LA VALLETTA (MALTA) (ITALPRESS/MNA) – The Maltese authorities are being accused of another push back of migrants. The latest accusations came from the non-governmental organisation Alarm Phone alleging that 71 migrants on a deflating rubber boat were pushed back out of the Maltàs search and rescue.
The group was later rescued by the ship ‘Geo Barents’ operated by another NGO Doctors Without Borders. It was confirmed that the rubber boat was taking on water in rough sea conditions, including strong winds and three meters high waves.
Earlier, Geo Barents, with 296 migrants aboard its rescue ship, was awaiting permission in waters off Malta to disembark. Six migrants tested positive for Covid-19. According to Doctors Withour Borders, it was difficult to keep the whole group of migrants sufficiently distant from the others due to the crowded conditions on board the ship.
According to Alarm Phone, the Maltese authorities were informed about the migrants in distress on Sunday morning and appealed to the authorities to “act immediately and to stop these crimes at sea.”
In another notification, Alarm Phone said it is in contact with another 68 people, including many children, who are in distress in Maltàs SAR and confirmed that the Maltese authorities were already alerted. “They have engine problems and face strong winds and rough seas. We demand European authorities respect the law and fulfill their responsibility!” Alarm Phone said, adding “they see an airplane above them, which we identify as a Frontex plane. The people on board ask why Europe just watches from above but doesn’t rescue them for over a day now.”
A recent European Commission report showed that migration in the Central Mediterranean route increased by 82% in 2021. However, the total number of arrivals in Malta during the same period decreased by 78%.
Maltese and Italian authorities are often accused of coordinating push backs to Libya. Both countries deny this accusation but a Council of Europe report published in March said repeated failures to respond and delays in attending to distress calls by Malta and other countries, “risked jeopardising the right to life of people at sea”.
(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

LA VALLETTA (MALTA) (ITALPRESS/MNA) – Malta was not removed from the grey list by the Financial Action Task Force following a three day virtual meeting of the internation group of anti-money laundering experts.
FATF President Marcus Pleyer stated that more work needs to be done by the Maltese authorities as none of the points on the action plan have been largely addressed until now. The implementation of anti-money laundering issues and the fighting tax crimes are amongst the points mentioned in Maltàs action plan which was agreed upon with FATF.
However, it was noticed that some good progress was made in the implementation of the action plan to address the grey-listing. Pleyer explained that since Maltàs grey-listing in June, fines have been issued for the filing of incorrect company ownership details with the Malta business registry.
Maltese Finance Minister Clyde Caruana acknowledged the negative impact the FATF grey-listing had on Maltàs attractiveness. A survey published by Ernest & Young concluded that For the first time ever, more foreign investors consider Malta to be currently unattractive for foreign direct investment. Only 37% of foreign investors deem Malta to be attractive for foreign direct investment and the recent FATF greylisting was highlighted as a major concern.
(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

LA VALLETTA (MALTA) (ITALPRESS/MNA) – The Planning authorities in Malta has approved the application for the construction of a gas pipeline between Malta and Sicily.
The plans foresee the construction of a terminal station at Delimara, south of Malta – constructed partially on reclaimed land and the laying of an offshore pipeline up to the median line between Delimara and the city of Gela.
The approval of the rest of the pipeline is up to Italy. In Gela, the pipeline would connect to the network operated by Snam, which is responsible for nearly all of Italy’s gas network.
The planning application had been submitted on July 2017.
The biggest obstacle to the 160km-long pipline is its cost: an estimated €400 million, which will need to be funded by Malta. Though Malta had hoped EU funds would cover a substantial proportion of the outlay, its hopes were dashed by the European Commission, which has deprioritised gas projects in favour of more ambitious climate change targets.
One possible option being considered by Malta, according to Energy Minister Miriam Dalli, is the construction of a hydrogen-ready pipeline. Energy Minister Miriam Dalli confirmed that Malta had successfully negotiated a derogation ensuring that a hydrogen-ready pipeline would be eligible for EU funds.
(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

LA VALLETTA (MALTA) (ITALPRESS/MNA) – A vigil for truth and justice was organised late Saturday evening in Valletta to commemorate the fourth anniversary from the killing of Maltese invesigative journalist Daphne Caruana Galizia.
A number of international speakers addressed the crowd during the vigil, including Italian Senator and journalist Sandro Ruotolo, the Mayor of Palermo Leoluca Orlando and Italian MEP Caterina Chinnici, daughter of the Sicilian judge Rocco Chinnici killed by the mafia in 1983.
In a recorded message from the city of Palermo, Mayor Leoluca Orlando said that four years after the killing of Daphne Caruana Galizia, the message of truth and justice is still valid. He added Daphne was killed by an organized crime system. “We know the history. The history of Palermo. The history of the Mafia. The mafia that was the face of the institutions. You too in Malta have the right to defend the institutions against the organised crime.”
Italian Senator Sandro Ruotolo declared “Daphne was right”, adding that four years after the killing of Caruana Galizia, he did not expect to reiterate his solidarity. “I was hoping for the whole truth to be revealed and justice to be done, but four years later we are here in this square more worried than ever because the threats against press freedom have increased, we do not know the wholte truth on the assassination of Daphne and justice needs to be served.” He also referred to Maltese politicians close to the Labour Government who were mentioned in the Panama Papers and to corrupt public contracts such as that in the field of energy supply, and who have not even been investigated.
In a video message, Italian MEP Caterina Chinnici said that despite knowing the danger she was working in, Daphne Caruana Galizia still worked to expose the truth and to defend the European fundamental rights such as freedom of the press, the good administration of justice and the rule of law.
Civil society movement Repubblika President Robert Aquilina called on the police chief and the attorney general to get their act together and prosecute whoever was involved in the corruptions scandals, Daphne Caruana Galizia uncovered.
Ricardo Gutièrrez from the European Federation of Journalists told the crowd “Daphne is a symbol. Daphne is a role model for all of us. We will never forget her. She is changing this country in ways that no one would have dared to consider.”
The legal advisor of the European Centre for Press and Media Freedom, Flutura Kusari called on Maltese Prime Minister Robert Abela and other political leaders to use their power to stop discrediting campaigns against those seeking justice for Daphne. “If anything happens to them or if the cases before the court fail, the Maltese state will be responsible.”
Rebecca Vincent from Reporters Without Borders said that although progress was registered in the investigations “wère not going anywhere until justice is fully served.
Tom Gibson from the Committee to Protect Journalists said that Daphnès murder was an attack on press freedom in Malta and against press freedom in Europe. “When they investigate and publish, they bring information to our attention. They strengthen our systems. They strengthen us. The protection of this is such as an important aspect of Daphnès legacy.” Gibson said Daphne Caruana Galiziàs memory will be preserved around Europe, and other journalists will follow in her footsteps.
Earlier in the afternoon, a silent gathering in memory of the murdered Daphne Caruana Galizia was held in Bidnija, the same place where Daphne lived and was assassinated in a car bomb. Activists carried a large banner with a message “Daphne was right” and laid flowers and candles.
Today’s commemoration has also inspired many international figures and institutions to speak up for the importance of Maltàs press freedom, rule of law, and a clear call for justice.
12 international press freedom organisations stated that “it is deeply unsettling to reiterate, four years on, our call for justice for this heinous attack as impunity continues to fester.”
Dunja Mijatovic, the Council of Europe Commissioner for Human Rights described Daphne Caruana Galizia as “a courageous woman and a brilliant journalist who used her skills to speak truth to power. She served the public good, believing in the power of journalism to build a more just society.” Paying tribute to the journalist, Mijatovic added “despite herself, Daphne became the symbol of all the threats against journalists when she was brutally killed four years ago.”
Additionally, the United States embassy in Malta has called for a thorough, transparent, timely, and credible conclusion to the investigations into her murder.
So far, one of three men accused of planting the car bomb pleaded guilty and was jailed for 15 years. However, brothers George and Alfred Degiorgio are still awaiting trial while Maltàs attorney general has called for a life sentence for businessman Yorgen Fenech for allegedly masterminding the murder.
(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

LA VALLETTA (MALTA) (ITALPRESS/MNA) – The Maltese authorities will ease more COVID-19 restrictive measures related to mass events as from next Monday. This was confirmed by the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Health Chris Fearne while confirming that the coronavirus is under control.
At the moment, 11 patients positive to COVID-19 are recieving treatment at Mater Dei Hospital. Only one is in intensive care. Recently, the Maltese health authorties confirmed some isolated cases in schools, however no COVID-19 clusters were registered. No deaths were reported this week while the total number of active cases stands at 290.
The Deputy Prime Minister said that restrictions will be applicable for events which are open to fully vaccinated individuals.
As from Monday, children under the age of 12, who cannot get the jab yet, will no longer require a recent rapid test or a PCR when attending events with a fully vaccinated guardian or parent.
The health authorities will also ease the measure relating to the number of people seated at table, which will go up to eight individuals per table.
In case of fully vaccinated individuals, outdoor tables can be set at 1m distance from each other instead of 2 meters, while in case of indoor tables these can be placed at 1.5 meters away from each other instead of two.
Public transport including the fast ferries, will be allowed to take up to 80% of their capacity.
(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

VALLETTA (MALTA) (ITALPRESS/MNA) – Maltese Prime Minister Robert Abela confirmed today that Pope Francis will be visiting Malta during the first three months of next year. The announcement was made by the Maltese Prime Minister following a private audience with the Head of the Catholic Church at the Vatican.

Euro-Med affairs, migration, climate change, the contribution of Christianity to the history, culture and life of Malta, and the Church’s interest in human and social development in Malta, particularly education and welfare services were the main issues discussed between the Pontiff and Prime Minister Abela.

Pope Francis was accompanied by the Secretary of State, Cardinal Pietro Parolin, and Archbishop Paul Richard Gallagher, Secretary for Relations with States. According to the Vatican Press Office, the relations and collaboration between the Church and the State of Malta were also discussed during the meeting, and were described as “healthy”.

Pope Francis’ pastoral visit was planned for this year, but it was postponed due to concerns over an increase in COVID-19 cases and the forthcoming general election.
(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

LA VALLETTA (MALTA) (ITALPRESS/MNA) – Pope Francis’ visit to Malta will not take place this year as indicated earlier on this year. Although no official communication was made by the Archbishop Curia in Malta, local reports revealed that concerns of an increase in Covid-19 cases in Malta and speculation about a general election campaign in Malta within the next six months are the reasons behind the postponement.
The Maltese government was already made aware that no Papal visit would take place close to a general election.
This is the second time this year that Pope Francis’ visit to Malta has been postponed. In March 2020, both the Vatican and the Archbishop Curia announced that due to the pandemic situation, the Papal trip to Malta which was scheduled in May has been postponed.
(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

LA VALLETTA (MALTA) (ITALPRESS/MNA) – The Maltese government is proposing a €6.25 billion metro project that would be ready in 20 years or four term government terms. The studies were published by Maltese Prime Minister Robert Abela.

The proposed metro system is similar to those in international cities of similar size and will include three metro lines with a total of 35 km of tracks and 25 stations across Maltàs main urban area. The system will be almost entirely underground. According to the plans, Gozo will not be included.

The three lines being proposed are the Northern Line serving Naxxar – Pembroke area, the Southern Line serving Cospicua -Mater Dei Hospital – Malta International Airport, and the Central Line Mrie?el – Valletta. Eventually, the Northern Line can be extended to serve Bu?ibba and St Paul’s Bay.

Donal McDaid, a mass transportation expert from Arup highlighted that the proposed system would address the urgent to reduce traffic congestion in Malta. McDaid said that the underground metro system matches most with Maltàs needs.

(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

VALLETTA (MALTA) (ITALPRESS/MNA) – The migrant community in Malta met in the capital city Valletta to protest against the inhumane treatment by the local authorities and public entities. The protest ended infront of the Home Affairs Ministry where the migrants presented proposals asking for more rights.
The proposals include granting citizenship to children born to migrant parents in Malta and access to social welfare such as children’s allowance for parents who pay their taxes regularly.
The protesters accused the home affairs ministry, and Identity Malta, among the authorities which they said treat them unfairly and hardheartedly. The migrants said they have serious concerns about the ways in which goverment’s entities staff and personnel address, treat and discriminate against migrants and asylum seekers by using anti-racism, anti-discrimination, and hate speech towards them.
The protest comes days after a migrant worker, 32-year-old Jaiteh Lamin from Ghana was last week dumped by his boss on a sidewalk after suffering serious injuries on a construction site because the migrant was working without a work permit.
Malta has registered an increase in violence against foreigners. In 2019, a migrant from Ivory Coast, Lassana Cisse was murdered in a drive-by shooting close to one of the migrants’ open centre. Two soldiers from the Armed Forces of Malta were accused with the murder.
(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

LA VALLETTA (MALTA) (ITALPRESS/MNA) – A 68-year old Italian-American national was released from his arrest in Malta following accusations of $50 million fraud at the expense of the United States Navy. The Italian-American national was arrested last Monday following a join operation by the Maltese and American authories. He arrived in Malta last Sunday and was staying in St. Julian’s.

The Office of the Attorney General filed a legal request for the re-arrest of Frank Salvatore Rafaraci who is wanted by the District Court of Columbia in the US.

The man had been suspected as a participant in a scheme that used falsified invoices and receipts for equipment and supplies provided to the US Navy. It is also alleged that he paid tens of thousands of euro to bribe US government officials in exchange for sensitive information on future military Navy contracts. It is also believed that Rafaraci and his partners laundered the funds using shell companies, evading millions of dollars in US taxes.

The accusations include conspiracy to commit bribery, wire fraud and conspiracy to commit money laundering.

The court in Malta declared that Rafaracìs arrest had no basis according to law and ordered his release. However, the Office of the Attorney General said that he is effectively free to escape from Malta without having gone through a legal process to be extradited.
(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews