Mahsa Aminìs parents and brother were stopped at Tehran airport by Iranian authorities and their passports were confiscated. They are now subject to a travel ban. On Saturday, Roberta Metsola called on “the Iranian regime to reverse its decision”.
The family was represented in Strasbourg by lawyer Saleh Nikbakht, who during the ceremony read a message from Jina Mahsa Aminìs mother, Mozhgan Eftekhari: “Jinàs pain is eternal for me, and it is imperishable for people around the world I firmly believe that her name, alongside that of Joan of Arc, will remain a symbol of freedom. From the birthplace of the eternal Jina, I convey to you, my and my family’s infinite gratitude and I hope that your choice be firm and proud. We hope that no voice is afraid to speak freedom”.
Following the repression of these protests by the Iranian regime, the European Parliament has repeatedly condemned the dramatic human rights situation in the country.
In October 2022, MPs called for sanctions against Iranian officials involved in both the death of Jina Mahsa Amini and the regime crackdown. In January 2023, MEPs called for further sanctions against the Iranian regime and for the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps to be added to the EU’s terrorist list.

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(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

LA VALLETTA (ITALPRESS/MNA) – Malta is forming part of the EU negotiating team leading the COP negotiations on the final climate agreement to be adopted by COP28.
As countries from around the world are gathered in Dubai to negotiate a collective position to address climate change, the EU is taking a central role as one of the key players in these negotiations. One of the topics that is being negotiated intensely is the programme on the global goal on adaptation.
In these negotiations the European Union is being represented by the Maltese Minister for Environment, Energy and Enterprise Miriam Dalli and the Austrian Minister for Climate Action, Environment, Energy, Mobility, Innovation and Technology Leonore Gewessler.
Minister Miriam Dalli stated: “The EU and its Member States, including Malta, are spearheading an ambitious outcome at COP, leading by example through their goal-oriented targets. Malta remains committed to maintain the momentum while highlighting the opportunities that climate action brings. We are insisting that our guiding principle is that anything agreed needs to be in line with the commitment taken not to go beyond the 1.5 °C warming goal”.
This is the first time that Malta was chosen to form part of the EU negotiating team leading one of the major files during a United Nations Climate Change COP.
Malta is taking very active role and organized several events focusing on different issues related to climate change, particularly challenges and solutions for small island states.
-photo DOI –
(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

LA VALLETTA (MALTA) (ITALPRESS/MNA) – Malta is not supporting the proposed solution suggested by Iran to end the Gaza conflict. However, the Maltese Foreign Affairs Minister, Ian Borg, stated that a real fear exists that the Israeli-Hamas war may spread to the whole region of the Middle East. During an interview on the national tv station, Borg confirmed he was among the ministers of countries in the UN Security Council who received a phone call by the Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian who communicated the alternatives for negotiation on the conflict; that either bombardments on Gaza end or the escalation of war in the Middle East. Minister Borg explained Maltàs position following the contact made by Iran: “to end the attacks on Gaza, especially the indiscriminate ones something which we wish, however the alternative is that of even further escalation from what we are witnessing. This is not the road that we can ever support that was my message”. Minister Borg confirmed that the Iranian Foreign Minister conveyed the message to all the UN Security Council member countries.
(ITALPRESS).
– Photo credit: Agenzia Fotogramma –

Source: medNews

LA VALLETTA (MALTA) (ITALPRESS/MNA) – The majority of Maltese, 73%, are willing to pay more tax to help lower-income households cope with the costs of a green transition. This is 14 points above the EU average of 59%. According to a Climate Survey of the European Investment Bank, 44% of the Maltese would agree to pay an extra 1-2% of their income and 29% would agree to an extra 5-10%. In July, the Maltese islands experienced a 10-day heat wave with air temperature exceeding 40°C on six days. While the rising cost of living is considered as the top challenge with 78%, 10 points above the EU average, climate change impacts and environmental degradation follows with 67% considering them a major concern (17 points above the EU average). Maltese respondents approve fair policies to address the climate emergency. 65%, close to the EU average, say the transition to a low-carbon economy can only happen if social and economic inequalities are addressed at the same time. However, respondents disagree regarding the government’s ability to carry out such a just climate transition with 52% say they are confident, when compared to the EU average of 38%. The EIB survey indicates that a strong majority is in favour of other kinds of climate-related policies. 93% said they would favour a fossil fuel tax reform to eliminate subsidies and tax breaks for the aviation sector and other industries that rely heavily on fossil fuels. “Small islands are among the most vulnerable to the effects of climate change,” said EIB Vice-President Gelsomina Vigliotti. “This is shown by the latest EIB Climate Survey, which underlines how people in Malta are more concerned than those in other countries about the climate emergency and environmental degradation. The EIB has taken special care to help climate projects benefit small islands. As the EU climate bank, we stand ready to further support climate action in Europe and beyond.”(ITALPRESS).

Foto: Agenzia Fotogramma

Source: medNews

VALLETTA (MALTA) (ITALPRESS/MNA) – The UNESCO technical committee unanimously recommended that the tradition of the Maltese festa should be included in the prestigious catalog of intangible cultural heritage of humanity. The decision was formalised during UNESCO’s conference held in Botswana this week.

Described by UNESCO as a community event of religious origin, the Maltese festa is celebrated annually in village parishes across Malta and Gozo. The main festa season in Malta starts towards the end of April and runs until the beginning of October, with multiple events taking place in different villages.

While its roots lie in Christian tradition, the festa extends its social appeal beyond religious boundaries, uniting individuals from diverse ethnic and religious backgrounds.

Despite the increasing secularisation of society, the festa remain a vital part of Maltàs cultural heritage, safeguarding a profound sense of identity and continuity throughout the country.

On its website, UNESCO outlined the meaning of the traditional Maltese festa: “Community volunteers prepare the festa throughout the year and the event itself typically lasts a week. On the final day, a statue is carried in a procession led by the clergy and accompanied by members of the parish and marching bands. Festa weeks entail concerts, band marches, firework displays and bell ringing.”

UNESCO added: “Typical festa food, such as nougat, is sold from street stalls. The practice is transmitted informally through participation in the preparation and events. For instance, youth learn the stories and songs of the village and its sacred figures and how to participate in the festa by attending community events. Some parishes organise a children’s festa in conjunction with the church, and children carry a smaller statue through the town”.

In a post on X, Culture Minister Owen Bonnici said: “Big news for Maltàs cultural scene! The Maltese festa is now officially recognized as Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO. Kudos to the incredible volunteers who bring festas to life across the islands!”

– Photo Department of Information Malta –

(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

LA VALLETTA (MALTA) (ITALPRESS/MNA) – Malta is objecting to a proposal by the European Commission to lower the driving age to 17 years across the EU states. The “accompanied driving scheme” would allow 17-year-olds to drive as long as they are accompanied by an adult. During a Transport Council of Ministers meeting in Brussels, Minister Aaron Farrugia made Maltàs position known, saying the proposal contradicted the island’s safety, congestion, and decarbonisation efforts. Malta believes that lowering the driving licence age should remain at the discretion of individual member states. The European Commission’s proposals were approved on Monday with minor amendments by the Council of Ministers, paving the way for the final stage of dialogue with the European Parliament.
(ITALPRESS).
– Photo credit: Agenzia Fotogramma –

Source: medNews

LA VALLETTA (ITALPRESS/MNA) – The new national Maltese airline KM Malta Airlines has been granted a licence to fly and operate its service next year. The license was issued from Malta’s Civil Aviation Directorate. The new airline, which will take over from the existing national carrier Air Malta, will fly its inaugural flight on March 31. The airline said, “The vision, ambition and mandate of KM Malta Airlines is to protect and enhance the connectivity of the Maltese Islands to Europe and beyond, to support the Islands’ continued economic development and to grow into a successful and sustainable airline”. It added, “KM Malta Airlines will adopt a key European destination focus, linking Malta with the main capital cities in western Europe, with the primary European airport hubs, and connecting with partner airlines”. The summer schedule will operate from March 31 to October 26. In summer, the new airline intends to serve 17 airports across 15 cities, operating 8,546 flights and offering 1,430,000 seats. It will perform 284 weekly flights, reaching an average aircraft utilisation of 12 hours eight minutes per unit day. The summer schedule includes: 82 weekly flights between Malta and Italy, 48 weekly flights between Malta and France, 44 weekly flights between Malta and the United Kingdom and 40 weekly flights between Malta and Germany. The booking system will be open next Monday. The airline said that, according to plan, it has also launched its recruitment programme and will be seeking to recruit some 375 employees with the first call being made for captains and first officers. It will operate a young single-type aircraft fleet of eight Airbus 320NEOs, in a two-class configuration with a flexible business class cabin averaging 168 total saleable seats with up to 36 business class seats.

Foto: Agenzia Fotogramma

Source: medNews

DUBAI (ITALPRESS/MNA) – At COP28, a year after launching its “INSIEME 2025” Business Plan, SACE unveils its new ESG Strategy. This innovative approach is bound to revolutionize the Italian insurance-financial group’s business model, aligning it with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The primary goal of this strategy is to contribute to the community well-being and overall prosperity.
In front of an audience of more than 100 influential leaders from the GCC region, SACE presented its transformative strategy. This initiative will bring a substantial evolution in the company’s operational and business models. It integrates environmental, social, and governance criteria into every decision-making process and is underpinned by a scientific impact measurement system. Following the presentation, SACE also hosted a round table involving companies, financial institutions, and other stakeholders to explore solutions supporting this ESG evolution.
Accelerating companies’ transition represents the primary pillar of SACE’s Strategy, focusing on key sectors like renewable energy, circular economy, electric vehicles, and shared mobility. Particularly, it emphasizes SMEs, fostering a dedicated ecosystem for their development. The second pillar – becoming a “ESG Excellence Company” ensures the alignment of internal daily activities with ESG goals through initiatives reducing environmental impact, cultivating a sustainable supply chain, and nurturing sustainable leadership within SACE.
This strategy will be accompanied by an implementing Road Map, which will guide SACE in its evolution path by providing a clear and tangible direction to achieve ESG objectives. It will not only guide SACE during the Business Plan period (2024-2025) but also sets ambitious goals extending into 2030 and beyond.
“We are proud to unveil our ESG Strategy, a culmination of a year’s dedicated effort, especially on the grand stage of COP28 in the Gulf, a pivotal region influencing global energy balances and sustainability challenges,” stated Alessandra Ricci, CEO of SACE. “This Road Map is a collaborative endeavor involving all SACE stakeholders and our team. Together, we aim to amplify the impact of this transformative evolution”.
“This strategy embodies the dedication and passion of the SACE People seeking to embrace a new paradigm in their approach towards the world. Through our new ESG Strategy, the SACE Group embraces the challenges of sustainable development in an increasingly interconnected world, acknowledging that financial choices hold social and environmental repercussions, which, in turn, can have significant financial implications. Therefore, the decisions of a few can profoundly affect the well-being of many”, stated Michele De Capitani, Chief Financial & Sustainability Officer of SACE. “SACE’s commitment is dedicated to overseeing, monitoring, and influencing these interdependencies, not just for the benefit of shareholders but also for an expanding audience of stakeholders, encompassing the communities in which we operate”.

– Photo Sace press office –

(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

PALERMO (ITALPRESS/MNA) – Two liver transplants on two Maltese patients were performed within a few hours in Palermo, at the Mediterranean Transplant Institute. Ismett is an excellent facility with almost twenty years of experience to treat patients from abroad.

“This success is also thanks to an agreement signed in 2011 between the Italian and Maltese authorities,” said Maurizio Di Fresco, Ismett International Patients Manager, adding, “the agreement offers benefits for both Maltese patients who can receive medical treatment at ISMETT that is not available in Malta, and for Italian patients. In fact, Malta sends to Italy the organs that are not used when a donor is identified”.

Allan Vassallo and Carmen Abela describe their experience at Ismett. “I am very happy with the experience I had, doctors and nurses were very kind”, explained Allan Vassallo, adding, “everything went great. All the hospital staff did their best to take care of me. I felt at home, like at Mater Dei in Malta, where the medical staff gives their all. Compared to before, I feel much better now.”

Carmen Abela described her experience at Ismett as fabulous. “When I was in Malta I was given a double option on where to get the transplant: United Kingdom or Palermo. I chose Sicily because I thought I would feel more comfortable with the Italians. It was an exceptional experience, I was struck by the age of the healthcare staff as they are all very young. I noticed that everyone is up to date with medical developments. I am very happy to have made the right choice and chose Palermo for my medical treatment”.

– Photo Italpress –

(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews