Good morning,
Your daily morning briefing with a review of Malta’s newspaper front-pages and news from around the world to start your day informed.
In today’s edition we read the latest on Khashoggi’s death, the sanctions against Iran and the warning about the Ndrangheta’s infiltration in Europe’s economies, which somehow was eclipsed by the fact that former footballer Iaquinta was sentenced earlier this week.
The Morning Headlines
The order to kill Jamal Khashoggi came from the “highest levels” of the Saudi government, Recep Tayyip Erdogan said on Friday as he turned up the pressure on Riyadh over the death of the veteran journalist. The Washington Post
The British and Irish governments have signalled that a Brexit deal is very close after a flurry of official talks and visits on both sides of the Irish border, and a positive statement from the Democratic Unionist party after a separate meeting with the Brexit secretary. The Guardian
European governments have so far failed to persuade the Trump administration to guarantee Iranian imports of basic foods and medicine after the imposition of blanket sanctions next week, according to diplomats familiar with the negotiations. The United States said on Friday it will temporarily allow eight importers to keep buying Iranian oil when it re-imposes sanctions on Monday to try to force Iran to curb its nuclear, missile and regional activities. Reuters
Italy’s most powerful organised crime network, the ‘Ndrangheta, is infiltrating countries across Europe, where it has established businesses as a cover for its illicit drug trafficking operations, anti-mafia and counterterrorism prosecutor Federico Cafiero De Raho told Euronews
In a global race to dominate artificial intelligence technology, Europe needs to keep its urge to regulate Artificial Intelligence under control – Europe’s AI Chief warns – Politico
Cuba on Friday said new sanctions planned by the United States were a futile attempt to change its policies and would only further isolate Washington internationally. Reuters
At least seven people have been killed in an assault on a bus heading towards a monastery in Egypt, according to a Coptic Church official. NBC
Genoa Bridge collapse possibly caused by a 3.5 tons roll of steel falling from a truck. Ansa
Football Leaks unveil the extent of manipulation in football as documents unveil Infantino’s central role in what might be a scandal which would rock European football Der Spiegel
The Newspaper Review
The Times leads with a story about Malta’s failure to reach emission targets set by the EU Commission and will have to buy ‘credits’ from countries who have registered a surplus in their emissions results.
Another article in The Times covers reactions by the Guardian of Future Generations to the rent reform white paper published in October. Maurice Mizzi said the rental market is not balanced with an adequate number of social housing units, as expected in a modern EU state.
The Malta Independent quotes the President of the Chamber of Advocates who said in a law conference that constitutional amendments were the first step to take the responsibility for the appointment of judges out of the hands of government. Dr Hyzler said the new system is working well but needs improvement.
Another story in The Malta Independent reports that more than 50,000 vehicles have been scrapped since 2013 and that more second-hand cars were registered than new ones. The numbers were table in parliament by the Transport Minister.
L-Orizzont speaks to sexual relations counsellor Matthew Bartolo about the recent controversy over gay therapy. Bartolo said that homosexuality is not a disorder and no amount of prayer can change the orientation.
In-Nazzjon anticipates a rise in the price of potatoes as international factors are lowering profit margins for growers. The paper says this is another hit to consumers in a series of price hikes for basic products.
Another story in L-Orizzont reports the publication of a national policy for alcohol consumption which further cuts drinking limits for drivers. The newspaper also follows an interview with MaltaToday editor Saviour Balzan on One TV about allegations against PN MEP David Casa of misappropriation of EU funds.
In-Nazzjon says that Environment Minister Jose Herrera was aware that the new waste collection system would not take off immediately, reportedly admitting that the country is not ready for the change.
