Thursday, June 30, 2016
Portugal beat Poland on penalties to reach semi-final
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Major international drug bust on cocaine headed for Europe
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Tanker with illicit diesel intended for Malta intercepted by Libyan authorities - news portal
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The value of disruption
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Rhexit! Black Rhino Leaves Europe For New Home
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Boost for Birkirkara after 1-1 draw at Bosnia's NK Siroki
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Fish quotes would deal blow to Malta
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€1 million award slashed to €25,000 in appeal
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Pentagon ends ban on transgender troops in military
The Pentagon will let transgender individuals serve openly in the US military, ending one of the last bans on service in the armed forces. Defence Secretary Ash Carter announced the change on Thursday. Mr Carter said it is the right thing to do. He said only a person's qualifications should matter, and that there should be no other unrelated barriers to service. Mr Carter's announcement comes despite concerns from senior military leaders that the department is moving too fast and that more time is needed to work through the changes. The changes will be phased in over a year. But by October 1, transgender troops should be able to receive medical care and begin formally changing their gender identification in the Pentagon's personnel system.
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Government issues tender for the €1.5m restructuring of the Fruit and Vegetables market in Ta’ Qali
Parliamentary Secretary for Agriculture Rodercik Galdes announced that the government has started a tendering process for the restructuring work in the Fruit and Vegetable Market in Ta' Qali. He said the intention is to create a structure similar to what was set up at the new fish market in Marsa earlier this year. The tendering process for the works has already started so that the work can start as soon as possible.
The Parliamentary Secretary was speaking during the government public consultation meeting "Gvern li Jisma'" held at Castille. The works which will be carried out in Ta' Qali are expected to cost some €1.5 million.
During this evening's session, Minister for the Environment, Jose' Herrera, who also participated in the event, insisted that developers can also be environmentalists, and that the two do not need to be distinguished from each other. The Minister said he is committed to keep making a difference and to improve the natural environment in Malta. Dr Herrera said that natural environment does not only interest the environmentalists, but it also effects future generations to come.
According to the Minister, the next big environmental issue in Malta will be that on dealing with waste accumulation.
On the pilot project of the organic bag, Minister Herrera said that already, some 1,000 tonnes of organic waste was collected. This is why, he said, that the government intends to expand the initiative.
Parliamentary Secretary for Agriculture, Roderick Galdes said that agriculture constitutes 40% of the total budget of the European Union. He said Europe is facing a crisis in agriculture, including in the production of milk. The Parliamentary Secretary said that the importation of pork has affected local farmers and the government had to intervene to avoid a natural death.
On animal welfare, Dr Galdes said that the government is ready to lend an ear to all environmental NGOs.
The Parliamentary Secretary said that the local authorities are discussing proposals to safeguard swordfish population in Maltese waters. He confirmed that during the Maltese EU presidency, the government will dedicate a session which will include meetings with Ministers from Africa to discuss measures related to fishing.
He said that the government does not agree with the EU quotas. "These quotas will kill the Maltese fishing tradition, as our percentage compared to countries like Italy, is very small," he added.
On the Azure Window, Minister Herrera said that in the coming weeks, he will announce a number of measures which will preserve the area. He explained that the government will be launching a management plan headed by a University Professor. But details on this measure are expected to be announced in a separate press conference. He only revealed that a UNESCO representative will be participating in the master plan.
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Balzan go down to Neftchi
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Tourist cleans up beaches and encourages others to do the same
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Scholarships based on profit are holding back research – academics
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In the summertime
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Wednesday, June 29, 2016
Brexit is a test of the extent of political deafness
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Lessons from Brexit
The areas in the UK most affected by unrestrained migration, albeit far too late, have said enough. England itself had suffered from various types of migrants, many of whom never integrated and have no intention to. I am not averse to welcoming foreigners so long as these accept integration and respect our culture. This has nothing to do with religion. Malta has a grand history of tolerance so long as the respect is mutual. One sore point involves women. I cannot understand why the feminist movements have never insisted that every woman would enjoy full rights and not be a slave to nomadic... This article is part of our premium content. Full story is available on Times of Malta Premium.
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MADC’s love story with Shakespeare
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New manager for advisory services at KSi Malta
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MPG appoints new general counsel in Malta
Richard Ambery has been appointed as MPG's general counsel by Managing Partners Group, the international boutique asset manager. Mr Ambery joins MPG from Malta-based Ganado Advocates, where he was partner and head of capital markets. He began his career in 1988 in debt securities sales and trading at Security Pacific Hoare Govett before switching disciplines and becoming a trainee solicitor then associate at Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer. He later worked for Clifford Chance, Dechert, Mayer Brown, Paul Hastings and Arthur Cox. He is a member of the investment and capital markets committee... This article is part of our premium content. Full story is available on Times of Malta Premium.
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Inflection point
In the aftermath of Britain's historic referendum on EU membership, we may pause to reflect that April 22 was the inflection point in the campaign. The opinion polls until that date were projecting a Leave vote at 40 per cent… and then President Barack Obama landed on British soil to issue a dire warning as to the consequences for our "special relationship" should we have the audacity to vote Leave. By early May, the Leave vote had risen in the polls to 48 per cent. The moral of this story? It looks as though the British don't enjoy being pushed around! This article is part of our premium content. Full story is available on Times of Malta Premium.
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Jazz nights in Valletta
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General manager for Microsoft’s public sector division
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Watch: Istanbul airport attackers seized on chaos to cause carnage
It was an attack that echoed the carnage earlier this year at the Brussels airport, down to the taxi that carried the men to their target: Inciting panic and then taking lethal advantage, three suicide attackers unleashed a deadly tide of bullets and bombs at Istanbul's Ataturk Airport, leaving 42 dead.
Authorities blamed the Islamic State group for the blood bath late Tuesday, a coordinated assault on one of the world's busiest airports and on a key NATO ally that plays a crucial role in the fight against the extremist group.
There was no immediate claim of responsibility by the militant group.
Although the attack took a heavy toll, the assailants were initially thwarted by the extensive security on the airport's perimeter, Turkish officials said.
"When the terrorists couldn't pass the regular security system, when they couldn't pass the scanners, police and security controls, they returned and took their weapons out of their suitcases and opened fire at random at the security check," Turkish Prime Minister Binali Yildirim said.
One attacker detonated his explosives downstairs at the arrivals terminal, one went upstairs and blew himself up in the departure hall, and the third waited outside for the fleeing crowd and caused the final lethal blast, two Turkish officials said, speaking on condition of anonymity because they weren't authorized to speak about the investigation publicly. None of the attackers were Turks, a third official said.
As the chaos unfolded, terrified travelers were sent running first from one explosion and then another. Airport surveillance video showed a panicked crowd of people, some rolling suitcases behind them, stampeding down a corridor, looking fearfully over their shoulders.
Other surveillance footage posted on social media showed one explosion, a ball of fire that sent terrified passengers racing for cover. Another showed an attacker, felled by a gunshot from a security officer, blowing himself up seconds later.
Cihan Tunctas had just disembarked from a flight from Azerbaijan when he heard the sound of gunfire.
"Then the bomb exploded. We were at the exit and ... the roof collapsed on our heads," Tunctas said. The group tried to escape, but their path was blocked by the arrival of a second attacker.
"Two of the security guards noticed him. They walked toward him. Just as they were walking toward him, I turned that way. They just caught him and at that moment he detonated the bomb."
Investigators later found a Kalashnikov assault rifle, a handgun and two grenades on the bodies, according to the state-run Anadolu news service. Raids at two addresses also uncovered encrypted organizational documents and computer files, the news agency said.
Although the government quickly blamed the Islamic State, there was no immediate claim of responsibility by the extremist group, which did not mention the bloodshed on its social media sites Wednesday. However, an infographic released to celebrate the second anniversary of its self-proclaimed caliphate claimed to have "covert units" in Turkey and other countries.
Islamic State, however, rarely claims attacks in Turkey. One possible reason is a reluctance to be seen as killing fellow Muslims, said Anthony Skinner, director of the analyst group Verisk Maplecroft. Another is its desire to exploit the violent rift between Turkey and Kurdish rebels, he said.
"It very clearly meets Islamic State's strategic objectives to leave this ambiguity," Skinner said.
Yildirim, the Turkish prime minister, also suggested the attack could be linked to steps Ankara took Monday toward mending strained ties with Israel and Russia. Late Wednesday, he told the Turkish public the authorities were increasingly convinced that the Islamic State group, also known as Daesh, was responsible for the ghastly attack.
"Our thought that it is Daesh, continues to gain weight," Yildirim said.
A key partner in the U.S.-led coalition against the Islamic State group, Turkey faces an array of security threats from other groups as well, including ultra-left radicals and Kurdish rebels demanding greater autonomy in the restive southeast.
The country shares long, porous borders with both Syria and Iraq, where IS controls large pockets of territory, and the government has blamed IS for several major bombings over the past year, including in the capital Ankara, and on tourists in Istanbul.
"The reality is that Turkey is situated in a very vulnerable situation, geographically speaking," Skinner said.
Victims in Tuesday's attack included at least 13 foreigners and several people remained unidentified Wednesday. The Istanbul governor's office said more than 230 people were wounded and dozens remained in critical condition.
Among the dead was Muhammed Eymen Demirci, who had just landed a job on the airport's ground services crew after more than a year of unemployment: "I got the job bro!" the 25-year-old texted a friend in May.
He died while waiting for a bus after his shift. A childhood friend who had helped Demirci get the job was devastated. "He was such a friendly person, a man who fought for his ideals," Deniz Dogan told The Associated Press. "Now I wish he hadn't gotten the job."
"So, what can we think? We cannot think anything," said Ali Batur, whose brother also died. "A terror attack might happen everywhere, it does happen everywhere."
Dozens of anxious friends and relatives waited Wednesday outside Istanbul's Bakirkoy Hospital.
"You can hear that people are wailing here," said Serdar Tatlisu, a relative of a victim. "We cannot cope anymore, we can't just stay still. We need some kind of solution for whatever problem there is."
Funerals for some of the victims began Wednesday as Turkish authorities sought to put together an attack timeline, going through surveillance footage and interviewing witnesses. A Turkish court imposed a media ban on any information not officially released by the government.
The devastation at Istanbul's airport was a reminder of the March 22 attack on the Brussels airport, where two suicide bombings ripped through check-in counters, killing 16 people. The Islamic State group claimed responsibility for that attack, as well as an explosion the same day at a Brussels subway station that killed 16 more people.
As dawn broke Wednesday, workers were removing debris from the Istanbul airport and mere hours after the terminal erupted into chaos, it reopened to flights. It took 12 days for flights to resume in Brussels, and more than two months for the terminal building to fully reopen.
Turkey has suffered a series of attacks that have frightened away visitors and devastated its economy, which relies heavily on tourism.
The government has stepped up controls at airports and land borders and deported thousands of foreign fighters, but has struggled to tackle the extremist threat while also conducting security operations against Kurdish rebels. Turkish airports have security checks at both the entrances to terminal buildings and before the entrances to departure gates.
This year alone, a Jan. 12 attack that Turkish authorities blamed on IS claimed the lives of a dozen German tourists visiting Istanbul's historic sites. On March 19, a suicide bombing rocked Istanbul's main pedestrian street, killing five people, including the bomber, whom the authorities identified as a Turkish national linked to IS.
Last October, twin suicide bombings hit a peace rally outside Ankara's train station, killing 103 people. There was no claim of responsibility but Turkish authorities blamed it on an Islamic State cell.
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Jesus Christ film coming to virtual reality
The story of Jesus Christ is coming to virtual reality for the first time.
Autumn Productions and VRWerx announced plans Wednesday to release the live-action film "Jesus VR — The Story of Christ" on all major VR platforms this Christmas.
The 90-minute movie will depict such events as Jesus' birth, baptism, crucifixion and resurrection in 360 degrees. "Jesus VR" was filmed in 4K resolution on location in Matera, Italy.
The movie will be available for rent or purchase for VR systems such as Samsung Gear, Oculus Rift, PlayStation VR and HTC Vive
The film is directed by David Hansen and stars Tim Fellingham as Jesus. "The Passion of the Christ" executive producer Enzo Sisti is among the producers.
VRWerx previously created a VR game based on the "Paranormal Activity" film franchise.
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Loss aside, tennis teacher revels in chance to face Federer
How much money might you be willing to pay for the once-in-a-lifetime chance to play tennis against Roger Federer on Centre Court at Wimbledon?
Or merely for the chance to emerge from the tunnel leading out to the green grass there and hear the full-throated yells of nearly 15,000 standing, clapping spectators pulling for you?
Or, perhaps best of all, for the chance to look up at a guest box and see your parents, sister, brother and cousin leaping out of their seats, rejoicing, after you conjured up a beautifully curled lob that floated over the man considered by many to be the sport's greatest player in history and landed in to win a 14-stroke exchange?
Marcus Willis, who lives at home with Mom and Dad and works as a tennis instructor at a club in central England, got to experience all of that and more Wednesday, and it didn't cost the 25-year-old a dime. Actually, Willis earned the biggest paycheck of his career despite winding up with the sort of result everyone expected when a guy ranked 772nd in the world somehow found himself across the net from the man who spent more weeks at No. 1 than anyone: a 6-0, 6-3, 6-4 victory for Federer in the second round at the All England Club.
"I did look up twice as I bounced the ball, and saw Roger Federer, and thought, 'Oh, haven't seen this before,'" Willis said. "Yeah, it was surreal. ... I had to get used to it and play."
He earned the right to be out there against the 17-time Grand Slam champion thanks to an improbable, straight-from-a-screenplay couple of weeks that included victories in three matches during a playoff for low-ranked British players, three more in the qualifying rounds at Wimbledon, and then another Monday in his very first tour-level match.
"It's all been incredible and a bit of a blur," said Willis, a left-hander with a strong serve who slices shots off both wings. "I've gone from one extreme to the other in a matter of days."
Willis, who charges about $40 per hour for lessons, truly became an overnight sensation. His girlfriend — who, in keeping with the Hollywood nature of the whole episode, recently persuaded him not to give up on his dream of being a regular on the professional tour — was interviewed on the BBC. So were his family members. His loud group of supporters, who led rowdy chants that reverberated under the closed roof at the generally staid venue, got the TV treatment, too.
"I said a few days ago: This story is gold," Federer said. "He's got a career after this. He definitely made the most of it."
Federer's career prize money is just shy of $100 million, and that doesn't include plenty from endorsement deals. Willis entered Wimbledon with about $350 this year and less than $100,000 for his career in prize money — and, needless to say, zero endorsements. On Wednesday, Willis' white shirt, which he bought about a year ago, was made by Federer's apparel sponsor and had the gray initials "RF" etched on the left sleeve.
On another rain-filled day that left a dozen men still unable to complete their first-round matches while No. 3 Federer and No. 1 Novak Djokovic moved into the third, Willis stepped out on court with a wave and the widest smile imaginable, shaking his head at the scene.
He found other reasons to grin and revel in the moment. That shot in the third game that even Federer applauded and allowed Willis to boast with a chuckle later: "I can say, 'I lobbed Roger Federer.'" A 113 mph ace Willis celebrated with arms raised. A forehand winner that finally, a half-hour and more than a set in, gave Willis his first game — and created pandemonium in the stands.
More often, of course, things did not go his way. Willis, who leaves with a check for 50,000 pounds (about $67,000), would produce a genuinely impressive shot, only to see Federer top it, including with several no-look, over-the-shoulder volleys. Here's guessing that Willis' opponents in local leagues do not wield a racket quite the way Federer can.
"You can't leave the ball anywhere short or high. It's just gone," Willis said. "He's just ridiculous."
Willis, it turns out, made an impression on Federer, too.
"As I was playing," Federer said, "I was thinking ... 'This is definitely one of the matches I'll remember.'"
Imagine, then, how Willis felt about the 1 hour, 25 minutes they spent together on the world's most famous tennis court.
"Not my standard Wednesday, that," everyman's everyman said at the end of it all. "Next Wednesday might be quite different."
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Waterpolo: Champions are now a point adrift of joint leaders
Valletta McDonalds 6 San Giljan Salini Resort 15
(1-3, 1-4, 2-3, 2-5)
The Saints were back after their drubbing by Neptunes, just days ago. They dominated the match against the Citizens, who could have gone to the top of the standings with a victory, As it was San Giljan wanted to show that their stumble against Neptunes was a one-off, and they subjected Valletta to a hard time. The Citizens' danger man, Russian, Dmitri Kholod, was well marked by Boris Vapenski, although in return, Michael Spiteri Staines found acres of space, to notch a nap hand of goals for Valletta. Dino Zammit returned with a bang in the Saints' ranks, scoring a poker of goals, as did Peter Borg, who went into the water at opportune times. Marko Orlovic's vociferous leadership, for the champions, caused him two yellow cards, and a dismissal, late in the match. Valletta had Daniel Spiteri in lieu of Andrew Agius for this match. Valleta managed three goals from seven man ups, with the Saints doing better, failing only once in five occasions.
Aurelien Cousin and Dino Zammit began for the champions, with Spiteri Staines obtaining his first strike for Valletta. Clint Mercieca again gave the Saints a double advantage. In the next session Matthew Zammit increased San Giljan's advantage, with Daniel Paolella getting Valletta's second goal. Till the end of the period the Saints eased away from the Citizens with a trio of goals, by Borg, Dino Zammit and Cousin, for a 7-2 halftime lead.
After the break the champions continued on teir way, netting through Dino Zammit and Borg. Valletta returned briefly, with a couple of strikes, from Spiteri Staines, but in between Matthew Zammit grabbed a goal for San Giljan, who went into the last quarter on a healthy 10-4 advantage. Borg again netted for teh champions, but Spiteri staines was still a thorn in the opposing defence, shooting home two more golas. After Orlovic received his marching orders, the Saints ended the encounter on a top note, scoring no less than four times in the remaining time. These came from Borg, Vapenski, Cousin and Dino Zammit, to enhance San giljan's victory.
Valletta: R. Sciortino , J. Spiteri Staines , D. Spiteri , M. Rizzo , A. Mifsud , R. Mock , D. Paolella 1, N. Bonello Ghio , M. Cordina , C. Zammit , D. Kholod , A. Zarb Cousin , M. Spiteri Staines 5
San Giljan: J. Sammut , P. Borg 4, A. Galea , B. Vapenski 1, Da. Zammit 6 , M. Zammit 2, K. Galea , C. Mercieca 1, B. Plumpton , A. Cousin 3, P. Fava , D. Zammit 4, D. Camilleri
Referees: P. Balzan, V. Frauenfelder
BOV 1 Div.
M'scala make sure in the last session
M'scala Nutrition Empire 12 Ta Xbiex Amigos 9
(3-3, 3-1, 0-3, 6-2)
M'scala did the league double over Ta Xbiex, but they had a tough time to do it, and it was only in the last quarter that Ta Xbiex had to bow their heads, after a good comeback, which had two goals in front. The only change from both sides was Andrew Sammut, for ta Xbiex, who took the place of Kurt Mock. M'scala scored three times from seven man ups, with Ta Xbiex doing well, netting four times from a total of six.
M'scala were in front on three ocasions, in the opening session, with ta Xbiex tying the score each time. Stephen Micallef, Clyde Bonello and Jean claude Cutajar scored for the Skalin, with an Adam Maklari penalty, Michele Mifsud and again Maklari in response for Ta Xbiex. In teh second period M'scala forged ahead again, with Bonello and Gabor Kovac goals. Mifsud replied for Ta Xbiex, but Micallef had M'scala on a 6-4 halftime advantage.
After teh break Ta Xbiex were a transformesd side, as they swwept past their opponents, with a three goal burst. Mifsud, Maklari and Edward Meli had Ta Xbiex in front, at 7-6, for the first time. Mifsud doubled their advantage in the last period, but M'scala rallied abck in style, with a four goal spell, by Liam Grixti, a Kovacs penalty, Cutajar and Matthew Pace, to regain their advantage. A second maklari penaly had Ta Xbiex just a goal in arrears, but two Kovacs strikes, at the other end, the first from another penalty, assured M'scala of their third win , keeping their second spot in the standings.
Three players managed a p[oker of goals for their side, Gabor Kovacs for M'scala and Adam maklari and Michele Mifsud for Ta Xbiex.
M'scala: K. Schembri , JC Cutajar 2, J. Busuttil , C. Bonello 2, J. Bajada , L. Grixti1, G. Kovacs 4, J. Cremona , S. Micallef 2, M. Pace 1, D. Cassar , O. Zammit , B. Dougall
Ta Xbiex: J. Tanti , A. Maklari 4, A. Camenzuli , B. Grech , E. Meli 1, A. Sammut , M. Mifsud 4, D. Schembri , G. Attard , D. Fenech , R. Attard , J. Zerafa Gregory , J. Micallef
Referees: M. Angileri, V. Frauenfelder
BOV 1 Div.
M'xlokk consolidate their top position
Otters Nive4a 7 M'xlokk Fischer 15
(3-3, 2-4, 1-4, 1-4)
M'xlokk needed a victory to stand alone again, at the top of the table. They achieved this with their second win over the Gozitans, which came about after the interval, when M'xlokk broke clear of their adversaries, to notch their high score victory.Otters had David dimech instead of Steve Dimech. M'xlokk started with Nello Xuereb in goal, although David Abela then took his place after the interval. Kyle Debattista was on, vice Sean Meli, and there was Ivan Vuksanovic making his first outing, in place of Ivan Basara, and also netting a five goal burst, along with Claudio Spiteri de Barro and Ranier Scerri, who managed four goals each. Marko Jelaka obtained an Otters' hat trick.
The opening session finished evens, with M'xlokk twice taking a double lead. Vuksanovic, and two Scerri goals for the Xlukkajri, and Georg Debono, and a brace from Jelaka for Otters. In the second session Vuksanovic shot against the woodwork in a penalty for M'xlokk, but his side broke free, with two Spiteri de Barro goals, and another by Vuksanovic. The Gozitans reacted with Max Borg and Michael Borg Millo strikes. Spiteri de Barro took M'xlokk to a 7-5 advantage, into the interval.
After the break Scerri, Spiteri de Barro and Karl Galea nad Vuksanovic had M'xlokk opening a good lead, with Jelaka scoring once more for Otters, as M'xlokk were 11-6 ahead. In the last quarter there was a repeat of the third session score, with Vuksanovic adding two more goals, along with others by Galea and Scerri. Luke Hyzler netted the Gozitans' last goal, but M'xlokk had already made sure of the result.
Otters: R. Bonnici , M. Borg Millo1, R. Greco , L. Hyzler 1, K. Scicluna ,D. Dimech , G. Mizzi , M. Jelaka 3, L. Peric , G. Debono 1, M. Borg 1, R. Gauci , M. Xerri
M'xlokk: N. Xuereb , C. Spiteri de Barro 4, L. Calleja , K. Galea 2, C. Gialanze , C. Bugeja , K. Debattista , I. Vuksanovic 5, B. Buhagiar , R. Scerri 4, K. Navarro , GL Busuttil, D. Abela
Referees: A. Goncharenko, M. Luciani
Standings
BOV Premier
Neptunes Grimaldi 4 2 2 0 46 30 8
Sliema Betsson 4 2 2 0 38 29 8
San Giljan Salini Resort 4 2 1 1 50 42 7
Valletta McDonalds 4 2 0 2 36 44 6
Sirens Ritter Sport 4 1 1 2 38 40 4
Exiles Jetfreight 4 0 0 4 29 52 0
BOV 1 Div.
M'xlokk Fischer 4 4 0 0 57 30 12
M'scala Nutrition Empire 4 3 0 1 41 33 9
Ta Xbiex Amigos 4 1 0 3 32 41 3
Otters Nivea 4 0 0 4 31 57 0
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Leo Brincat hearing for ECA post postponed to September
Malta's place in the European Court of Auditors will be delayed once again after Leo Brincat's hearing has been postponed to September.
Mr Brincat's session with the European Parliament's budgetary committee was scheduled for last Monday, but the EP scheduled had to be changed after the British voted to leave the European Union, sparking rounds of debates on how the EU will tackle this unprecedented scenario.
Mr Brincat's session will now take place on 5 September.
He is the second candidate proposed by the Maltese government after Dr Toni Abela's nomination was rejected.
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Editor's choice of your photos - June 29
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Breakaway Catholic group accuses Pope Francis of spreading errors
A breakaway traditionalist Catholic group accused Pope Francis on Wednesday of spreading confusion and errors about the faith, joining a chorus of conservative criticism over his perceived lax doctrine and emphasis on mercy at the expense of morals.
A statement from the schismatic Society of St. Pius X suggested that a new attempt at reconciliation with Rome had stalled, or that the society itself was divided over next steps and decided at least to take a hard line against Francis.
The statement, issued after a meeting of the society's superiors, said its members weren't primarily looking for a legal resolution to their schismatic status but eager to return Catholic tradition to a church where "great and painful confusion" currently reigns.
It said errors had made their way into doctrine "that are unfortunately encouraged by a large number of pastors, including the pope himself."
"The Society of St. Pius X prays and does penance for the pope, that he might have the strength to proclaim Catholic faith and morals in their entirety," it said.
The late Archbishop Marcel Lefebvre founded the society in 1969, opposed to the Second Vatican Council's modernizing reforms. In 1988, the Vatican excommunicated Lefebvre and four other bishops after Lefebvre consecrated them without papal consent.
Emeritus Pope Benedict XVI had made reconciling a priority, but three years of doctrinal talks collapsed in 2012. Talks resumed in 2014 and Francis met with the head of the society, Bishop Bernard Fellay, in April, signaling possible progress.
But Francis is no friend of Catholic traditionalists. He has riled them and other conservatives with a host of comments they say are sowing confusion about core church teachings on family, sex and other hot-button issues.
Francis fueled those criticisms this month during an off-the-cuff session with Rome priests and laity, where he criticized rigid readings of doctrine and suggested that he approved of pre-marital cohabitation so young couples know what they're getting into when they marry.
"I have seen so much loyalty in these cohabitations, so much loyalty, and I'm sure that this is a true marriage, they have the grace of marriage simply because of the loyalty that they have," he said.
Such couples, he has argued, should be accompanied by church pastors and encouraged to enter into a sacramental marriage, not shunned as people living in sin.
In its statement, the society said the resolution of its status "cannot happen without the support of a pope who concretely favors the return to sacred tradition," but regardless it would continue working to spread the faith.
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NGO application could halt development of Wied Garnaw home
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Tuesday, June 28, 2016
Ten killed in explosions at Istanbul airport
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Watch: Girl, 6, shows how homeless children are treated
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Thousands entertained at Isle of MTV
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New executive head of Environment and Resources Authority
Ruben Abela has been appointed the first executive head of the Environment and Resources Authority.
Mr Abela is specialised in restoration and historic buildings and in the management of planning and environment.
He occupied managerial positions within the authority for many years and was also manager of the projects section of Heritage Malta, as well as project leader of the Fort St Angelo project.
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PN MP Portelli speaks for WSC employees who feel cheated by new workers and questionable promotions
PN MP Marthese Portelli took on a workers' stance in parliament this evening while delivering an adjournment speech specifically focusing on employees of the Water Services Corporation who are experiencing a large influx of employees who are seemingly without a particular role. There is also an issue of questionable promotions being given haphazardly for no apparent reason.
The Opposition MP addressed both the Prime Minister, as the WSC falls under his responsibility "on paper" and to No-Portfolio Minister Konrad Mizzi. Dr Portelli said "on paper" because "when you speak to the workers they tell you that when they have a problem they are sent to a certain Abdilla who was and still is Konrad Mizzi's customer care." She also pointed out that "even the motion for the WSC estimates to be discussed was put forward by Konrad Mizzi."
The employees themselves who Dr Portelli met with complained of new employees being hired carelessly; promotions are being granted equally carelessly; nobody can understand how certain people have been given certain positions; nobody can clearly understand the role of a number of people; and finally a number of the new people are barely doing any work while their colleagues pick up the slack.
Dr Portelli then explained that over 180 new employees have been employed by the WSC with employees calling the WSC a "family business" rife with nepotism. The MP also asked, "Are the promotions all justified? Or are they being handed out like cheesecakes?"
Dr Portelli asked whether this is one of the ways that the PL government is reducing unemployment, by merely injecting the WSC with new employees to the detriment of the existing ones. In a series of reiterated and previously unanswered questions to Dr Mizzi, Dr Portelli asked where all the new paycheques are coming from.
She also asked whether this is the reason why engineers have a reduced 'drainage allowance' asking the Minister directly: "You do you agree with how these engineers are being treated? Why haven't you done anything about this decision taken by your people?"
The PN MP also pointed out concerns which the Opposition had last year regarding the role of an Executive Chairman. Dr Portelli reminded the serious doubts about why the Chairman was given the title of Executive Chairman which, at the time, were answered by the government explaining that the decision was made in order to save money by paying one salary rather than one for a Chairperson and another for a Chief Executive Officer.
Dr Portelli said that today, the two roles have become separate once more with the Executive Chairperson at the time being given a position of trust with Projects Malta. This led the MP to the conclusion that "the move wasn't to save money, but to have a cushy job with a good remuneration for the Executive Chairman."
Dr Portelli said that she hopes that "we will not see a replica of what happened with Enemalta where first people were sacked by being politely told to leave and find work elsewhere and now they are hiring people to fill the void left by the people who were sacked or transferred."
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Arbiter insists on complaints in Maltese
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Falcone goal gives Valletta narrow lead
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Ruben Abela appointed executive head of Environment and Resources Authority
Ruben Abela has been appointed the first executive head of the Environment and Resources Authority. Mr Abela is specialised in restoration and historic buildings and in the management of planning and environment. He occupied managerial positions within the authority for many years and was also manager of the projects section of Heritage Malta, as well as project leader of the Fort St Angelo project.
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Mario Galea appointed Malta Enterprise CEO
Mario Galea has been appointed CEO of Malta Enterprise, the government said this evening. His appointment follows that of Mario Vella's as governor of the Central Bank of Malta, who held the post. With a career of over 30 years at Malta Enterprise and its predecessor Malta Development Corporation, Mro Galea has occupied various posts including those of head of project evaluation and chief officer - investment promotion. In March 2013, he was appointed principal chief officer responsible primarily for foreign direct investment. In February, he was appointed chief executive officer of Malta Industrial Parks Ltd and director on the board of Projects Malta.
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Civil Liberties Minister Helena Dalli in favour of morning after pill and judicial protest filed
Consumer Affairs, Civil Liberties and Social Dialogue Minister Helena Dalli is in agreement with the judicial protest filed by a group of 102 women calling for the government to change its position on the morning after pill, and allow it to be freely available.
Her comments come during the government's biannual series of conferences entitled: 'A government that listens' (Gvern li jisma').
"They (102 women who signed the protest) have a point – I agree with what they said and agree that this emergency contraception should be available. I have brought up this issue with Cabinet and I spoke with Professor Anthony Serracino Inglott, chairman of the Medicine Authority, about the specifications of the pill. Now we have a clearer picture.
"This pill lengthens the time of ovulation, and prevents fertilisation from taking place. The next step is for this issue is to be discussed in the Social Affairs Committee at Parliament. All who have something to say about this pill – and this isn't the kind of for or against argument because science is what it is – may do so.
"We will be presented with scientific facts, and all those who want to contribute, can. This is a just way to move forward, seeing as there are those who do not fully understand what this pill does," she said.
Turning to the issue of safety and security at public events, Dr Dalli reiterated the government's position to place this responsibility within the remit of the civil protection department. This was announced by Home Affairs Minister Carmelo Abela at a 'Government that listens' conference last week.
She said that this solution seemed to make the most sense, in view of previous issues where accountability was unclear whenever a safety issue cropped up at a public event. Just some months ago, 4 October, a supercar careened into a crowd of spectators after the driver lost control of the car, during the Paqpaqli ghall-Istrina event.
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MP gets same 'copy and paste' answer to 23 PQs
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Minister agrees with morning pill as 'form of contraception'
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Important that EU remains strong and united - Simon Busuttil
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Malta’s remote gaming laws to be updated, Opposition pushes for changes in infrastructure
Digital Economy Minister, Manuel Mallia to discuss draft law with Executive Chairman of the Malta Gaming Authority, Joseph Cuschieri to be tabled in Parliament in the near future. This will be the first update in Malta's remote gaming laws since 2004.
The debate in Parliament, which was originally meant to be about a Bill regarding risk exposure in the issuance of electronic ID cards turned into one focused almost exclusively on the remote gaming sector due to PN MP Kristy Debono pointing out the sector's rough state nowadays.
Debono spoke about the EU's principle freedom of movement becoming weaker urging the government to focus on remote gaming in terms of simplifying the licensing process in order to avoid the "hemorrhaging of companies" which could trigger a recession.
She warned that the legislation introduced in 2004 is practically obsolete taking into consideration the growth which the industry has seen over the years. MP Debono called for the law to once again be ahead of its time as it was when it was first introduced with the aim of reducing bureaucracy and studying the possibility of branching into skill game licensing.
The PN MP also took the opportunity to point out the need for updated infrastructure regarding the transport sector. She specifically mentioned the zone of San Gwann, Swieqi, Ibragg, St Andrews, St Julian's, Sliema, Gzira, Msida and Ta' Xbiex as area where the digital gaming sector thrives.
As such, the influx of workers further stresses the need for better transport infrastructure to avoid inconvenience both for the potential thousands of foreign workers in the sector, as well as the Maltese who live and work in the areas as well.
The final point regarding transport infrastructure harkens back to a number of Parliamentary Questions and Supplementary Questions posed by the Opposition MP regarding changes in roads and traffic flow due to the Kappara Junction Project.
Debono pointed out that a number of PQs which she posed to the Transport Minister, Joe Mizzi, always ended up with a "copy and paste" answer which doesn't address the fact that there was no consultation with the concerned Local Councils, but rather a notification that there will be changes.
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Ikea recalls 29 million dressers after six children killed
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Google Maps gets a 700 trillion pixel upgrade
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Six-year court proceedings 'not excessive delay'
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Eight marine Special Conservation Areas announced
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'There was an atmosphere of sadness in the European Parliament over Brexit' - Martin Schulz
"There was an atmosphere of sadness in the European Parliament," EU Parliament President Martin Schulz told a press conference this afternoon.
He was addressing a press conference within the European Council, in Brussels and was referring the the Parliamentary debate on Brexit. He described Britain's decision to leave as having changed the nature of both the EU and the UK.
"Nobody a week ago though Fitch or Standard and Poors would downgrade the UK's rating, thus showing the difficult times we are in. The referendum is a real change we must react to".
In Parliament, there was an atmosphere of sadness, with MEPs really regretting what has happened. We need the UK as a full member of the EU and that is also what the UK needs, but we must recognise the sovereign will of the British people. I like many colleagues today were thinking of the 70% of under 25s in Britain who voted to remain, and who even after the referendum are making it clear that they are European".
He stressed that there is hope for resuscitating the European feeling among the youth.
The Parliament, he said, has called on British Prime Minister Cameron to trigger article 50 as soon as possible, following up on the referendum decision. "The reason is that nobody has any experience with this process. Article 50 has never been used. It makes sense not to hang around and wait, but plan for moving ahead, dealing with the exit of a member state."
"We understand that the UK government needs a few weeks to analyse the implications of what happened and work out its own plan for moving ahead. But if we had to wait until a new British Prime Minister establishes his or her position, then that probably means waiting until next year. I would refer here to the great uncertainty of the economy and financial interests. It does not make sense for anyone to wait that long, but rather makes sense to trigger article 50 as soon as possible".
He also condemned racist attacks being made against EU citizens living in the UK.
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Monday, June 27, 2016
Iceland knock England out of Euro 2016, Hodgson resigns
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We're sensitive to people's high-rise fears, says OPM
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Islamic State bombings in southern Yemen kill 38: medics
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Museum delivers love letter to 150 years of postal history
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EU leaders reject informal talks with UK
The European Union will not hold informal talks with the UK until it triggers Article 50 to leave, Germany, France and Italy have insisted.
German Chancellor Angela Merkel hosted talks with French President Francois Hollande and Italian Prime Minister Matteo Renzi in Berlin.
The leaders called for a "new impulse" to strengthen the EU.
Last Thursday, British citizens voted 52-48 in favour of leaving the EU in a historic referendum.
UK financial markets remain volatile in the wake of the vote, with sterling plunging to a 31-year low against the dollar, and some share trading temporarily halted.
Together with the UK, Germany, France and Italy have the largest economies in the EU.
All three leaders voiced regret at the UK's vote to leave, with Mrs Merkel calling it a "very painful and regrettable decision".
"We are in agreement that Article 50 of the European treaties is very clear - a member state that wishes to leave the European Union has to notify the European Council," Mrs Merkel told the joint news conference at the German chancellery.
"There can't be any further steps until that has happened. Only then will the European Council issue guidelines under which an exit will be negotiated.
"That means that, and we agree on this point, there will be neither informal nor formal talks on a British exit until the European Council has received the [UK's] request for an exit from the European Union."
President Hollande and Prime Minister Renzi emphasised the need to process the UK's exit as quickly as possible and focus on the challenges facing the remaining 27 states such as fighting terrorism and strengthening the borders.
"Our responsibility is not to lose time in dealing with the question of the UK's exit and the new questions for the 27," Mr Hollande said. "There is nothing worse than uncertainty."
"On the one hand we are sad but it is also the right time to write a new page in European history on what unites us," said Mr Renzi.
Prime Minister David Cameron confirmed in Parliament the UK was not ready to begin the formal withdrawal process.
"Before we do that we need to determine the kind of relationship we want with the EU," he said, stressing it would be up to his successor, due to be chosen by the autumn, to invoke Article 50.
Earlier, Chancellor George Osborne issued a statement to try to calm markets, saying the UK was ready to face the future "from a position of strength".
But billions more dollars were wiped off the value of shares in Europe and on Wall Street as a result of market uncerrtainty.
London's FTSE 100 share index was down 2.55% while Germany's leading index fell by 3%.
The Brexit political fallout continued to divide the opposition Labour Party whose leader Jeremy Corbyn was told by his deputy, Tom Watson, that he faced a leadership challenge because of his handling of the party's campaign to stay in the EU.
In other developments:
§ Gibraltar entered talks with Scotland about a plan to keep parts of the UK in the EU.
§ David Cameron condemned racist and anti-immigrant incidents since the vote, saying: "We have a fundamental responsibility to bring our country together"
§ The French and German foreign ministers, Jean-Marc Ayrault and Frank-Walter Steinmeier, listed priorities for Europe in a joint document as a common security agenda, fighting terrorism, and integrated asylum and refugee policies
§ Polish Foreign Minister Witold Waszczykowski accused the European Commission of having failed to give the UK a good enough offer to remain inside the EU
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Brexit decision is 'irreversible', says German finance minister
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