Friday, March 31, 2017

Malta enjoying one of the strongest macroeconomic expansions in the eurozone - minister

Finance Minister Edward Scicluna welcomes the latest credit rating report by Standard and Poor's affirming Malta's rating at 'A-/A-2' with a stable outlook supported by the country's strong growth performance coupled with consistent current account surpluses, as well as by narrowing general Government deficits and improved fiscal management.

Standard and Poor's acknowledges the robust growth recorded by the Maltese economy stating that Malta continues to enjoy one of the strongest macroeconomic expansions in the eurozone, Prof. Scicluna said in a statement.

It positively noted that the significant investment projects in energy, healthcare, education, and hospitality in the last three years as important drivers of growth. These sectors are also expanding base for further future export growth.

Standard and Poor's further notes that growth was also supported by the increase in the labour force participation rate especially amongst females attributing such increases to Government's labour market policies including the making work pay initiatives and the provision of free childcare centres.

With regards to Brexit, the report states that Malta is generally well-placed to withstand Brexit shocks, as it has a diversified export base and a flexible economy.

Standard and Poor's comments positively on Malta's fiscal management stating that it has improved as Malta has made considerable progress in fiscal consolidation. It also expects the debt-to-GDP ratio to continue on a declining trend, falling to 53.8 per cent by 2020 while net debt is expected to fall to 47 per cent.

Minister Scicluna said that: "This report comes on the morrow of the NSO statistical report on Malta's public finances whereby Malta achieved a surplus in 2016 after 35 consecutive years of deficits. The Government deserves being proud of these achievements."

 



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Pictures of the Day: 1 April 2017



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Winter League: Neptunes hit winner in the final seconds

Neptunes-Exiles Jetfreight 6-5 (0-2), (2-1), (3-1), (1-1)

Neptunes had to wait till the dying seconds of the match to beat Exiles by 6 goals to five in a very tight encounter.

The first session went in favour of Exiles 2-0 with goals from Timmy Sullivan and a late strike from ex-Neptunes stalwart Michele Stellini.

The second session was shaded 2-1 by Neptunes with Matias Azzopardi scoring first for Neptunes and Nicky Paris making it 3-1 for Exiles. Nicky Lanzon made it 2-3 for Neptunes with a fine backhander.

Neptunes went ahead in the third session with goals from Miguel Zammit, a Niki Lanzon penalty and Sean Gravina. Exiles replied through Sean Xerri de Caro. Timmy Sullivan equalised with a fine shot at the start of the fourth session.

Neptunes scored the winning goal in the final seconds through Miguel Zammit.

A Borg Cole, N Lanzon (2), L Calleja, K Erdogan, T Agius, M Tabone, S Gravina (1), J Culic, J Abela,M Zammit (2), M Martellacci, M Azzopardi (1), I Bugeja

M Castillo, J Rizzo Naudi, J Bajada, M Stellini (1), T Sullivan (2), S Xerri de Caro (1), D Borg Millo, K Griscti, N Paris (1), A Bianchi, B Lanzon, L Felice, S Galea Pace

A DeRaffaele, R Spiteri.



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Plans to construct bridge linking Valletta to Cottonera

Plans are in hand to construct a bridge linking Valletta to Cottonera in a bid to ease the traffic below between the two peninsulas on either side of the Grand Harbour.

The project would be a public-private initiative, and several investors are being sought to finance the bridge. The intention is to have it ready by 2021.

The distance between the two ends of the port is much shorter than the distance between Malta and Gozo, for which there are also plans of a permanent link. This should make the construction of the Grand Harbour bridge much easier to complete, within established timeframes and at a much lower cost.

The bridge is set to be built between the area close to the Great Siege Bell in lower Valletta and the Ricasoli area. It needs to be at least 22 storeys high to allow for the safe passage of cruise-liners beneath it.

 

 



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Australia floods leave tens of thousands stranded and four missing



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Watch: Horrific moment sailboat crashes into pier in California, four injured

Four people were recovering Friday after their sailboat capsized and crashed into a California pier in a dramatic scene captured on video by multiple witnesses.

The captain of the boat and another man were taken to the hospital after the wreck Thursday evening, one with a dislocated shoulder and the other complaining of back pain, said Rob Rappaport, a division chief at the Redondo Beach Fire Department.

At least one of the men also had bad cuts, while a third man and a woman were treated and released at the beach, Rappaport said.

They were lucky to be alive, considering how violently they were tossed into the pier, he said.

Video of the wreck posted online (above) shows the group struggling to raise the boat's sail in heavy winds. The wind continues to push the vessel closer and closer to the pier, until one strong wave slams it into the pier's wooden pilings. All four people on board are thrown into the water, narrowly missing the pilings, and the boat broke in half.

"It shook the pier," said Jason Wells, who was riding his electric unicycle on the pier when he saw the boat struggling and decided to shoot video.

"It hit the pilings with a lot of force, and I was almost on top of it," Wells said Friday. "It was loud, and I was worried about the people at that point ... I'm really surprised there weren't more injuries."

In another video that captured the wreck, people hanging out at a bar near the pier can be heard shouting and cursing as the boat crashes. One man says, "What the hell do we do?" and "Should we, like, go out there and help them or something?"

The woman who captured that video, Sophia Sabawi, said it was a terrifying scene.

"As I saw it capsize, my heart sank," she said. "The whole place was screaming out because we were so far away we couldn't do anything. We felt so helpless."

She said she was thankful to hear everyone survived.

"They were super lucky," Sabawi said. "There was someone on their side because it could have been a lot worse."

Wells' video captured people on the shore going out into the water to help those who were in the boat. Rescuers responding to 911 calls about the boat also helped them to shore, Rappaport said.

All four appeared shell-shocked after the wreck, he said.

"All four of them were just stunned and in disbelief," Rappaport said. "They weren't speaking a tremendous amount, and you could just see in their faces that it had been a significant experience for them."

High winds throughout Southern California toppled trees and downed power lines Thursday, damaging cars and structures and causing electrical outages. A gale whipped up heavy seas along the coast. Two people were injured in Palm Springs when heavy winds knocked down a tree that fell on top of their golf cart and trapped them.




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World news in one minute; Find out what happened around the world on 31 March

This is the main news as reported by the Associated Press on 31 March.

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Brexit: Gibraltar outraged that Spain has veto power over its future

Gibraltar expressed outrage Friday at how it said Spain is using the U.K.'s impending departure from the European Union to force renegotiations on the future of Gibraltar, the territory that Spain has been trying to get back from Britain for 300 years.

The nine-page roadmap introduced Friday by EU Council President Donald Tusk says that future Brexit agreements between the U.K. and the EU will only apply to Gibraltar if the governments of London and Madrid can agree to them.

The EU Council's guidelines on Brexit are "a disgraceful attempt by Spain to manipulate the European Council for its own narrow political interests," Gibraltar's Chief Minister Fabian Picardo said in a statement.

"What we are seeing is a clear manifestation of the predictably predatory attitude that we anticipated Spain would seek to abusively impose on its partners," he added.

The EU guideline effectively forces talks over Gibraltar in which Spain will have an upper hand, allowing its government to bring back to the negotiation table the dispute over the encalve's sovereignty, which it ceded to Britain in 1713. The famous territory sits on the southern tip of Spain along the Strait of Gibraltar, which links the Mediterranean Sea to the Atlantic Ocean.

Yet members of Spanish Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy's cabinet have acknowledged the difficulty of reaching an agreement on joint sovereignty with London that will also be accepted by the 32,000 inhabitants of Gibraltar.

Almost 96 percent of Gibraltarians chose to remain in the EU in last year's Brexit referendum, but British voters overall chose to leave the bloc. British Prime Minister Theresa May on Wednesday gave formal notice that Britain will leave the EU, triggering a two-year departure timetable.

Picardo said the EU guidelines would complicate Brexit talks even further but vowed that they will inflict no change to Gibraltar's "continued, exclusive British sovereignty."

"The (British) exit negotiations clearly include Gibraltar, despite Spain's attempts to also have Gibraltar excluded from them," Picardo said. "This draft suggests that Spain is trying to get away with mortgaging the future relationship between the EU and Gibraltar to its usual obsession with our homeland."

Spanish Foreign Minister Alfonso Dastis recently pledged to ensure an open border for the European workers who are key to both Gibraltar and the neighboring area in southern Spain.

"During and beyond the Brexit process, Gibraltar will continue to grow and prosper economically and will, paradoxically, provide wealth for the whole Spanish region around us," Picardo predicted.





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Tourism Minister Zammit Lewis speaks about smart tourism destinations

Tourism Minister Edward Zammit Lewis participated in a high-level conference on the 'International Year of Sustainable Tourism for Development - Smart Tourism Destinations Contribution for the Planet and its People' in Seville, Spain.

The conference was hosted by the President of Andalucía Susana Díaz and organised by the Network of European Regions for Sustainable and Competitive Tourism (NECSTouR). 

Dr Zammit Lewis, together with the Regional Government of Andalucía, was present for the signing of an agreement for further partnership, and to work together in the achievement of shared objectives in order to increase sustainable tourism between UNWTO and NECSTouR.

Tourism is an important component of the EU economic and social equation, as well as a formidable generator of jobs and the main driver for development to different European regions, Dr Zammit Lewsi said. 

"This industry is not only the third largest socio-economic activity in the European Union - it also contributes to the development of European regions and assists to the preservation and enhancement of cultural and natural heritage," he explained.

"We must all invest in the European Year of Cultural Heritage because it recognises the UN's Agenda 2030 for Sustainable Development and acknowledges global citizenship, cultural diversity and intercultural dialogue for sustainable development. Cultural heritage is what makes Europe a top tourist destination globally."

Dr Zammit Lewis said that the Commission submitted its European Year of Cultural Heritage 2018 proposal to the Council in order to raise awareness on opportunities that the cultural heritage brings about in terms of sustainability, dialogue, social cohesion and economic growth. Tourism is essential for bringing most loose ends together.

"To this end, we need to focus on the most important sustainable goals which are: the promotion of inclusive economic growth by contributing to sustainable tourism for the creation of further jobs through local culture; establishing tools to monitor the impact of development on sustainable tourism in order to cut down on the carbon footprint adversely affecting environment and effective conservation of the oceans, seas and marine resources; developing a suitable management framework for fisheries, aquaculture and related tourism sectors," Dr Zammit Lewis said.

He added that, "The top priority for any tourism destination aspiring to be 'smart' is the investment in opportunities offered by digitisation. This dynamic change is creating both opportunities and challenges to the economic and social sustainability. "We must all work along the lines that the Commission has provided through the Digital Single Market Strategy.

Connecting Europe through innovation and digitisation depends primarily on a strategy providing means for the free movement of goods, information, services and capital. From a tourism point of view, the implementation of the Digital Single Market enables the digital transformation of tourism, the minister explained, adding that, "We must aim at creating an environment where digital networks and services can prosper. Digital platforms are actually an important opportunity for sustainability - not a threat."

Another fundamental priority of sustainable tourism is improving Regional Air Connectivity within the context of implementing the European Aviation Strategy. The results consist of a long-term establishment of an improved, reliable, secure and profitable connectivity to peripheral markets for trade and tourism. This can be accomplished by tapping into growth markets, improving our services and increase accessibility.

Dr Zammit Lewis elaborated, "The process of making Europe's aviation sector competitive highly depends upon the safety and security standards. The European regulatory framework must be appropriately equipped, both for identifying and mitigating any risks."

The minister proposed three aims: establishing cultural heritage policies following the UNWTO's Sustainable Development Goals guidelines, whilst promoting innovative models for the management of cultural heritage; the cooperation and investment in the digital single market strategy by setting 

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Ivanka Trump and Jared Kushner retain scores of property assets while in White House



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Aviation Security Malta trains 150 in airport security measures

Aviation Security Malta (AVSEC) is investing in the development and skills of officials involved in security within the airport, Minister for Home Affairs and National Security Carmelo Abela said.

Mr Abela said that the National Civil Aviation Security Training Programme has been developed with the main objective of ensuring that aviation security measures are implemented by well-trained staff who can undertake jobs and tasks in hand that meet the required standards. 

 He stated that, for this purpose, Aviation Security Malta trained and certified 30 security instructors who in turn will be able to give induction courses to new staff on security measures and regulations with the aim of having airport staff work responsibly in the industry. 

 Aviation Security Malta trained and issued certifications to 85 aviation security managers from entities and companies involved in the industry.  

Train-the-trainer certified courses were undertaken by 40 specialised security instructors whose responsibilities vary from airport security, aircraft security, passenger and cabin baggage security, cargo and mail. 

He added that Malta has such a positive track record within this field that qualified inspectors hailing from AVSEC Malta are regularly called upon by the European Commission to actively participate in inspections and auditing exercises carried out at airports in EU member states.

Minister Abela said that investment was also made in software that ensures that the training and certification of screeners for passengers, cabin and hold luggage are of the highest possible level. 

He said that civil aviation is indispensable for Malta's success as a Mediterranean tourist destination and that the role of Aviation Security Malta (AVSEC) is crucial to ensure safety and security in the aviation industry in Malta.

Minister Abela said that during the current administration, the Government has passed two laws through Parliament that gave AVSEC Malta new powers to strengthen our airport's security level through enhanced quality controls on security.

Minister Abela noted that the aviation industry is growing at a fast rate and that the overall passenger experience is a challenge for airports.

Mr Abela was speaking at the MFCC Amitex Holiday Show, which is running through until tomorrow.  at the MFCC Malta Fairs and Conventions Centre at Ta' Qali.

 



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The moment Donald Trump leaves without signing executive orders after being asked about Mike Flynn



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More unmarried couples with children breaking up than married couples for first time, ONS figures show



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Paraguay rioters set fire to Congress after Senate re-election vote



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Australia bolsters security checks for flights from Middle East



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Gary Barlow taken ill and walks off set during live interview on The One Show



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British cancer patients 'five times less likely' to get new drugs than French



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April Fool's day 2017: all the best fake news



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Prince Charles tried to stop Afghan invasion due to Ramadan, new book claims



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Alec Baldwin: My Saturday Night Live Trump character will 'retire' soon



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Sharp rise in the number of US citizens turned away by Canada 



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Granting Michael Flynn immunity in exchange for testimony in Russia investigation would be 'grave and momentous step' 



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Venezuela's Supreme Court shuts down parliament in what opponents say is slide towards dictatorship



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Dutch student’s chilly surprise when he arrives in Sydney, Nova Scotia rather than Sydney, Australia



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'Blond in the boat' Olympic gold medalist swaps sailing for the saddle



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St Paul's Cathedral row as dean scraps 400-year old cakes and ale tradition because it is 'not in the spirit' of Lent



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Europe moves to bar Britain from axing EU red tape and cutting taxes after Brexit as price of trade deal



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Labour wars: Unite election explodes into civil war as Tom Watson accused of 'dirty tricks' to bring down Jeremy Corbyn ally Len McCluskey



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Business rates chaos as firms forced to pay extra before knowing if they can claim from £300m relief fund



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Law firms to be banned from touting for business in hospitals



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'Secret' Twitter account of FBI director James Comey 'uncovered'



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New York's Rikers Island prison 'to close' after years of complaints



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Ofsted to spy on Facebook accounts of parents and pupils 



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The doctor won't see you now: patients lose "automatic right" to same-day appointment



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SpaceX makes history by successfully launching first recycled rocket booster



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Having comfy chairs in church is more important than preserving pews, church court rules



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Passenger jet in near-miss with large drone at 10,000 feet on Heathrow approach



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'Putting it bluntly madam, you are sex mad,' judge tells woman jailed for group sex with underage boys



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Exclusive: The most powerful Briton in America on what it's really like in Donald Trump's White House



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Rural Welsh police force set to drop different uniforms for male and female officers... to avoid upsetting transgender people



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Germany says Nato defence spending targets 'unrealistic' as Rex Tillerson attends first meeting



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'Vote for us and get a three-day weekend': Green Party launches audacious bid for the youth vote



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Germany hits out at Tillerson’s demand for more Nato spending

German foreign minister says it is 'not reachable nor desirable' for country to dedicate 2% of its economic output on defence spending

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Foreign Minister invested with Onorificenza di Cavalliere di Gran Croce dell’Ordine di Sant’Agata

Minister for Foreign Affairs George W. Vella is on an official two-day visit in San Marino. The Minister arrived in San Marino this morning.

This afternoon, Minister Vella delivered a speech at a seminar discussing "L'Integrazzione nel Single Market dei Paesi Terzi Europei: Il particolare caso dell'associazione alla UE degli stati di ridotte dimensioni" (The Integration in the Internal Market and the Challenges to be faced by the Small States of Europe).

Later on, during a ceremony held at the Palazzo Pubblico, the official government building, the Minister for Foreign Affairs was also invested with the Onorificenza di Cavalliere di Gran Croce dell'Ordine Equestre di Sant'Agata. This honour is bestowed by the Government of San Marino to foreign dignitaries whose work and achievements enjoy particular appreciation.

The primary messages delivered by Minister Vella during the various official interventions were that of enhanced bilateral engagement with San Marino, as well as support to the ongoing negotiations on an association agreement between the country and the European Union.

Tomorrow, Minister Vella will deliver a keynote address during the investiture ceremony of the incoming Capitani Regenti of San Marino (Captains Regent) to which Minister Vella has been invited as the guest of honour. The Captains Regent are the two heads of state of San Marino elected by the Grand and General Council, the country's parliament, every six months. The ceremony of investiture traces its origins back to the thirteenth century.

Minister Vella will then hold official bilateral talks with Nicola Renzi, during which topics of common interest for both countries will be discussed.



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Telegraph cartoons, April 2017



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Swedish ad agency comes up with fiendish challenge for new recruits: convince us to listen to James Blunt



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NS&I faces calls to scrap 'online only' policy as elderly savers will be blocked from new savings bond 



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Standard & Poor’s confirms positive rating for Malta – government

Standard & Poor's has confirmed A- positive rating for Malta, the government said, adding that the analysis was carried out before it was announced that Malta had registered the first budget surplus in 35 years.

The government said S&P arrived at their decision after analysing Malta's strong economy: our ratings on Malta are supported by its strong growth performance coupled with consistent current account surpluses, as well as by narrowing government deficits and improved fiscal management.

In its previous report, S&P had upgraded Malta to its present position after it had gradually dropped from A+ to BBB+. Conversely, today "Malta continued to enjoy one of the strongest macroeconomic expansions in the Eurozone".

S&P believe that Malta is in a strong position to meet the effects of Brexit.

 



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Animals of the Week: 31 March 2017



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Britain at odds with US over Bashar al-Assad's future in Syria



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Venezuela's chief prosecutor warns congress annulment broke law

Venezuela's President Nicolas Maduro has been decried as a dictator after the Supreme Court seized power from the National Assembly 

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World War Two bouncing bomb discovered on a beach in Kent 



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Parliamentary watchdog admits data breach after it published personal details of MP's staff on the internet



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When is the next UK bank holiday and how many are there in 2017?



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German court convicts man, 19, of raping 90-year-old woman

A German court has convicted a man of raping a 90-year-old woman and sentenced him to 5 ½ years in prison.

The Duesseldorf state court convicted the 19-year-old defendant under juvenile law Friday of rape, robbery and bodily harm, news agency dpa reported. The victim was attacked in Duesseldorf on a Sunday in October just after she visited a church.

During the trial, the Moroccan-born man, identified only as Souhayl M. in line with German privacy rules, admitted to committing the attack and said he had been drinking and taking cocaine beforehand.

The defendant grew up in Spain, where he was convicted of narcotics and other offenses. He said he came to Germany in 2016 because he risked going to prison in Spain. Investigators used DNA to track him down.




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Boat sinks in Mellieha, all passengers landed safely

All passengers aboard a boat that sank in Mellieha were delivered to land safely after being rescued by another leisure boat

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Far-Right AfD party leader in Germany 'considers stepping down'



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April Fool's day: The best spoofs and pranks, in pictures



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Tusk says EU will not punish UK in exit talks and that Brexit itself is 'punitive enough'

The European Union on Friday raised the possibility of starting general talks on Britain's future relationship with the bloc as early as the autumn if decisive progress is made on key parts of the divorce proceedings — a move that grants some of the British prime minister's wishes.

Draft guidelines obtained by The Associated Press say the EU and Britain must first "settle the disentanglement" of Britain from the bloc. But once there is a tentative consensus between the two sides on major topics — the treatment of citizens in each other's nations, billions in budget commitments, legal clarity for companies working in Britain and a solution for Ireland's border with the United Kingdom — the EU says it would be willing to look ahead.

"Once and only once we have achieved sufficient progress on the withdrawal, can we discuss the framework for our future relationship," EU Council President Donald Tusk said in Valletta, Malta.

He added "probably in the autumn, at least I hope so."

British Prime Minister Theresa May had been seeking parallel talks on the EU divorce and the future but those apparently will not happen for the foreseeable future. Still, Tusk's timetable and the EU draft showed that the EU was willing to compromise.

It will take a summit of the 27 leaders, however, to signal that that moment has come to look toward the future. In Germany, government spokesman Steffen Seibert said "we will hopefully come to this second step soon."

EU leaders have warned that the two years of talks triggered this week to negotiate Britain's exit will be difficult — but insisted they don't want an all-out economic or diplomatic conflict. The 27 EU leaders are set to agree on common guidelines on April 29, exactly one month after May triggered the Brexit process.

The challenges prior to moving onto the next step of talks are sizable, however. Some 3.3 million EU citizens now live in Britain and about 1 million Briton live in the rest of the EU. Since the issue of foreigners taking jobs from British workers fueled the Brexit referendum, a solution pleasing both Brussels and London will not be easy.

In addition, the outstanding bill for London to pay in previously agreed EU costs and commitments has been estimated at up to 60 billion euros ($64 billion). Populist voices in Britain have urged the Conservative government not to pay a penny.

And when it comes to the U.K.'s land border in Ireland, which is key to the Northern Ireland peace process, Tusk's draft guideline says that "flexible and imaginative solutions will be required."

Further complicating things in the full withdrawal negotiations will be Gibraltar, the British overseas territory on the edge of Spain that Spain has wanted back since it ceded it more than three centuries ago. The outpost at the southern point of the Iberian peninsula has a population of 32,000 and about 96 percent of its residents voted to remain in the EU last year.

The EU draft says the future of Gibraltar will be set in talks between Spain and the U.K.

"This is an important point in the future negotiations of the United Kingdom's exit from the EU," said Spanish minister Inigo Mendez de Vigo.

Tusk said the EU will not punish Britain in the negotiations, saying that Brexit itself is "punitive enough." The head of the rotating EU presidency, Maltese Prime Minister Joseph Muscat, insisted the negotiations "will not be a war."

Tusk also ruled out the suggestion that there was an inherent threat in May's departure letter Wednesday, which some felt hinted that Britain would end its security cooperation with continental Europe unless it gets a good Brexit deal.

"I know Theresa May well enough and I know her approach to this issue. This is why I rule out this kind of interpretation ... that security cooperation is used as a bargaining chip. It must be a misunderstanding," Tusk said.

British Foreign Minister Boris Johnson also insisted Friday that Britain's commitment to European defense and security is "unconditional" and "not some bargaining chip in any negotiations" over Brexit.

Johnson, speaking in Brussels upon arriving for a NATO meeting, said he has had good feedback from EU partners since Britain formally announced Wednesday that it would be leaving the EU, despite worries on both sides of the Channel about Brexit.

"We really are moving forward now. There's a lot of good will, willingness to achieve what the prime minister has said she wants to achieve," he said.

The British government triggered the two-year EU exit process Wednesday with May's letter to the EU and began outlining how it intends to convert thousands of EU rules into British laws in a Great Repeal Bill.



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Fired Trump aide Flynn offers to testify on Russia in return for immunity

Michael Flynn's lawyer says his client 'has a story to tell, and he very much wants to tell it should the circumstances permit' 

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Dutch safety organisation says: let kids play dangerously



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Motorcyclist hospitalised after Qormi car crash

Collision between motorycle and car took place at 11:20am in Mdina Road, Qormi 

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Indian state planning law to 'erase' all remnants of 'cruel and humiliating' British colonial rule 



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Motorcyclist seriously injured on Qormi road accident

A 24-yar-old motorcyclist from Luqa was seriously injured in a car accident just before 11.30 this morning on Mdina Road, Qormi when his Kymco motorcycle was involved in a collision with a Peugeot 306 being driven by a 20-yar-old man from Qormi. 

The motorcyclist was taken to Mater Dei Hospital for treatment and was certified as having sustained serious injuries.

Police investigations are ongoing.




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What is the Great Repeal Bill? The only explanation you need to read



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Nicola Sturgeon threatens to try and obstruct Great Repeal Bill



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36-year-old man known as ‘Il-Vojt’ pleads not guilty to the murder of Roderick Grech

36-year-old Etienne Bartolo from Birkirkara was arraigned before the courts today charged with the homicide of Roderick Grech who succumbed to the injuries this morning.

Bartolo, better known as 'Il-Vojt', pleaded not guilty to the charges brought against him. He was also charged with carrying knife in public and breaching public peace.

The victim, 26-year-old Roderick Grech was found unconscious in Triq Tumas Fenech in Birkirkara. He was lying next to a car which still had the engine running. It appears Grech was stabbed in his chest.  

During the arraignment, it emerged that the victim was known to the police and had received a suspended sentence for a hold-up in 2012. Inspector Kurt Zahra told the court that the police had found the victim's car in the middle of the road. His last communication had been with the accused, he said. He explained that a person who had given the victim first aid had told the police that he had heard the victim say something indistinct about "il-Vojt."

The inspector told Magistrate Natasha Galea Sciberras that Grech had met Bartolo to sell drugs, but Bartolo hadn't paid up. When they met to pay the next day, a fight broke out and Grech was stabbed several times, running out of his car asking for help.

Defence counsel did not ask for bail.

Police Inspectors Silvio Valletta and Kurt Zahra are leading the prosecution. Lawyer Franco Debono and Yanika Vidal appeared for Grech's family. 



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Hope in human life on Mars rises as scientists in Peru successfully grow a potato in Mars simulator



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Annotated: What does the Nicola Sturgeon's Scottish independence letter say and really mean? 



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Italian fined for ‘accidental importation’ of cocaine and cannabis

An Italian man has been fined after admitting to importing small amounts of cocaine and marijuana, an act which he claimed was partly accidental

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Meghan Markle poses in Vanity Fair alongside Emma Watson, Cher, and Justin Trudeau



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Nicola Sturgeon warns Theresa May independence referendum is inevitable in demand letter



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New pictures of the Pentagon after the 9/11 attack



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Frenchman attacked in Shanghai as Chinese residents of Paris protest over police killing  



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Car up in flames in Iklin, no one injured

A car which was parked in Iklin ended up engulfed in flames. The incident occurred earlier today at around 2pm in Triq Geronimo Abos in Iklin.

Police say that so far, there is no suspicion of foul play. Due to the flames, the property close to where the car was parked, was damaged. The damages to the car are extensive.

It appears the fire broke out following a shortage in the engine. No one was injured in the incident. 



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Budget surplus came at the expense of infrastructure, Busuttil warns

'Capital expenditure has been slashed by half...populist government only cares about the headlines and not the full picture' 

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Watch David Dimbleby's awkward live Eminem rap about Brexit



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Surplus registered came at the expense of infrastructure – Simon Busuttil

When one looks between the lines of what the populist Government said yesterday, one realizes that the capital expenditure in the country has been slashed by half. The Government didn't say so because it is populist and it just cares about the headlines and not the full picture.

Partit Nazzjonalista Leader Simon Busuttil said this while addressing the European Democrats Students who are meeting at Dar Ċentrali, during the same week when the European People's Party organised its Congress in Malta. Simon Busuttil was reacting to the Prime Minister's press conferences regarding budget surplus.

Truth is, Simon Busuttil said, that the small surplus was registered only because of the fact that the capital expenditure has been slashed by 47%, which is very significant. This besides the fact that the recurrent expenditure still increased, which means that instead of investing in infrastructure, the Government is wasting money to try and get votes, he added.

Simon Busuttil said that people still have difficulties in making ends meet with their salary or their pension, precarious work is still there, whilst the equal pay for equal work principle does not exist because there are hundreds of people getting paid less than other people doing the same job. 

PN Leader Simon Busuttil said that this is the problem of populism and why it is important that it is tackled. "Populism is a threat and a challenge for the European Union, and until we address it, it is going to create problems for most of us, both at a national level, but also at a European level," Simon Busuttil added.

He also insisted that populists tend to speak about, ride over and exploit the problems for vote-catching, rather than speak about solutions. He said that it is time for true politicians to unite to beat populism, to cut their bluff and come clean with solutions. "We must challenge them to be honest," he said.

He referred to the Brexit debate, and reminded those present about what Nigel Farage used to say before the referendum, but then had no idea what to do after winning the Brexit referendum. He remarked that Brexit, instead of triggering the breakup of the European Union, triggered what could be the breakup of the United Kingdom. In fact, this week, the Scottish Parliament voted in favour of a referendum on the independence of Scotland. "There are consequences for populism, and the consequences can go beyond an electoral cycle," he said.



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In full: Nicola Sturgeon's letter to Theresa May



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Family stabbed in Stourbridge had 'hearts of gold' and had taken in a homeless man, neighbours reveal



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John Humphrys prompts complaints from Mexican Embassy after mentioning 'Mexican stand-off' on BBC show



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Turkey referendum: Everything you need to know about president Erdogan's bid for more power



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Inside Donald Trump's lavish Mar-a-Lago estate



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Outrage as Spain and EU accused of using Brexit to take back Gibraltar, as MPs say Britain will 'not be bullied' 



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Cambridge college closes to the public after students found tourists wandering into their bedrooms



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Blast outside Pakistan mosque kills 22 and injures at least 70 



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Australia flood victims: 'We have lost everything'



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Brighton Half Marathon is 146m too short, meaning thousands of runners could have their PBs voided



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Japan's fleet returns with 333 whales killed in the name of science



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Easter 2017: Dates and the meaning behind Good Friday, Easter Sunday and Easter Monday



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Q&A: What does the Brexit process hold after Article 50? The Telegraph answers your questions



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Article 50 letter: Read it in full



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South African currency plunges after Jacob Zuma fires finance minister in cabinet purge



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Prince of Wales hugs Romanian local after visiting statue of his 'relative' Vlad the Impaler



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PES praises Joseph Muscat for turning country’s economy around in four years

PES, the socialist and democrats hailed the fiscal success achieved by the Maltese Labour government led by Joseph Muscat, "who has turned the country's economy around in just four years - and done so while also implementing unprecedented social measures."

In 2012 and before, Malta was subject to an excessive deficit procedure. By 2016, it had achieved a fiscal surplus for the first time in 35 years.

PES were reacting to a statistic which showed how in 2016, Government's Consolidated Fund registered a surplus of €8.9 million.

The Consolidated Fund data is the starting point for the compilation of the General Government deficit in line with the ESA 2010 methodologies. The National Statistics Office, submitted to the Commission the latter by means of the Excessive Defi cit Procedure (EDP) Notification for the years 2013-2016, which data shall be published locally on the 24th April.

"The success of the Maltese government programme should be not only a model for other social democratic governments, but for every European country," PES president Sergei Stanishev said.

"Progressive parties always insist on a strong social agenda. When we manage to combine this also with strong economic growth, like in Malta, the result is success not only for the country, but for the entire PES family."



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Australia flooding in aftermath of Cyclone Debbie, in pictures



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Donald Trump says meeting with China’s Xi Jinping will be 'very difficult'



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April Fools' Day: What are the best pranks and where did it come from?



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Doctor was rejected for a role in The Archers... because he didn't sound like a doctor



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AD criticizes ‘more destruction in Marsaxlokk’ as PA approves 18,000 square metre development

"Last week's decision by the Planning Authority to approve the application to determine the extent and intensity of development on the periphery of Marsaxlokk, just a few minutes after it had turned down a similar application in respect of land at Mosta rings the alarm bells as no one has any idea as to the criteria on the basis of which these decisions are taken."

This was stated by Carmel Cacopardo Deputy Chairperson of Alternattiva Demokratika - The Green Party in Malta when commenting on the decision taken last week by the Executive Committee of the Planning Authority relative to application PC 057/07 to determine the permissible development on a 17,530 square metre stretch of land at Tal-Marnisi alongside Triq il-Baħħara Marsaxlokk.

The Planning Authority's decision is not final. Notwithstanding that there is no appeal from the decision this must now be approved by Parliamentary Secretary Deborah Schembri in order to be effective.

Alternativa Demokratika is aware that this is the result of the incorrect decision taken by Parliament way back in 2006 as a result of which around two million square metres of and on the periphery of our towns and villages were given up for development.

"It is essential", added Carmel Cacopardo, "that before Parliamentary Secretary Deborah Schembri takes the definite decision which will permanently ruin these 17530 square metres of agricultural land she ensures that  the social, economic and the environmental impacts of this proposed massive development is adequately considered."

"It is imperative that we remember that the 2011 census had identified that out of 1129 residential units in Marsaxlokk, 75.3% were occupied, 18.7% were vacant and 5.9% only occasionally in use. On its own this is more than sufficient reason to discourage this type of development," added Carmel Cacopardo.

Alternattiva Demokratika invites both Government and the Labour Party to explain why, notwithstanding the Labour Party having voted against this type of development way back in 2006 in Parliament we are still being faced with these decisions. There is still time for Government to save face if the Planning Authority recommendation is not approved by Parliamentary Secretary Deborah Schembri.

"It is time," concluded Carmel Cacopardo " that this stupid decision tahen by Parliament way back in 2006 is revised. Alternattiva Demokratika is proud that during the past 11 years it has consistently highlighted the matter and takes this opportunity to invite both Government and Opposition to realise that they should join it to address  the 2006 decision by Parliament.



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Hunting federation calls for removal of 'Eyewitness Travel' guide for tourists

Hunting federation FKNK have called for a tourist information booklet to be removed from its sales outlets and for legal proceedings to be taken against its publishers as it contains 'fallacies and other misconceptions'

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Royal Marines could be in jeopardy, Defence Secretary Sir Michael Fallon admits amid claims of Armed Forces funding shortfall



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Three-day Book Fair on Campus programme launched

The National Book Council is publishing the programme of events for the Book Festival on Campus 2017, which will take place at University on the 4-5-6th of April, starting 10:00 hours and continuing till late. The purpose of the Festival is to promote literature as a whole, while at the same time giving publishers and book distributors a space in which they can promote their material with a mature audience, such as university students.

The publishers and distributors participating in the festival are HORIZONS, FARAXA BOOKS, SENSIELA KOTBA SOĊJALISTI (SKS), STUDENTS PHILOSOPHICAL SOCIETY, EDE, KOTBA CALLEJA, and BDL, some of whom will be setting up events of their own. Among these we find HORIZONS who will launch a poetry collection by Prof. Kenneth Wain, entitled 'Who looks at the sun anymore' and FARAXA who have also prepared a poetry evening. KOTBA CALLEJA will be holding two workshops on the art of book binding.

Apart from the publishers and book distributors, other participants in the Festival have contributed to the programme. The poetess Miriam Calleja will lead a workshop on the topic of creative writing which is open to all writers of all levels.  The event will involve a number of exercises and games, prompts and guidelines, as well as advice on how to improve one's writing. The event will close with a reading of Calleja's poetry both in English and in Maltese. Other events of academic interest include 'Il-Malti u l-Barranin', set up by Kunsill Nazzjonali tal-Lsien Malti, where a number of people who studied Maltese as a foreign language will talk about what motivated them to learn Maltese and why Maltese of all the languages in the world, and 'X'naqbad ngħid?', a talk and discussion on linguistic variations in Maltese, which will be led by Michael Spagnol.

As we have already announced in a press release of last week, the special guest of the festival is Caroline Smailes, the renowned author of 'In Search of Adam', 'Like Bees to Honey', '99 Reasons Why' and 'The Drowning of Arthur Braxton', which is currently being made into a film.

Caroline Smailes, who is of Maltese descent, was born in Newcastle and has studied creative writing. During the festival she will be leading workshops on the subjects of creative writing, aspects of narration such as the choice of dialogue diction and location, the need for convincing and consistent characters and the question of linguistic inheritance. There will also be an activity in which excerpts of Smailes' work will be read and members of the public will be able to address the author directly.

Every year the programme of the Festival includes a musical performance, which this year will be given by the HipHop act Marmalja, whose performance will close the first night of the Festival, that is 4th April.

We ask the public to read well the programme and to learn about the events that have been prepared as they are sure to find much more than one event that piques their interest. The programme will be available in print form and distributed in public places in the coming few days.



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Ken Livingstone embroiled in new Hitler row after saying Zionists collaborated with Nazis



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FAA condemn PA’s approval of the development of the last remaining green lung of Luqa

Flimkien ghal Ambjent Ahjar is deeply disappointed by the Planning Authority's decision to allow the development of the last remaining green lung in the densely built up centre of Luqa.

The project, was originally proposed as five large apartment blocks that would have obliged the GAP developers to undertake environmental assessments. Three of the five applications were then withdrawn, thus avoiding this obligation. FAA argued that the PA's approval of such splitting up of projects would further encourage developers to evade their obligations.   

The two remaining applications amount to a total of 75 residential units which by the Planning Authority's own polices qualify as a 'major development' requiring the developer to provide open space. However the Planning Authority simply ignored this policy and approved the development completely void of any open space, in spite of Luqa residents' and FAA's calls to save this last green lung, essential due its vicinity to the primary school, and due to the effects of over-development and air pollution in the area.

FAA commends the strong efforts of eNGO Representative Annick Bonello Cassar who highlighted the fact that such a large untouched area would harbour a rich diversity of flora and fauna that we our legally bound to protect.  ERA representative Prof. Victor Axiaq, emphasised that further development is aggravating water problems by limiting water absorption and increasing flooding, insisting with his PA Board colleagues that it is high time that a sense of planning is followed in the processing of permits. Ms Bonello Cassar declared that she was "ashamed of the decisions being taken by the Board".

To add insult to injury, the developers strongly objected to a permit condition requiring them to fund a study of the area to ensure that any existing protected flora and fauna on site would be re-located, claiming that such a condition would set a dangerous precedent.

FAA commends PA Board Chairman Perit Vince Cassar for his valid contribution to the discussion and condemns the fact that other board members act only as facilitators of development, forgetting that the Planning Authority's duty is to the community, and not to enrich developers.

By blatantly ignoring all the policies that favour open space and a better quality of life, and simply acknowledging those that favoured more development, through this decision the Planning Authority once again showed us that it is simply there to rubber-stamp development.



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MOAS to use maritime patrol aircraft in 2017 mission

Search and rescue charity MOAS will be using a maritime patrol aircraft in its latest mission

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ERA objects to controversial proposed development on Zebbug Gozo ridge

The Environment and Resources Authority this morning said it is objecting to a controversial development being proposed for the ridge of Zebbug, Gozo.  The development proposal is for six apartments, parking and pool and has been met with resistance from nearby residents and NGOs. 

The Malta Independent on Sunday has reported the case in detail on 19 March.

The ERA today said it has put forward its opinion that "no development and works should be allowed to take place within the area earmarked for a development proposal of six apartments, parking and pool in Zebbug (Gozo)."

Upping the ante, the ERA said that, "Should the development still be given the green light by the Planning Authority, ERA may not be in a position to grant the nature and tree permits that are legally required to accommodate the proposed interventions."

The ERA's objection to the proposed development was provided to the Planning Authority on 23 March 2017, in its capacity as an external consultee and an interested party.

In its position, ERA put forward its concerns about the strong visual impact and the significant degradation that the proposed development is envisaged to have on the environmentally sensitive site.

It said, "The interventions being proposed would degrade the environment through the loss of natural habitat from extensive construction.

"In addition, ERA envisages that the proposal would adversely impact the valley system and its overall rural character, and would require the uprooting of existing trees and other vegetation typically found on such cliff sides."




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Why I voted Labour in 2013 - Salvu Mallia

Nationalist Party candidate Salvu Mallia today explains what led him to vote Labour in 2013, but how it was soon evident that the Labour Party did not intend to live up to its pre-electoral promises.

The next election will determine whether the people want to live under a government that has been deemed to be the most corrupt in history.

The fight for survival, however, is not against the Labour Party, but against a clique in the Labour Party that is running the situation. The Labour Party is the biggest victim of this group of people, he said.



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Meet the 105-year-old doctor who is still hard at work



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In full: The EU's draft guidelines for Brexit negotiations



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Tusk and Muscat lay out draft guidelines for Brexit talks

EU to act as one in what Donald Tusk foresees to be "difficult and confrontational" talks with the UK

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EU draft guidelines say British exit talks come first

The guidelines that European Union Council President Donald Tusk is putting to EU members make it clear that withdrawal from the bloc comes ahead of any new relationship with Britain even though the rough outlines such a relationship may partially overlap.

In the draft guidelines obtained by the Associated Press, it says that first the EU and Britain must "settle the disentaglement" of Britain from the EU but added that "an overall understanding on the framework for the future relationship could be identified during the second phase of the negotiations under Article 50."

The guidelines also say the issue of citizens living in each other's countries is a priority, and call for "flexible and imaginative solutions" for the issue of the U.K.'s land border with Ireland.



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Was Nicola Sturgeon trolling Theresa May as she posed to sign the Section 30 letter?



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French presidential election: Poll tracker and odds



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Ensuring a low prevalence of measles through vaccination

The World Health Organization has alerted on the situation of measles, which is still prevalent in various countries. Over 500 measles cases were reported in January 2017 in the WHO European Region. Measles continues to spread within European countries with the potential of causing large outbreaks wherever immunization coverage has dropped below the necessary threshold of 95%.

In Malta 2 adult cases were reported in 2015, while there were no cases in 2016 or 2017. 

In order to ensure a low prevalence of measles we need to ensure that all children are vaccinated and continue to improve on our coverage rates. The measles vaccine in Malta is offered free as part of the national vaccination schedule.

Many countries, including Malta, have seen a drop in the coverage rate as a consequence of the effects of anti-vaccine lobbyists and vaccine scares. These are unfounded and putting children at risk of disease and serious complications, the Health Promotion and Disease Prevention Directorate said.

 "With steady progress towards elimination over the past two years, it is of particular concern that measles cases are climbing in Europe," says WHO Regional Director for Europe Dr Zsuzsanna Jakab. "Today's travel patterns put no person or country beyond the reach of the measles virus. Outbreaks will continue in Europe, as elsewhere, until every country reaches the level of immunization needed to fully protect their populations."

The 3Health Promotion and Disease Prevention Directorate strongly advises that all children are vaccinated according to the national schedule with two doses of the vaccine. Adults who will be travelling are encouraged to check their vaccination records and speak to their doctor.  For more information contact the National Immunisation on 25680222-3-4/25680000 or the Health Promotion and Disease Prevention Directorate on 23266000.

 

What are measles?

Measles is a highly contagious virus that can cause potentially serious illness. As measles remains endemic in most parts of the world, it can spread to any country, including those that have eliminated the disease. Every un- or under-immunized person regardless of age is therefore at risk of contracting the disease; this is especially true in those countries where persistently low immunization rates increase the risk of a large outbreak with possible tragic consequences.

The first sign of measles is usually a high fever, which begins about 10 to 12 days after exposure to the virus, and lasts 4 to 7 days. A runny nose, a cough, red and watery eyes, and small white spots inside the cheeks can develop in the initial stage. After several days, a rash erupts, usually on the face and upper neck. Over about 3 days, the rash spreads, eventually reaching the hands and feet. The rash lasts for 5 to 6 days, and then fades. On average, the rash occurs 14 days after exposure to the virus (within a range of 7 to 18 days).

Most measles-related deaths are caused by complications associated with the disease. Complications are more common in children under the age of 5 years, or adults over the age of 20. The most serious complications include blindness, encephalitis (an infection that causes brain swelling), severe diarrhoea and related dehydration, ear infections, or severe respiratory infections such as pneumonia. Severe measles is more likely among poorly nourished young children, especially those with insufficient vitamin A, or whose immune systems have been weakened by HIV/AIDS or other diseases.




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[WATCH] Political quotas alone would be useless, activists agree

Lawyer says that with more women graduating from university than men, surely there are more than enough capable women who could participate in politics effectively, if only society and politics were geared for female participation

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Why do 2,000 babies die needlessly during childbirth every year in the UK?



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Obamacare is seen as a right for many Americans ,even if it may turn out to be unworkable



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Authorities install 'penis seat' on Mexican public transport



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First picture of Westminster terror attack survivor in hospital after her husband was killed 



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Theresa May had dinner with Boris Johnson after triggering Article 50



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MOAS launches 2017 maritime search and rescue mission, this year with maritime patrol aircraft

The Malta-based search and rescue charity MOAS will launch its 2017 Central Mediterranean mission to save lives at sea tomorrow. For the first time, the operation will combine the maritime component with a manned aerial asset, the charity said this morning.

Having established itself as the first civil society SAR organisation involved in this migration phenomenon, MOAS leaves on its fifth mission since its launch in 2014. To date the charity has rescued over 33,000 children, women and men. The 40-meter vessel Phoenix will once again be used, and will this year be joined by a fixed wing manned aerial asset as the organisation continues to push the boundaries of technology and innovation in the field of SAR.

The addition of this mission critical maritime patrol aircraft, sponsored by The One Foundation, is a development of MOAS' history in combining aerial and maritime assets. The selected aircraft will allow for greater reach and is equipped with a full mission suite that allows enhanced detection of vessels in distress. Daily patrols will contribute to situation awareness and enable MOAS to be more effective at saving lives at sea.

The Phoenix will again be manned by a professional search and rescue team, joined by a hand-picked post rescue care unit. The team of doctors, paramedics, nurses and logisticians will run its clinic and provide social and medical care, including the provision of Halal hot meals, to those rescued for the duration of their stay.

MOAS said it will continue to operate within the framework of UNCLOS and International Maritime Law. Operations will be conducted in collaboration with the Maritime Rescue Co-ordination Centre in Rome and all other stakeholders operating in the field.

MOAS Co-Founder and Director Regina Catrambone comments, "Our crews will head out to sea for our fifth mission with both maritime and aerial assets, acting on behalf of all civil society on the front line of this era-defining humanitarian crisis. We owe our presence at sea to those who continue to support our mission and who believe, as we do, that no one deserves to die at sea."

MOAS continues to work towards implementing safe and legal routes as an alternative to the deadly maritime crossing. However, as long as desperate people continue to risk their lives in search of safety and peace, the organisation will continue to be present to rescue them at sea.

To find out more about MOAS' #SafeAndLegalRoutes campaign, visit: http://ift.tt/2oApdSa




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Anton Du Beke welcomes twins as he becomes a father at 50



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Mother-of-three guilty of terrorism offence after retweeting Isil leader's speech to 30 followers



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Claudia Cardinale brushes off furore over retouched Cannes festival photo 



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Winter league: Dino Zammit scores five as San Giljan trounce Sliema

Sliema Betsson San Giljan 3-9 (1-2), (0-2), (0-3), (2-2)

Five-goal Dino Zammit was instrumental in San Giljan's first win of the Winter League as they trounced Sliema Betsson 9-2.

San Giljan appeared to be the better side in the first two sessions, taking the first by two goals to one and increasing the lead in the second session by two goals to nil.

Dino Zammit, Peter Borg, Matthew Zammit and Aurelien Cousin scored for San Giljan while Sliema replied through Jerome Gabarretta.

San Giljan put the game to bed in the third session, winning 3-0 to make the last session a formality. Dino Zammit added another two goals with the other scored by Darren Zammit.

The fourth session was a more balanced affair with two goals each from Michael Spiteri Staines and Dino Zammit ending 2-2 for a final score of 9-3.

Sliema Betsson: R Coleiro, J Gabarretta (1), E Aquilina, C Cluett, M Meli, K Dowling, M Spiteri Staines (2), M Mifsud, A Mifsud, A Attard, Z Mizzi, N Bugelli, Z Sciberras.

San Giljan: J Tanti, P Borg (1), A Galea, B Grech, D Zammit (1), M Zammit (1), B Plumpton, J Galea, T Said, A Cousin (1), P Fava, D Zammit (5), T Micallef.

Referees: M Dalli, P Balzan

***

Sirens Valletta McDonalds  4-4 (1-1), (1-2), (2-0), (0-1)

 

Sirens and Valletta played out an entertaining 4-4 draw in a match that remained on a knife edge till the end.

The first two sessions were close affairs with Valletta just shading the second one 2-1 to hold a onegoal advantage midway through the match. Andrea Agius put Valletta ahead with John Napier equalising. The second session saw goals by Agius and Jonathan Spiteri Staines while John Brownrigg made it temporarily 2-2 for Sirens.

Sirens turned the game around in the third session and went in front for the first time with goals by Luke Caruana and Marc Grech.

The fourth session saw Valletta equalise through Ryan Mock with Sirens wasting several man up opportunities for a final score of 4-4.

Sirens: N Grixti, M Sciberras, N Farrugia, J Sciberras, M Grech (1), J Zerafa Gregory, M Pullicino, D Cutajar, J Napier (1), J Brownrigg (1), L Caruana (1), O Gauci, C Mercieca

Valletta McDonalds: R Sciortino, J Spiteri Staines (1), A Agius (2), M Rizzo, M Fenech, R Mock (1), D Paolella, N Bonello Ghio, M Agius, D Fenech, K Galea, O Zammit, F Buhagiar

Referees: M Angileri, S Licari



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Editorial: A new Broadcasting Authority without political appointments

The ugly impasse at the Broadcasting Authority was solved earlier this week, at least partially, when the embattled chairperson, Tanya Borg Cardona, handed in her resignation. She had been resisting calls by the workers, represented by the UHM, to step down amid claims of bullying. Ms Borg Cardona was also accused of running the authority like it was her personal fiefdom and the employees say she does not have a clue about what the law on broadcasting says. Then there is the whole fiasco about the new Valletta premises, which the employees say is inadequate for the authority's needs.

Tanya Borg Cardona did the right thing, in the end, but she should have resigned much earlier, when it had become clear that she had lost the trust of the BA employees and also of some of the board members. She could have thus spared the authority from being dragged into the mud. She had no choice but to go. Even in a hypothetical situation where she was the only one telling the truth and the workers were lying, she would have had no choice to resign, for her every step would have been undermined.

One can safely say that the root of the problem was the nature of Ms Borg Cardona's appointment – the political kind. The former chairperson was appointed to the BA by PM Joseph Muscat, as a person of trust. The head of the Broadcasting Authority should never be a political appointment, for someone who is handpicked by the Prime Minister can never be seen as impartial. And we are speaking here about the authority that is tasked with ensuring that the national broadcaster is not skewed in favour of one party or the other. This task is always of paramount importance, let alone when a general election is just round the corner.

The Opposition is suggesting that the new BA chairperson should be approved by a two thirds Parliamentary majority, so as to enjoy the trust of both sides of the house. The government should take up the suggestion and immediately set out to find a good successor for Ms Borg Cardona.

The next chairperson has to have the necessary credentials – preferably a background in the media and broadcasting. It cannot be someone who goes to political events, or someone who has appeared on an electoral campaign billboard. It should not be a relative of some minister, or a personal friend of the PM.

Following revelations by our sister newspaper The Malta Independent on Sunday that at least 80 people out of 300 were found to have more than one ID Card number, the Nationalist Party has again accused government of playing with democracy. The government has, naturally, dismissed these claims. If we are expected to believe that democracy is not under threat, then the government should make sure that broadcasting in Malta is truly impartial, and this can only be achieved if it does not resort to another political appointment at the top level of the Broadcasting Authority.

In the meantime, even the Nationalist party can do more to assure that the Broadcasting Authority plays an impartial role. As part of its good governance initiatives it can propose the abolition of party representatives on the Broadcasting Authority board. Such a move, if agreed with government could really spell out a new beginning for the authority with members on its board that need to be approved by two thirds of the House.



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Pharmacies opening today between 9am and noon

Valletta: Collis Williams Pharmacy, 15, Republic Street, Marsa:Trinity Pharmacy, 32, Marsa Street, Qormi: Brown's Pharmacy, 278, -Vitorja Street, Swatar: St. Mark's Pharmacy, P. Borg Olivier Street c/w Gianni Vella Street, Msida: Brown's Pharmacy, Shop 10, Yacht Marina Apartments, Marina Street, San Ġwann: Lourdes Pharmacy, Naxxar Street, Sliema: Edward's Pharmacy, 115, Manwel Dimech Street, Attard: St. Mary Pharmacy, 2, Antonio Schembri Street, Naxxar: Naxxar Pharmacy, Vjal il-21 ta' Settembru, Qawra: Qawra Pharmacy, Earl's Court/1, Imħar Street, Paola: De Paola Pharmacy, 36, Antoine De Paule Square, Cospicua: Verdala Pharmacy, 57, Gendus Street, Xagħjra: Medicor Pharmacy, 57, Carmelo Ritchie Street, Għaxaq: Beta Pharmacy, 50/52, Santa Marija Street, Safi: Pasteur Pharmacy, Tellerit Street, Żebbuġ: Brown's Pharmacy, 47, Vjal il-Ħelsien, Rabat: Ideal Pharmacy, 63, High Street,

Malta International Airport: The '8 Till Late Pharmacy' is open every day from 7am to 10pm

Victoria:Palm Pharmacy, 2, Palma, Xagħra: Xagħra Pharmacy, 55, Il-Knisja Street



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Commissioner told ‘one-size-fits-all approach is not delivering the right results’

EESC Member and Vice-President of the Employers' Group Stefano Mallia told Commissioner Corina Cretu who is responsible for Cohesion Policy that when it came to islands in the EU, adopting the one-size-fits-all approach was not delivering the required results.

Stefano Mallia was addressing the Commissioner during a debate which was discussing the EESC report on the future of islands in the EU for which Mallia was rapporteur.

When addressing the Commissioner, Mallia said  "there is no doubt that EU islands and island Member States face very particular circumstances and the European Union must recognise this. This is not only about money but also about policy flexibility".

In his opening remarks Mallia said that "we can all agree that islands and island Member States in the EU face permanent difficulties when it comes to issues such as accessibility, small internal market, and energy generation. I think that equally we can all agree that permanent difficulties require permanent solutions and it is these solutions which the EU should be providing the 21 million people that live on islands in Europe".

In her reply, Commissioner Cretu said that she is very aware of the unique challenges being faced by islands and that she is committed to providing the right tools for them to continue to flourish. She expressed her personal wish to engage more with islands to ensure that all the challenges they have can be addressed in the right manner.

Commissioner Cretu also stressed her continued commitment for Cohesion Policy to "remain the main investment force of the EU in all regions, without exception. Islands indeed face substantial handicaps, just like all regions with specific geographic features", she said. "But islands have the potential in energy generation, as a testing ground for modern technologies in renewable energy, in development of drugs from local plants, aqua farming, sea technology, etc.Our duty is to support them in this endeavour".

The report by Mallia, which was voted upon and approved with a very strong majority, calls on the Commission to revisit the current definition of an Island Region and set new criteria "to allow for higher levels of state aid to be applied by islands".

 

The report also says that that key policy areas such as the Single Market, Competition Policy, Transport, Rural Development and Fisheries must include insularity clauses that allow for a greater degree of flexibility in their application to islands, so as to better address the economic needs of these territories.

 

The Mallia report also supports the call by the European Parliament to launch an in-depth study on the extra costs incurred by European islands. 



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Donald Tusk to set out negotiation guidelines as European leaders reject Theresa May's Brexit timetable



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Australia floods: daredevils jet ski through park hit by Cyclone Debbie



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Thursday, March 30, 2017

US Senate kills family-planning rule, defunding clinics

US Senate Republicans voted to undo an Obama administration rule preventing states from blocking funding for family planning clinics that also provide abortions

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Israel approves first new West Bank settlement in 20 years

Israel has approved the building of the first new settlement on the occupied West Bank in more than two decades

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Ousted South Korean President jailed on bribery charges

Ousted South Korean President Park Geun-hye has been arrested and taken into custody over a corruption scandal that led to her dismissal

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INDEPTH: Religious ethics should be compulsory – Michael Briguglio

Religious ethics should be compulsory in our education system and not optional, sociologist and former Alternattiva Demokratika leader Michael Briguglio said on INDEPTH.

Interviewed by The Malta Independent news editor Rachel Attard, Dr Briguglio said that at the moment only two state schools offer this subject, one of them being the Sliema primary school.  He said the subject brought children with different beliefs together in harmony and understanding. This instils in them a sense of integration and unity.

"What is important for me is not what religious beliefs you have, but minority groups have their beliefs respected by the constitution and the education system, and that the values of solidarity, tolerance and diversity are there for everyone, and are respected by everyone."

Dr Briguglio said that religion studies should be optional, pointing out that a number of issues that are being thought in ethics classes are in line with the Catholic religion. These include the values of solidarity and respect for one another.  However the government should have the final say on the matter and ensure that certain elements, like Sharia Law, are not taught in schools.

This whole debate started after the Muslim secondary school Miriam al Batool announced it would be closing its doors to secondary schools students as from the next scholastic year. Imam Mohammed El Sadi then suggested that Islam is taught to Muslim children who attend state schools.

Education Minister Evarist Bartolo, on Xarabank, did not object to this statement but insisted that any Islamic teaching should be in line with what the state and the Education Division say and be treated as the rest of the subjects.

Archbishop Scicluna said church schools have to respect religious freedom, thus confirming that he is open to the idea of non-Catholic students receiving education in their own religion.

 

 

 




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World news in one minute: Find out what happened in the world on 30 March

This is the main news as reported by the Associated Press on 30 March.

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Israel approves first new West Bank settlement in decades



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EU Council President to issue negotiation guidelines

European Council President Donald Tusk is due to issue draft guidelines on how the EU intends to negotiate the UK's departure from the bloc

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Pictures of the Day: 31 March 2017



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Stabbing victim succumbs to injuries

Man to be arraigned in court charged with his murder

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'Stay out of the flood water!' Bull shark found in road after cyclone hits Australia



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Cyclone Debbie's devastating floods, as seen from the air



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FIFA proposes new 6-team playoff ahead of 2026 World Cup

FIFA wants to hold a new six-team playoff round in the 2026 World Cup host country to complete the expanded 48-team tournament lineup.

The final two qualifying slots would be decided in the proposed mini-tournament played in the November before the World Cup as a test event, a move that puts the Confederations Cup's long-term future at risk.

The idea was announced on Thursday as part of the FIFA Bureau's proposal to award each of the six continental confederations extra places at the World Cup, which will expand starting in 2026 when North America is expected to host.

If agreed in May, the playoffs would give the 2026 hosts four more games to stage, adding to an 80-game tournament that has been 64 games since 1998.

UEFA is set to get the three extra guaranteed slots it wanted, bringing its total to 16 qualifying slots. The proposal also increases Africa to nine, Asia to eight, South America to six, North America and Central America and the Caribbean to six and Oceania to one guaranteed slot.

Europe would be "fairly represented" by the quotas, said UEFA President Aleksander Ceferin, whose members currently fill 26 of the top 48 places in FIFA's ranking of 211 national teams.

Excluding Europe, the other five confederations would send one team for the playoffs. The World Cup host continent would provide the sixth playoff team.

Before coming into effect, the FIFA Council must approve the proposal on May 9 in Bahrain. The council, chaired by FIFA President Gianni Infantino, agreed in January to expand the World Cup from 32 teams starting with the 2026 edition.

FIFA also said its bureau — comprising Infantino and the six confederations presidents — wants automatic entry for host teams to come from a region's quota.

With the United States, Mexico, and Canada weighing a co-hosting bid for 2026, the decision on which hosts will get direct entry is set to be made by the council and not individual confederations, FIFA said.

The proposal for centralized single-game playoffs to qualify for the 2026 edition would replace a scattered global format of two-leg playoffs for 2018. In November, there will be two intercontinental playoffs — South America vs. Oceania, and CONCACAF vs. Asia — plus a European round of two-leg playoffs that allocates the last four of UEFA's quota of 13 qualifying slots.

FIFA hopes to generate buzz among fans in the 2026 host country, or countries, by bringing in six teams to play four matches over several days that will decide the final two of 48 slots.

The suggested format would see the four lower-ranked teams paired for single knockout matches. The winners would advance in the bracket to face the two higher-ranked teams.

Using the current FIFA rankings, a theoretical playoff lineup in November 2025 in the United States would be: China, Curacao, Ecuador, Morocco, Saint Kitts and Nevis, and Tahiti.

The Confederations Cup already faced an uncertain future after this year's edition in Russia.

With the 2022 World Cup in Qatar being played in November and December, a Club World Cup in November 2021 has become the preferred test event option.



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Naxxar man stabbed in Birkirkara on Wednesday dies in hospital

The Naxxar man who was stabbed in Birkirkara on Wednesday died in hospital this morning, the police said.

The 26-year-old man was stabbed in Tumas Fenech Street.



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History points to protracted and tough Brexit negotiations

It took Britain more than a decade of trying to join the European club. It's now got just two to get out and strike a new relationship.

If anyone thinks that will be easy for Britain, a look back to its entry half a century ago will show how difficult and protracted talks with the EU can be.

Successive British governments slogged away at trying to convince the original six members - Belgium, France, Italy, Luxembourg, the Netherlands and West Germany - to let it into what was then the European Economic Community. Membership in 1973 took 12 years of on-and-off discussions that at various times humbled the British.

Prime Minister Harold Macmillan got so distraught he confided in his diary in 1963 that "all our policies at home and abroad are in ruins" after French President Charles de Gaulle vetoed Britain's first bid to join. De Gaulle would torpedo Britain's second attempt four years later, too.

"Boy, was it tough," said Piers Ludlow, a historian at the London School of Economics who is a specialist on Britain's postwar relations with Europe.

In this Tuesday, May 17, 1960 file photo, President Charles de Gaulle of France, left, Premier Harold MacMillan of Britain, center, and U.S. President Dwight D. Eisenhower leave a summit at the Elysee Palace in Paris. De Gaulle would veto Britain's application to join the then European Economic Community on two occasions that decade. Britain on Wednesday March 29, 2017 triggered the mechanism to leave the European Union.


The past talks highlight some of the challenges Britain faces today. While the international political situation is different, the negotiations promise to be even trickier: with far more EU members involved and more complex and interdependent economies.

British Prime Minister Theresa May on Wednesday formally began the divorce talks with the EU. Her government is hoping to settle the exit terms alongside talks over the creation of a "deep and special partnership." The EU wants to first reach a deal on the exit deal and has insisted that any future relationship must be seen to be inferior to full membership.

Nine months on from the British vote to leave the EU, the two sides are finally setting up their stalls. The past suggests that it will be the British who will have to make the bulk of the concessions.

Ludlow noted that in the early 1960s, Britain thought it would be relatively easy to join because of its status as a top European power - echoing the rhetoric from Brexit proponents today, who argue they'll get a good deal from the EU because the EU has a lot to lose through its strong trade ties.

Instead, the years of discussions showed the Europeans, and the French in particular, to be stubborn negotiators.

In this Jan. 22, 1972, file photo, British Prime Minister Edward Heath, middle, signs the treaty for Britain to join the European Economic Community at the Palais d'Egmont in Brussels, Belgium. Britain on Wednesday March 29, 2017 triggered the mechanism to leave the European Union.


"For them, of course it is rather harder to reach a consensus opinion because they've got their own national interests and they've got to reach agreement among the six," Geoffrey Rippon, Britain's chief negotiator during the early 1970s, had said.

Now there are 27 countries to negotiate with.

And once again, there are concerns on the British side that the French will prove the most intransigent. As Rippon said all those years ago: "They're hard bargainers."

The EU side will be more efficient today, as it has a more powerful executive Commission to lead the day-to-day talks. The Commission has built up decades of experience on trade negotiations, handling them on behalf of all member states.

But even so, it will take time for all the EU member states to agree on each point of negotiation. Canada's recently concluded trade deal with the bloc took seven years.

"Anyone involved in enlargement/trade deals over the past 60 years can tell you, it's not a fun beast to negotiate with," Ludlow said of the EU. "It's like a ponderous giant; that's the nature of the beast."

In this Jan. 24, 1967 file photo, British Prime Minister Harold Wilson, left, meets with French President Charles de Gaulle at the Elysee Palace in Paris. Later that year, de Gaulle would veto Britain's efforts to join the-then European Economic Community. It was only after de Gaulle's death that Britain eventually joined the EEC in 1973. Britain on Wednesday March 29, 2017 triggered the mechanism to leave the European Union


Michel Barnier, a former French diplomat, will be the EU's lead Brexit negotiator and is already setting the terms of the agenda.

While admitting that the EU hopes to get a new trade deal within the two years, Barnier has insisted that discussions cannot proceed until Britain settles its multibillion exit bill - what it owes on such things as pension obligations to EU staffers and budgetary contributions it has already committed to.

And there's more than just trade to be discussed, with topics ranging from security cooperation to airlines' access to European skies.

Ludlow says the cost of the divorce bill has added "a fraught element" in much the same way financial matters did decades ago when Britain tried to join. Back then, Britain fought hard not to be one of the largest net contributors to the European budget but eventually conceded defeat to get the green light on its accession.

"The question of what the divorce settlement will be looks likely to be one of the hardest elements of the negotiations," Ludlow said.

Another key lesson from the past is that Britain should park any notion that it can exploit differences among the other EU 27 member states. Jean-Claude Juncker, the president of the EU Commission, warned recently that the old British imperial tactic of 'divide-and-rule' won't work.

Britain's Prime Minister Theresa May, back to camera, faces the opposition Labour party front bench, while giving news of triggering the Article 50 clause to initiate Britain's separation from the European Union, inside the House of Commons in London in this image taken from video Wednesday March 29, 2017


"There will be a single negotiating line and a very strong desire for negotiators to stick together even if Berlin has a different view from Madrid or Warsaw," said Ludlow, author of 'Dealing with Britain: The Six and the First U.K. Application to the EEC.'

"If you go back to the 1960s, British negotiators found it massively frustrating," he added. Every time the British made a proposal, Europe's representatives left the room to find a unanimous position.

In many ways, the backdrop now is more difficult than it was back in the 1960s and 1970s. There are 21 more members to negotiate with and each one has a veto; the importance of Europe to member states is more pronounced after another four decades of integration; and the EU faces a crisis of confidence following years of economic turmoil in some of the countries that use the euro.

"There's now even more at stake," said Ludlow. "The EU is also conscious of its own fragility and has incentives to avoid the British disrupting the process on the way out."

Would de Gaulle be surprised at the turn of events?

Probably 'non.'


 



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'Britain's biggest Brexit problem will be the French because they're, well, French': Chopper's Brexit Podcast Episode 5



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Oxford's youngest organist: 12-year-old schoolboy wins university music scholarship 



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Donald Trump's import tax would make US business 'meaningless', says Uniqlo founder, vowing to leave



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Cattle herders fire at Italian author after Kenyan lodge set ablaze



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SpaceX makes history by successfully launching first recycled rocket booster



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'An utter disaster': Flood deaths feared as Australian towns swamped after torrential rains



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Mike Flynn 'certainly has a story to tell': Trump's fired national security adviser hints at immunity for Russia testimony



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Man's new best friend? More men getting cats for pets



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Village pub owners compared with London terrorist after animal activists find fois gras on the menu



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Teacher who clipped rowdy pupil with book wins battle to save career



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Westminster terror attacker 'staged dummy run' days before the killings



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Power naps make you happier than a longer snooze



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Hip and knee surgery waiting lists to lengthen as NHS focus on A&E and cancer care



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Millions of vulnerable customers being ripped off for basic services, Government spending watchdog says



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Rip-off fees that charge ill pensioners for moving in relatives to their retirement home should be axed, Law Commission says 



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UK takes back the right to deport as Britain repeals powers from EU 



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South Korean ex-president Park Geun-hye arrested and jailed over corruption allegations



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Oxford University accused of snubbing Theresa May in row over portraits celebrating diversity



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Vladimir Putin says 'Read my lips - No' as US claims he used 'propaganda on steroids' to meddle in election 



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Nicola Sturgeon signs letter to Theresa May demanding second independence referendum



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Google and Facebook agree to set up new industry board to accelerate removal of extremist content



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The Government needs to crack on with lighting the great bonfire of EU red tape



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European leaders to formally reject Theresa May's Brexit timetable



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Nicola Sturgeon threatens to try and obstruct Great Repeal Bill



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Putin: ‘Read my lips, Russia did not meddle in US election’

Vladimir Putin: 'The allegations are fictional, illusory and provocations, lies...used for domestic American political agendas' 

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Trial of defamation lawsuit against Trump adviser postponed

Republican political operative Roger Stone, who's been busy preparing for a possible grilling by the U.S. Senate intelligence committee about Russian hacking, appeared Thursday at a New York courthouse for the trial of a civil defamation lawsuit against him before it was postponed for months.

Stone, a longtime political provocateur and adviser to President Donald Trump, is being sued over a flyer sent to 150,000 New York households during the state's 2010 election that called the Libertarian Party candidate for governor, Warren Redlich, a "sick twisted pervert."

Outside the courtroom Thursday, Stone said Redlich has no evidence that he was behind a 2010 flyer that also implied Redlich was a child molester. "He's presented no evidence but a wild conspiracy theory," Stone said.

Stone did not appear for trial Wednesday, when it was scheduled to start. His lawyer, Benjamin Burge, told the judge Stone was busy complying with a notice from the U.S. Senate intelligence committee asking him to retain any documents that might be related to its investigation into alleged Russian interference in the 2016 election.

When both sides in the New York case appeared Thursday, the judge agreed to postpone the trial until at least August so lawyers could have more time to go over evidence.

Redlich's lawsuit claims that Stone and several accomplices were responsible for the flyer. The mailing, which included Redlich's photo and the header "Sexual Predator Alert," said: "This man constitutes a public danger." And it warned: "If you see this man in your neighborhood, CALL THE POLICE!"

It purported to come from an organization called People for a Safer New York.

At the time, Stone was advising two other candidates for governor: Kristin Davis, a former madam of a prostitution ring, and the Republican nominee, Carl Paladino. Redlich also is suing Paladino and his former campaign manager, Michael Caputo.

Stone was subpoenaed to testify in the trial this week. Burge told the judge Wednesday that Stone was busy preparing for the Senate committee appearance and would prefer to testify in the civil case next week.

Stone has said he communicated with Guccifer 2.0, the shadowy hacker credited with breaking into the Democratic National Committee's email servers.

Redlich, who is representing himself at the trial, and is seeking unspecified damages, said he wants to call Stone as his first witness. He said Stone's failure to appear Wednesday was part of a defense strategy to prolong what should be a speedy trial.

"I'm seeing a pattern â€" delay, delay, delay, delay," Redlich said.

Stone, 64, got his start in politics working as a political operative for President Richard Nixon, where he developed a reputation as someone who specialized in campaign trickery and spreading dirt on opponents.

He is the subject of an upcoming Netflix documentary, "Get Me Roger Stone."




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'Extended family' wiped out in helicopter crash



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Vicious garden wars are a British obsession. But we can learn to live with our neighbours



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‘Time for clampdown on poverty’ – Muscat

In Freedom Day speech, Joseph Muscat says Dom Mintoff's dream for Malta to become 'the envy of the world' is now a reality 

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Correction



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Baby girl who was unborn when father was killed in police chase to sue police force in legal first



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‘We believe in fostering unity, love and civil liberty to all’ – PM Joseph Muscat

Prime Minister Joseph Muscat exclaimed that he is proud to be joining the list of Prime Ministers to have achieved their dreams, citing former Prime Minister Dom Mintoff's dream of freedom, Prime Minister George Borg Olivier's dream of independence, and his dream of establishing unity, love and rights to all minorities in Malta.

Dr Muscat's speech was made on the eve of Freedom Day, at a political activity in Birgu.

"The state should not be there to impose limits, but to help. These are the values that have propelled us forward. We do not look at faces and votes, but we are led by these values.

"These values do not see faces or political parties, but look at a united population who believe in love.

"We believe free healthcare and education should be of the highest quality, that work should always leave an individual with a feeling of dignity.

"There have never been more people out at work, and we believe that every mother and woman who wants to work, should be able to work. Parental duties should not limit the woman, because parental duties are a shared one, by that of the father and mother, which is why we made free childcare a priority."

Dr Muscat made reference to a piece written by late Prime Minister Dom Mintoff in 1933, where he wrote:

Malta is in desperate need for people with new ideas, that will foster progressive and liberal ideas amidst the universal degeneration of fascism, that will make Malta the envy of the world.

Dr Muscat called these words "forward", and said that we have made, and continue to make, these words a reality.

He proudly stressed that for the first time in a generation, Malta is generating more wealth and benefits than it is taking, something that could only be said by Mr Mintoff some 36 years ago.

Areas of poverty still need to be addressed, and there are big obstacles that we need to overcome such as increasing the minimum wage, Dr Muscat said.

"We will continue to work on delivering our dream, which has only been made possible through an independent, free and Republic of Malta." Deputy Leader Chris Cardona praised the government, saying that it has been fighting tooth-and-nail to bring the public freedom and opportunity.

Deputy Leader of the Labour Party Chris Cardona also addressed the event, saying that his "will be acknowledged in history as having worked for liberty and freedom, despite conservative forces trying to limit this work."

He referenced examples of freedom such as the introduction of divorce, gay marriage or being able to dictate your own identity.

"Dr Muscat is an exemplary symbol of freedom, through the influence he is leaving on Malta's political landscape and the changes that he is bringing about."

 

 



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Celebrity cookbooks are giving bad advice on food hygiene, researchers warn 



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Christian nurse sacked for offering to pray with patients was just showing 'compassion', tribunal hears



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The gaming sector Contributes €1.2 billion to Malta’s Economy; 12% of GDP - Mallia

The Gaming sector contributes €1.2 billion to Malta's economy, which is 12% of the GDP (gross domestic product), Minister for Competitiveness and Digital, Marime and Services Economy Emmanuel Mallia said this during the conference Connecting Our Future.

The conference was organised by the Office of the Permanent Secretary within the Ministry for Competitiveness and Digital, Maritime and Services Economy. Permanent Secretary Anthony Gatt expounded upon how the annual budget measures are each year compared and contrasted to that which would have been carried out, or not, within each Ministry. This, in effect, means that each year each Ministry determines how many of the objectives planned by Government would have been implemented.

On his part, Minister Mallia reiterated that he was well-aware that what is to be achieved is not easy to do, because of the inordinate number of measures, quality benchmarks, and dimensions of the Budget for 2017 which contains a number of sub-clauses which will make remaining on target very challenging.

"Despite all this," insisted Minister Mallia, "we shall not be in any way discouraged from doing our utmost to accomplish the proposed projects. Rather, this shall serve as an impetus that leads us to overcome this unprecedented challenge. I am pleased to report that so far, we have already achieved all that we intended to accomplish. It would therefore be feasible to enumerate, with satisfaction, some of the projects already being finalised.




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Is Kirsan Ilyumzhinov facing his endgame? The bizarre power struggle at the top of chess



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