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China says North Korea's Kim Kim Jong Un pledged commitment to denuclearisation

March 28, 2018, 12:14 pm
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North Korea's leader Kim Jong Un pledged his commitment to denuclearisation and to meet US officials, China said on Wednesday after his meeting with President Xi Jinping. After two days of speculation, China and North Korea both confirmed that Kim had travelled to Beijing and met Xi during what China called an unofficial visit from Sunday to Wednesday. The visit was Kim's first known trip outside North Korea since he assumed power in 2011 and is believed by analysts to serve as preparation for upcoming summits with South Korea and the United States. US President Donald Trump wrote on Twitter he had received a message from Xi on Tuesday night that his meeting with Kim "went very well" and that Kim looked forward to meeting the US president. "Look forward to our meeting!" Trump wrote, while adding: "In the meantime, and unfortunately, maximum sanctions and pressure must be maintained at all cost!" White House spokeswoman Sarah Sanders said the China-North Korea talks and Kim's decision to travel outside his country were a "positive sign" the US-led pressure campaign to force North Korea to abandon its nuclear weapons has been working. "We're going to be cautiously optimistic," she...
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Ryanair launches summer schedule, and a seat sale

March 29, 2018, 4:47 am
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Ryanair on Thursday launched its Malta summer schedule, with new routes to Aberdeen (2 weekly), Barcelona (4 weekly), Bratislava (2 weekly), Paris Beauvais (2 weekly), Gothenburg (1 weekly), Porto (2 weekly), Pescara (2 weekly), Seville (2 weekly) and Tallinn (1 weekly). Services to Belfast (2 weekly), Naples (2 weekly) and Riga (2 weekly) are continuing from the winter, for the first time. With these nine new and three extended routes, Ryanair’s Malta summer schedule includes 54 routes in total. Ryanair has also announced the sale of seats from Malta at prices starting from €14.99. They are available for booking on the Ryanair.com website until midnight Wednesday (4 April).  
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Easter celebration at Emirates

March 29, 2018, 5:02 am
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Emirates is celebrating the Easter holiday with a range of treats available to customers across all classes on board and in the airport lounges from 30th March to 2nd April. Emirates customers travelling from Dubai to destinations in Europe, Australia, New Zealand, USA, Argentina, Brazil and the Philippines will be able to enjoy the Easter offering. Special menus have also been created for the lounges at Dubai International Airport and selected Emirates lounges worldwide. Across all classes, customers can look forward to special buns on board - handmade using Emirates’ signature recipe with spiced dough and orange peel, sultanas and currents. Various Easter-themed desserts will also be served to all customers including white chocolate eggs in Economy Class. First Class customers can also look forward to a special Easter edition of the Lakrids “Egg” Dulce de Leche Liquorice Balls in their personal goodie baskets. The seasonal menus are in addition to the regionally inspired cuisine served on all Emirates flights. On Easter Sunday itself, festivities kick off in the Emirates lounges at Dubai International Airport and in most of the Emirates lounges around the world.  Customers in...
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Good Friday exhibitions

March 29, 2018, 5:48 am
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The Police Force is holding the annual Good Friday exhibition at the Police Headquarters in Floriana. Among the highlights are large paintings made of salt. Opening hours: today from 9am to midnight; tomorrow from 8am to 5pm, on Saturday from 8am to noon and from 5pm to 9pm and on Sunday from 8am to noon. An exhibition by Emanuel Bonavia will be on display today, Maundy Thursday, from 8.30am to noon and from 5.30pm to midnight at 122, Sanctuary Street, Żabbar.The exhibition will also be on display tomorrow, Good Friday, from 8.30am to 1.30pm and on Saturday from 8.30am to noon and 5.30 to 7pm.
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16,000 tons of rubbish collected from the roads

March 29, 2018, 6:37 am
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The Cleansing Division collected a record 16,000 tons of rubbish from arterial and distributor roads last year. That was the result of a reform within the division and purchase of new equipment. In a statement on Thursday, the division said its staff are on arterial roads on all days of the week, collecting rubbish and carrying out maintenance works, such as rebuilding walls. The division is also involved in beach cleaning.  Maintenance works will be intensified in the coming weeks.  
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PM meets Victoria Premier

March 29, 2018, 6:44 am
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Prime Minister Joseph Muscat, currently in Australia, has had a meeting with the Premier of Victoria, Daniel Andrews. The discussion focused on various economic sectors, the Department of Information said. Dr Muscat pointed out how Malta is diversifying its economy into sectors such as digital legder technologies , with the world's biggest exchange of cryptocurrencies having been attracted to the country. 
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'Most dangerous' driver gets into trouble again... this time on two wheels

March 29, 2018, 6:55 am
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A truck driver who was dubbed as the 'most dangerous' in Malta, admitted in court on Thursday to having violated a blanket ban on driving - and that he did so on two wheels.   Marius Camilleri, 57, whose dangerous manoeuvres at the wheel of his truck had hit the headlines a few months ago, again landed on the wrong side of the law after being spotted by traffic policemen driving a motorcycle through Qormi on Wednesday afternoon. He was stopped and escorted to the local police station where it resulted that the number plate on the motorcycle belonged to another vehicle registered in the name of someone else, who lives abroad. Moreover, the man had been driving without a licence and insurance cover. READ: 'Most dangerous' truck driver arrested Mr Camilleri was allegedly reluctant to answer police questions, even refusing to supply his name. On Thursday, he was accused of driving without a licence and insurance, using number plates which did not belong to his motorcycle, breaching bail conditions, with having committed the alleged offences during the operative period of two suspended sentences as well as with relapsing. He was visibly moved and wept as his lawyer, Leslie Cuschieri,...
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Misunderstanding lands woman in hospital and man behind bars

March 29, 2018, 7:09 am
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A heated family argument sparked by a misunderstanding has landed a woman with critical injuries and her alleged aggressor behind bars under preventive arrest. The episode took place on Wednesday afternoon in a Siggiewi residence when Christopher Cachia, a 35-year old Wasteserv employee, called at the home of the parents of his estranged wife to pick up his young son. He had apparently done so in reply to an earlier call by the child’s mother telling him that the boy wanted to spend time with his father. Yet when the man called for his son at the grandparents’ residence, the boy refused to leave, giving rise to a verbal argument between the father, the grandfather and the boy’s aunt. The man, allegedly flew into a rage and flung a piece of wood at his wife’s sister, hitting her on her side. Later in hospital, it emerged that the woman had sustained an injury to her spleen which caused internal bleeding and left her fighting for her life. The man was arrested and marched to court on Thursday, his right arm bandaged and held in a sling. He pleaded not guilty to the attempted willful homicide of his sister-in-law, with having grievously injured her, assaulted his father-in-law and...
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Tribunal says council should have been consulted on descheduling plans

March 29, 2018, 7:17 am
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The Planning Appeals Tribunal has struck down a decision by the Planning Authority to deschedule a site known as Ta'Dmejrek, which forms a buffer around  Għar il-Kbir archaeological site. READ: Updated: Siggiewi council to appeal Mepa's ecological zone decision The decision was taken after an appeal was filed by Siġġiewi local council, which argued that this was a matter of public interest and it should have been consulted.  The environment NGO Flimkien Ghal Ambjent Ahjar had joined the council in its appeal.  Siġġiewi Mayor Alessia Psaila Zammit welcomed the decision saying it was in the interests of the environment. The decision also underscored the important role of local councils. 
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MSE Equity Price Index drops below 4,500 points

March 29, 2018, 7:37 am
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The MSE Equity Price Index trended lower for the third consecutive day with a further drop of 0.74% to 4,474.087 points reflecting the declines in six shares whilst another four shares ended the day unchanged. Week-on-week, the local equity index shed 1.1% - the worst weekly performance since late November 2017 – largely reflecting the 5.3% plunge in the equity of BOV which translates into a decrease of €52.5 million in market capitalisation. Most of today’s trading activity took place in the equity of Bank of Valletta plc which retreated by a further 0.6% back to the €1.80 level across 124,374 shares. On Wednesday, the bank announced that it received notice that the Italian Tribunal has issued a precautionary warrant for €363 million against the bank. In this respect, and after taking legal advice, the bank reiterated that it has a strong case and is firmly rebutting the claims instituted against it. Meanwhile, shareholders as at close of trading on Friday 6 April 2018 will be entitled to a net dividend of €0.052 per share. In this respect, shareholders will have the right to take the dividend either in cash or in new shares at a discounted price which is yet to be...
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Detergent fraud case gathers lather as more charges are added in court

March 29, 2018, 7:46 am
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A woman who allegedly masterminded a fake detergent business to skim thousands of euros off her unsuspecting victims, is facing fresh charges after media coverage of the scam prompted additional reports to the police. Tanya Borg, a 35-year old mother of three from Marsaxlokk, has been undergoing criminal proceedings for having defrauded several individuals out of more than €100,000, by enticing them to invest in a ‘lucrative’ detergent business alongside ‘important people such as police inspectors, lawyers and established entrepreneurs.’ Seated in court today, the woman listened calmly as the prosecution pressed no less than 21 charges related to the fraud and misappropriation of a married couple, four men, a young man and his mother as well as another woman victim, who was allegedly the most vulnerable of all, on account of mental problems. Economic Crimes officer Inspector Anna Marie Xuereb explained that when the alleged fraudster’s name was published on local media, other persons had stepped forward with claims of having lost their money to the fake detergent scheme. Gathering all evidence had proved a lengthy task which ultimately resulted in today’s arraignment, the court...
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FKNK wants action against Chris Packham over government corruption claim

March 29, 2018, 8:07 am
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The FKNK hunters' federation wants the government to take action against BBC presenter Chris Packham for having told a European Parliament meeting that there was corruption in the Maltese government. The federation said the allegation was made on March 22 at a round table meeting which discussed spring hunting in Malta. (See https://goo.gl/Qt5cG4). Mr Packham is no stranger to run-ins with Malta's hunters. Last year he was arraigned and acquitted of assault while filming a documentary on illegal bird trapping. In 2014 he was questioned by police for over four hours following complaints from the hunters’ lobby that he was violating their privacy. The debate earlier this month was organised and chaired by the Dutch MEP Anja Hazekamp, from ‘The Dutch Party for The Animals’. Panel speakers  included Nicolas Barbara, BirdLife Malta Conservation Manager. Hazekamp said that she plans to put the Maltese spring hunting issue on the agenda of a plenary session of the European Parliament. The Federation for Hunting & Conservation (FKNK), was represented by  David Scallan, Senior Conservation Manager of the European federation of hunting associations (FACE). The FKNK said Chris Packham, and...
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Two fined for cannabis importation, despite claiming medical use

March 29, 2018, 8:26 am
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A tip-off by the postal authorities led to the arrest of two men who on Thursday admitted in court to having imported drugs intended for their own personal use. In separate arraignments, Glenn Andrew Scott Gorman, 46, from Naxxar and Aaron Pavia, 37, from Zebbug, pleaded guilty to the importation of cannabis grass in breach of legislation. Mr Gorman was also found in possession of some two sachets of cocaine. Inspector Frank Anthony Tabone explained in court how there was a tip-off by Maltapost about parcels suspected to contain drugs, addressed to both accused. Controlled deliveries at the addresses of the recipients led to the confirmation of the suspicions and the subsequent arrest of the men who cooperated fully with investigators and immediately declared that the drug had been intended for their own personal use. Medical prescriptions issued in the Netherlands were found at the residence of one of the men. He declared in court that he needed cannabis as pain relief. “I need it. It’s my medicine,” the man said, while his lawyer pointed out that the man had even registered an application to benefit from new medical cannabis legislation just recently passed by parliament. “It...
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Russian ex-spy poisoning: daughter's condition improves

March 29, 2018, 8:49 am
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A police officer stands guard outside of the home of former Russian military intelligence officer Sergei Skripal, in Salisbury.

The daughter of former Russian spy Sergei Skripal, who with her father was poisoned with a nerve agent at his home in England earlier this month, is no longer in a critical condition and is improving rapidly, the hospital said on Thursday. Yulia Skripal, 33, and her 66-year-old father were found on March 4 slumped on a bench in the southern English city of Salisbury where the former Russian double agent lived. British counter-terrorism police believe a nerve toxin had been left on the front door of his home. Last week, a British judge said the Skripals might have suffered permanent brain damage as a result of the attack. "I’m pleased to be able to report an improvement in the condition of Yulia Skripal," Christine Blanshard, Medical Director for Salisbury District Hospital, said in a statement. "She has responded well to treatment but continues to receive expert clinical care 24 hours a day." Her father remained in a critical but stable condition, the hospital said. Britain has blamed the attempted murder on Russian President Vladimir Putin, and expelled 23 Russians it said were spies working under diplomatic cover in retaliation. Russia, which denies carrying out the attack,...
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Live stream: Mass of the Last Supper

March 29, 2018, 9:00 am
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  As the sun sets on Maundy Thursday, the Church solemnly marks the the start of the Easter Triduum with the Mass of the Lord’s Supper.  During the Mass, the Church stresses the institution of the Eucharist, the institution of the ministerial priesthood, and the commandment of brotherly love that Jesus gave after washing the feet of his disciples. The celebration is divided into four parts:  a. The Liturgy of the Word b. The washing of feet  c. The Liturgy of the Eucharist  d. Procession of Blessed Sacrament to place of reposition  Follow proceedings using the live stream above.
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France's Sarkozy to face trial for influence peddling

March 29, 2018, 10:04 am
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Former French President Nicolas Sarkozy was ordered on Thursday to stand trial for influence peddling over accusations he offered to help a prosecutor get promoted in return for leaked information about a separate criminal inquiry. Sarkozy, who is embroiled in several criminal investigations, denies any wrongdoing and has vowed to have all cases dismissed. His lawyers said they would appeal Thursday's decision to try him. "Nicolas Sarkozy will ... calmly wait for the result of the motion for a declaration of invalidity. He does not doubt that once again the truth will triumph," his lawyers said in a statement. His appeal will be heard on June 25, it said. The case came about after investigators used phone-taps to examine separate allegations that late Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi funded Sarkozy's campaign. The investigators began to suspect the former president had kept tabs on a separate case through a network of informants. Thursday's development came just over a week after Sarkozy, 63, was told he was being formally treated as a suspect in the election campaign investigation. Sarkozy was president from 2007 to 2012 but was defeated by Socialist Francois Hollande when he ran...
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Man held in custody after terrifying his mother

March 29, 2018, 11:14 am
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The elderly son of an 85-year old woman landed himself behind bars when he damaged the front door and window of his mother's house late on Wednesday.  Anthony Balzan, 62 of no fixed address, had allegedly made it a habit of turning up at his 85-year-old mother’s door, demanding money. Following his umpteenth visit the old lady’s refusal to speak to him and did not let him in. The man allegedly flew into a rage, damaging the front door and shuttered window of the house. His terrified sister who called the police, who arrested him and took him to court on Thursday. He was charged with having harassed his two relatives, causing them to fear violence, besides damaging third party property. Following a plea of not guilty the prosecution strong object to bail in view of the fact that the man had apparently supplied a wrong address to the police. Moreover, the two victims were still to testify and the man had evidently made it his habit of pestering his mother for money, Inspector Trevor Micallef argued. Defence lawyer Yanika Bugeja, assisting the man as legal aid counsel, countered that her client did have a fixed address and had only moved to a hotel because he felt lonely and lacked...
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Air Malta to fly to Ukraine from June

March 29, 2018, 12:41 pm
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Air Malta will start a once weekly service to the Ukrainian capital Kiev in June. Flights will be on Tuesdays starting from June 19.   Paul Sies, Chief Commercial Officer, said Air Malta was increasing services to Eastern Europe. Ukraine was a new market and the scheduled flights would stimulate more passenger traffic between both countries. Airline chairman Charles Mangion said Ukraine was a welcome addition to Air Malta’s 33 other destinations for this summer.  Minister of Tourism Konrad Mizzi observed that Ukrainian visitors no longer required a visa to visit Malta and other European countries. This opened up a new passengers market. "I look forward to see the airline secure more business and seek more opportunities to ensure further success and become the Airline of the Mediterranean.”
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Hundreds take part in torch-lit Way of the Cross

March 29, 2018, 1:54 pm
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Hundreds of people took part in a Way of the Cross up Is-Salib ta l-Għolja from Siġġiewi to the Laferla Cross on Thursday as part of Maundy Thursday services. The hill was spectacularly lit by a large number of torches (fjakkoli). The activity is an annual event of San Nikola Bank Club. It was started by a group of youths in 1993.  Funeral marches were played by the band near the cross, and a drama group, Carpe Dieme, held a representation of the passion of the Lord as it related to modern times.  
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Watch: LeBron, Walker make history in Charlotte

March 29, 2018, 2:06 pm
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LeBron James had 41 points to match a record held by Michael Jordan and lead the visiting Cleveland Cavaliers to a 118-105 win over the Charlotte Hornets on Wednesday. James has now scored at least 10 points in 866 consecutive games, tying the record held by Jordan, now the Hornets' chairman. James, who started the streak on Jan. 6, 2007, tied Jordan's mark in the second quarter on an alley-oop dunk off a pass from JR Smith. Jordan's streak spanned 1986-2001. James, who added 10 rebounds and eight assists, wasn't the only one who had a record-setting night. Kemba Walker scored 21 points and broke the franchise record for career points at 9,841, passing Dell Curry (9,839), and the franchise mark for free throws made at 2,003, passing Gerald Wallace (1,999). Timberwolves 126, Hawks 114 Karl-Anthony Towns made history, scoring a franchise-record 56 points and leading Minnesota to a bounce-back win over Atlanta in Minneapolis. Towns' career-high total topped the Minnesota mark previously held by Mo Williams (52 points). He posted the third-most points scored in a game this season while adding 15 rebounds and four assists. Towns scored from the inside and outside, hitting 19 of 32...
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