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Malta and international press digest 07:24

The following are the top stories in the Maltese and overseas press today: The Times leads with the statement by IT Minister Austin Gatt that a National Information Security Agency is to be set up in the wake ...

Source : topix.net | 15-Oct-2008 12:44

Malta and international press digest 07:32

The following are the top stories in the Maltese and overseas press. The Times and the other newspapers lead with the tribute of the House of Representatives to Karl Chircop yesterday.

Source : topix.net | 14-Oct-2008 12:34

Drop in commuters to Gozo during summer

Sea transport between Malta and Gozo registered a decrease in commuters and trips in the third quarter of the year, figures released by the NSO showed on Monday.

Source : topix.net | 13-Oct-2008 14:15

PM leaves Malta for EC meeting

PM Dr Lawrence Gonzi left Malta on Sunday to attend a meeting called by European Council President Nicolas Sarkozy.

Source : topix.net | 12-Oct-2008 18:28

Fighting illegal migration is also fight against organised crime - PM

Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi said this evening that illegal immigration was a major concern for Malta and Greece and the fight against this phenomenon was also a fight against international organised crime and ...

Source : topix.net | 11-Oct-2008 12:13

Updated: Greek PM says Malta needs help on migration 10:09

Greek Prime Minister Kostas Karamanlis acknowledged today that Malta needs help to deal with the migration problem.

Source : topix.net | 10-Oct-2008 11:53

Seabed clean-up at Qawra

Twenty-five divers took part in yesterday's clean up. Photo: Peter Lemon. Alternattiva Demokratika reiterated its commitment to boost tourism by working for a greater protection of Malta's historical and ...

Source : topix.net | 09-Oct-2008 00:24

ALTERNATTIVA DEMOKRATIKA PRESENTS PROPOSALS ON ELECTORAL SYSTEM REFORM
Alternattiva Demokratika - The Green Party today presented its proposals for reforms regarding the electoral system. Arnold Cassola, Alternattiva Demokratika Chairperson, stated: "As regards the reform of the electoral system we are proposing a double threshold, based more or less on the German system, with a district quota of 16.6% that would allow an individual to be elected on her/his own steam, and a national quota with threshold of 2 quotas for any party to be represented in parliament".

Carmel Cacopardo, Alternattiva Demokratika Spokesperson on Sustainable Development and Local Councils stressed that the main aim of the Alternattiva Demokratika proposal is to bring about the necessary balance between a fair democratic representation of the voters' intentions and functional governability of the country.
Source : topix.net | 07-Oct-2008 00:24

IRREGULAR MIGRATION: AD SUPPORT BUSUTTIL PROPOSAL
Alternattiva Demokratika - The Green Party, support the proposal in the Budget committee of the European parliament by MEP Simon Busuttil to set up an EU-wide refugee resettlement programme.

Arnold Cassola, Alternattiva Demokratika Chairperson, stated: "Simon Busuttil's proposal makes a lot of sense and follows closely on the heels of Green MEP Jean Lambert's report which was approved two weeks ago in the European Parliament and which is asking for increased responsibilty sharing amongst the countries of the EU as well as for a revision of the Dublin regulations to allow asylum seekers to move from small countries like Malta to other EU countries whilst awaiting the result of their asylum application".

Stephen Cachia, Alternattiva Demokratika Spokesperson on Democracy and Civil Rights, stated: "If the Busuttil proposal were adopted this would give the possibility to refugees granted political asylum or under the protection of the EU to relocate voluntarily from a small country like Malta to another larger country in the EU, something which is not yet possible at the moment".

"Alternattiva Demokratika has been working and lobbying in international fora for this possibilty of relocation for the past years", conclude Stephen Cachia.
Source : topix.net | 07-Oct-2008 00:19

AD CONGRATULATES MEGABYTE LTD ON FOREIGN CONTRACT AWARD
Arnold Cassola, Alternattiva Demokratika - The Green Party Chaiperson, congratulated Megabyte Ltd for its success in securing a contract with Etihad Airways, an airline from the United Arab Emirates, with regards to the airline's software development.

Prof. Cassola congratulated the Directors and workers at Megabyte, stating that the company is a good example of how Maltese industry can be successful and forward looking, utilizing the clear vision of what it wants and enhancing the working environment and the collaboration between owners, management and workers.

Henrik Piski, spokesperson of Alternattiva Demokratika for IT and Communications added:"Once again it is evident that Maltese IT companies are able to compete on the international market and are able to deliver good services and good value for money. It also shows that the Maltese IT companies can rely on skilled and well trained IT professionals who are the foundation of these successes."

Ralph Cassar, AD Spokesperson on Energy, Industry and Transport said:"Maltese companies deserve to be treated like foreign companies investing in Malta when it comes to Government help. Some foreign investors are treated much better than their Maltese counterparts. Those who choose to keep their profits in Malta should benefit from the same benefits as foreign investors. After all local companies invest in the local workforce and in the local community. Megabyte is a good example of a comany which focuses on its core business and together with other IT companies is moving Malta towards a modern knowledge economy."
Source : topix.net | 07-Oct-2008 00:13

Malta marks World Architecture Day

The Kamra tal-Periti is marking World Architecture Day for the fourth time, with a series of events called Time for Architecture running from today until Saturday October 18.

Source : topix.net | 06-Oct-2008 17:04

Majority of pets in Malta w...

The majority of pets owned by the Maltese were once roaming the streets, underlining the problem of stray cats and dogs, according to the preliminary results of a questionnaire released yesterday.

Source : topix.net | 06-Oct-2008 05:02

Taxis reform discussion document launched 11:14

The reform of the taxi sector in Malta should lead to the destruction of a cartel that has been created due to controls on the number of taxis and restrictions on competition, Transport Minister Austin Gatt ...

Source : topix.net | 05-Oct-2008 20:44

AD MEETS EMPLOYERS' ASSOCIATION
A delegation of Alternattiva Demokratika - The Green Party met a delegation of Malta Employers' Association, led by Joe Farrugia and Pierre Fava. AD's delegation was made up of Chairperson Arnold Cassola and Spokesperson for Social and Economic Development Michael Briguglio.

Arnold Cassola said:"AD is meeting various civil society organisations representing different economic and social interests in a spirit of social dialogue. AD believes that economic productivity, social justice, and ecological sustainability should be seen in relation to each other".

"Ultimately, a productive, equal and sustainable society will result in better social and economic development. Factors such as workers' skill levels, professionalism, productivity, flexibility and innovation are key aspects for such development. AD believes that green jobs and diversification of energy use are key elements for a sustainable future", added Prof. Cassola.

rather than sudden removal of related benefits once persons enter employment, and family-friendly social and employment policies. We also support policies aimed for disadvantaged groups such as women, ageing workers and other minorities. Besides, more attention should be given to introduce certain reforms in Malta's educational system so as to improve the employability of youth."
Source : topix.net | 04-Oct-2008 12:49

EU COMMISSION CONFIRMS DISCREPANCIES IN MALTA TUNA FARMING FIGURES
In a letter from EU Commissioner Joe Borg's office to Arnold Cassola, Chairperson of Alternattiva Demokratika - The Green Party, the Commssioner's spokesperson confirmed that there are various discrepancies in the figures quoted by the Maltese tuna farm industry. The story was first reported in newspaper Maltatoday. AD had then asked the Commission to look into the issue.

Prof. Cassola stated: "The EU Commission not only confirms that there is discrepancy in the figures for Maltese caught tuna given by the Japanese and the Maltese authorities, but also that there are five different Maltese tuna farms with cages in six different sites registered and of these tuna farms two have actually not declared any caging information". "What seems a bit strange is also the fact that one of these Maltese farms has got two different ICCAT register numbers", concluded Arnold Cassola.

Carmel Cacopardo, Alternattiva Demokratika spokesperson on sustainable development and local government, added: "the Big-business tuna industry has not only become unsustainable, but it is also killing Maltese traditional fishing and threatening the livelihood of small fishermen who use sustainable methods".

Commissioner Joe Borg's spokesman concludes the letter by saying that the Commission is waiting for the definitive statistics for 2008, to be ready in March 2009, to see what concrete action is to be taken. AD believes that Maltese fishermen should be protected and helped; it is unacceptable that big-business is left to pillage and plunder our common resources and flaunt regulations and rules put in place to ensure sustainability and a level playing field for all.
Source : topix.net | 04-Oct-2008 12:43

Birds of Prey Slaughter Provokes Ugly Standoff in Malta

British birdwatchers trying to stop the illegal killing of some of Europe's rarest birds in Malta have become embroiled in an increasingly tense standoff with local hunters and say they have recovered ...

Source : topix.net | 03-Oct-2008 09:33

Labour leader takes seat in...

Labour leader Joseph Muscat became a Member of Parliament yesterday, and later Leader of the Opposition, after being co-opted to the House to fill the seat vacated by Joseph Cuschieri on Monday.

Source : topix.net | 03-Oct-2008 00:05

AD asks for Transparency regarding the Ta'Cenc Development.
"Whilst welcoming the meetings held by the Ta' Cenc developers with some of the main environmental NGOs and the Sannat Local Council, Alternattiva Demokratika firmly believes that information should be made more public. In particular, the Mayor of Sannat has a duty to inform all his residents of the Council's stand on the new plans. It seems that the MLP mayor opted to remain silent on this national issue. Such stand is unacceptable in this time and year considering the national and international importance of Ta' Cenc," said the secretary general and Gozo spokesman for Alternattiva Demokratika - the Green Party, Victor Galea during a press conference held in Sannat, Gozo.

John Mizzi, the AD Councillor in Sannat said that: "Following the meeting between the developers and the Council, the Public has a right to consider if any development of Ta' Cenc can be reconciled with the Government's policy of Gozo as an Eco-Island. It now transpires that the Hotel would be extending its building to cover the existing carpark on one side and extending to about 130metres from the cliff edge on the other. Can such a sensitive area designated as potential Natura2000 site be built so extensively?"

Prof. Cassola said that "Alternattiva Demokratika eagerly awaits press statements from those NGOs which attended the meetings. AD also asks that the PN and MLP to declare their stance on the Ta' Cenc Development. Politicians, especially those whose portfolio comprises the environment should not shy away from expressing an opinion. Ta' Cenc was designated an Important Bird Area (IBA) for its internationally important breeding colonies of seabirds including the Yelkouan Shearwater, the largest breeding colony of Cory's Shearwater and the only colony of European Storm-petrels outside Filfla in the Maltese Islands."

He concluded by reminding the Maltese Government that "The Ta' Cenc issue is also currently subject to a pending infringement procedure for insufficient special protection area designation opened against Malta by the European Commission in June. The infringement procedure opened against Malta by the European Commission relates to an insufficient Special Protection Area designation for Ta' Cenc. The Maltese tax-payer should not be asked to fork out money for fines due to negligence from the Maltese Authorities."
Source : topix.net | 02-Oct-2008 01:56

Malta: Rock crystal

I only popped in for a coffee, so why am I drinking lager and snacking on garlic snails at 10 in the morning? And will coverage of us greeting the Prime Minister-in-waiting make the evening news on Television ...

Source : topix.net | 02-Oct-2008 01:00

Experts say Malta will weather financial storm

Traders work on the floor of the New York Stock Exchange. Stocks rose at the opening of trade yesterday, clawing back from Wall Street's worst slide in more than 20 years, as investors bet that Washington will ...

Source : topix.net | 01-Oct-2008 16:38

Military and Naval aspects of 16th and 17th Century Malta

Heritage Malta is organizing a Heritage Trail that will be focusing on Military and Naval aspects of 16th and 17th Century Malta.

Source : topix.net | 01-Oct-2008 08:24

In Malta, the Right to Bear Wreaths

Political rivals of Malta's current president stage a floral rebellion on the Mediterranean nation's Independence Day.

Source : topix.net | 01-Oct-2008 00:04

AD SUBMITS ITS PROPOSALS TO THE CHAIRPERSON OF CLIMATE CHANGE COMMITTEE
During a meeting, held today with the Chairperson of the Government's Committee On Climate Change, Mr David Spiteri Gingell, Alternattiva Demokratika - The Green Party made a number of recommendations on this very important issue.

Arnold Cassola, AD Chairperson, stressed that Malta lags seriously behind in the implementation of the necessary measures designed to help it achieve two major targets by 2020:

*to obtain 10% of its total energy output from alternative sources, such as the sun and wind

*and the reduction of carbon dioxide emissions by 20%.

Ralph Cassar, AD spokesperson on Energy, Industry and Transport emphasized that Alternattiva Demokratika has repeatedly called for measures incentivizing the use of alternative energy sources. AD has called for the installation of 3 or 4 onshore wind turbines , the introduction of incentive schemes to encourage the installation of rooftop photovoltaic panels and preferential tariffs for excess electrical energy returned to the national grid, as well as a serious well-planned incentive programme to encourage house-owners to change over to solar water heaters. Mr Cassar added that it is only through such incentives that Malta can succeed in its efforts to produce enough energy from alternative sources. These targets are well within our reach. Ralph Cassar said:"There are many models of incentive-based regulations, which can be adapted to suit our special requirements, a classic example is the German model introduced when the Greens formed part of the Government a few years back. Targets can be achieved through appropriate legislation on this issue."

Carmel Cacopardo, spokesperson for Sustainable Development and Local Government, drew attention to the fact that the framework for the Government's action plan with special reference to Climate Change had already been incorporated in the National Plan for Sustainable Development, and approved by the Cabinet last year.
Source : topix.net | 30-Sep-2008 00:57

AD CALLS FOR MORE AWARENESS ON 'INVISIBLE ILLNESSES'
'Alternattiva Demokratika has always been on the forefront in increasing public awareness on issues related to the environment and its impact on health and social life. The 8th and 12th September are dedicated to Invisible illnesses, which are those medical conditions which are not outwardly visible to others, including health care professionals,' said Mary Anne Zammit AD Spokesperson for Health and Social Protection.

'Our health is constantly at risk especially due to stress and pollution amongst other things, which are increasing diseases and illnesses. Whilst visible illnesses get the necessary support and understanding, invisible illnesses including a whole range of illnesses such as fatigue, migraines, debilitating joint and muscle pain, auto immune related disorders such as Fibromyalgia, lupus, chronic fatigue and immune dysfunction syndrome, are more often than not ignored. More often than not these conditions are accompanied by chronic pain where peoples' daily lives are seriously conditioned, with considerable impact not only on their bodies but also psychologically. Raising awareness on these invisible illnesses will help to alleviate suffering and contribute to more research on these conditions which may be linked to genetic and environmental factors.'
Source : topix.net | 30-Sep-2008 00:50

European Social Package - AD reacts to EP discussion
Alternattiva Demokratika - The Green Party gave its reaction to current discussion in the European Parliament on the Social Package as proposed by the European Commission, which shall be voted upon in the EP's next plenary session.

Michael Briguglio, Spokesperson for Social and Economic Development, said that AD endorses the reaction of Green MEP Jean Lambert, who said that concrete action is to be taken to tackle poverty and to ensure high quality services and workers' rights.

Briguglio added:"AD therefore welcomes aspects of the Social Package such as measures against discrimination in various social spheres and measures to enhance workers' participation in works councils. On the other hand, the proposed package is too vague and does not concretely tackle employment issues such as regulation of working time."

"Whilst it is positive to have increased productivity and fair competition, at the same time this should not result in exploitative measures such as social dumping of workers who are shifted from one country to another, resulting in lower wages, inferior working conditions, and increased precariousness."

Prof. Arnold Cassola, AD's Chairperson, said:"AD reiterates its position in favour of a European Union that has clear social priorities. Greens believe in the improvement of people's quality of life and in concrete measures to tackle problems such as poverty. We therefore believe that the Social Package requires improvements in order to represent a truly social Europe."
Source : topix.net | 30-Sep-2008 00:37

Young home owners deprived of use of roof - Clean energy still not a priority for Government
Ralph Cassar, AD spokesperson on Energy, Industry and Transport said:"A number of people are contacting AD officials saying that they are not able to install solar water heaters or are forced to use energy intensive appliances like clothes driers because they do not have access to the roof of the block of apartments in which they live. With all the talk of the importance of conserving energy and of encouraging people to make use of equipment which helps them reduce their energy bills we call on the competent authorities to make access to roofs as a sine qua non for new building permits."

AD reiterates its proposals on wider access to cleaner forms of energy and called for incentives for photovoltaic panel installation. Ralph Cassar said:"The government should intiate a scheme in which extra energy fed to the grid, generated from clean sources of energy, is bought by Enemalta at a preferential rate. This will encourage the uptake of such systems and help reduce Malta's reliance of foreign oil. We also call on government to reintroduce subsides to help consumers buy energy-saving appliances as a response to rising energy costs and to introduce incentives for building renovations that save energy and reduce greenhouse gas emissions."

AD Chairperson, Arnold Cassola said:"Words should be accompanied by action. Malta cannot afford to miss the boat again; incentivising technology today means a stronger economy tomorrow."
Source : topix.net | 30-Sep-2008 00:34

Malta set to receive 129 would-be illegal immigrants

An Italian warship was on its way to Malta Sunday with some 101 would-be illegal immigrants rescued earlier south of the Mediterranean island.

Source : topix.net | 29-Sep-2008 20:27

Housing should be more affordable - AD
Alternattiva Demokratika - The Green Party expressed its concern on the fact that housing is becoming much harder to afford, as recently confirmed by economic research by Joseph Darmanin which was published in the Bank of Valletta Review. AD said that housing prices should be made more affordable through a mix of measures by the State and the private sector.

Michael Briguglio, AD's spokesperson for Social and Economic Development said:"This research states clearly that the general escalation of property prices, has potentially reached an unsustainable level from a socio-economic perspective. In this regard, AD believes that whilst rent-law reform can help ease future increases in house prices, we also believe that vulnerable groups should be the target of social welfare in relation to housing. These include first-time buyers who can be helped through schemes such as Government subsidies on bank loans; as well as provision of affordable social housing for low-income earners."

Briguglio added that other vulnerable groups who deserve attention, amongst others include persons entering pensionable age who are not home-owners and small enterprises that cannot cope with property costs. Increased expenditure on housing policy can be financed through disincentives on property speculation, from an owner's 3rd vacant property onwards.

AD is also proposing the introduction of fiscal mechanisms to encourage the renting of properties which are kept vacant for speculation purposes, and aid for people to refurbish their old property.

Prof. Arnold Cassola, AD Chairperson, added:"AD urges banks to take a more ethical stance with regard to house loans, thus introducing better incentives for groups such as first-time buyers. In particular, we also believe that housing policy should be given more importance by the Government in the forthcoming budget."
Source : topix.net | 28-Sep-2008 12:06

AD welcomes Maternity Leave Proposals
Alternattiva Demokratika - the Green Party, welcomes the proposal for a E.U. directive by Vladimír OEpidla, EU Commissioner for Employment, Social Affairs and Equal Opportunities, to increase the maternity leave from the current 14 weeks to 18 weeks in all the countries of the EU.

Arnold Cassola, Alternattiva Demokratika Chairperson, said: "The increase in maternity leave was a proposal in the AD electoral programme. We welcome the Spidla proposal which will be presented on the 8th of October and which will also include a directive to secure the full monthly salary to mothers during the maternity leave period".

Mary Anne Zammit, AD spokesperson on Health and Social Protection added "A longer maternity leave will have positive effects on children and their development, by allowing them to spend more quality time with their parents. Also, women will be given the opportunity to remain in active employment by keeping their jobs and careers and involving themselves in every aspect of society. This is a very positive step towards gender equality. AD believes in family friendly measures through which work-life balance and people's quality of life is improved. The next budget should give importance to such measures."
Source : topix.net | 28-Sep-2008 11:48

Malta and international press digest

The following are the top stories in the Maltese and overseas press: The Times says Malta is close to a deal on burden-sharing. The issue comes to a head today in a meeting of EU Justice Ministers which will ...

Source : topix.net | 28-Sep-2008 08:06

Unemployment falls by 469 persons in August

At 6,121 persons, registered unemployment in August 2008 decreased by 469 persons when compared to the same month last year, according to figures published by the National Statistics Office on Thursday.

Source : topix.net | 27-Sep-2008 23:58

PM highlights challenges of...

Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi yesterday highlighted Malta's irregular immigration problems while addressing the 63rd session of the UN General Assembly in New York, saying it is extremely difficult for Malta to ...

Source : topix.net | 27-Sep-2008 19:24

GREEN MEP REPORT ON MIGRATION VOTED UPON IN THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT
AD APPLAUD GREEN MEP REPORT ON MIGRATION VOTED UPON TODAY IN THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT Arnold Cassola, Alternattiva Demokratika Chairperson, expressed the satisfaction of AD at the approval today in the European Parliament by 603 votes in favour, 53 against and 30 abstentions of the report on asylum seekers and the Dublin Convention drawn by Green MEP Jean Lambert.

Through this vote, the European Parliament has called on the Commission to come up with ways to help smaller member states like Malta on the periphery of the EU to cope with the adverse affects of regulations on asylum seekers.

The Commission is considering European burden-sharing mechanisms but the Parliament insisted that non-financial mechanisms should be found in the meantime.

Prof. Cassola stated: "It has been a pleasure for AD to work together with Ms Lambert as she was preparing this report. Jean Lambert has come to Malta various times to see for herself the problems that the Maltese population is facing in dealing with the migration issue. We would like to thank her for having highlighted in the report AD and Malta's major preoccupation on this delicate issue, i.e. the concept of responsibility sharing by all 27 countries of the EU and a revision of the Dublin Convention to ensure that Malta does not continue carrying the disproportionate weight it is carrying at the moment in the examination of applications of asylum seekers".

"Once again, Alternattiva Demokratika manifested that through the Greens in the EU Parliament, we are able to move from rhetoric to action," concluded Prof. Cassola.
Source : topix.net | 26-Sep-2008 12:06

AD APPLAUD ITALY-LIBYA FRIENDSHIP AGREEMENT
Alternattiva Demokratika applaud the friendship agreement signed on Saturday between Italy Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi and Libyan President Muammar Gheddafi.

Arnold Cassola, Alternattiva Demokratika - The Green Party Chairperson, stated: "The signing of this treaty not only brings to an end the historic differences in the past between Italy and Libya, but should also start a new era of cooperation between Libya, Italy and the EU with regards to the issue of irrregular migration".

"We really look forward to Libya taking part in joint missions with Italy, Malta and other EU countries in the Mediterranean sea to break up the tremendous racket of human traffickers that are exploiting people and using them as a source of illegal enrichment", continued Prof. Cassola.

Mark Scerri, Alternattiva Demokratika spokesperson on International Affairs, added: "The signing of this treaty is really good news. Next week, in the European Parliament, there should be further good news when the report of Green MEP Jean Lambert will be voted upon."

In her report, Jean Lambert has specifically addressed the need for increased responsibility sharing amongst the 27 EU member countries of the EU. She also states that we must consider whether the present Dublin system is really 'fit for purpose' since it would appear that the system is assigning a disproportionate amount of responsibility towards Member States at the borders of the EU, like Malta, and whilst Dublin II clarifies which Member State is responsible for examining the asylum claim, there are no real mechanisms for providing these States support.

"Hopefully", concluded Arnold Cassola, "this week could be a positive week as regards progress in tackling the difficult migration issue, which the Maltese people have to face".
Source : topix.net | 26-Sep-2008 12:01

The public deserves modern, cleaner fleet of buses
Having a public transport system which uses buses which are 30 years old or even older which fail modern emission tests goes to show that this important area has been neglected for far too long.

Ralph Cassar, AD spokesperson for Energy, Industry and transport said:"The arguments that emission tests should be lenient because over a third of the bus fleet is old defeats the whole purpose of such an exercise. Old buses or at least bus engines which fail today's stricter standards should be written off and replaced. There is a significant number of buses which are not roadworthy - the public deserves a modern, comfortable and efficient system. In this day and age we still are using buses with no space for wheelchairs or pushchairs or bicycles and which are difficult for some people to use. It is high time for real change in this sector. Government should stop giving in to those who want to preserve the status quo at the expense of our quality of life."

AD Chairperson Arnold Cassola added: "I reiterate AD's call for a wide ranging reform of the public transport system in Malta and Gozo. Buses should work with cleaner fuels like LPG (liquefied petroleum gas) or CNG (compressed natural gas) and electric buses can also be introduced. We cannot wait any longer for a wide-ranging reform of the public transport system which must also include other modern means of mass transport."

Although some 'old' buses can be kept to be used on tourist or scenic routes, they should be refitted with modern and cleaner engines and other safety features as may be necessary. Other old buses can be repainted in their original village colours of over 40 years ago and transferred to a transport museum where other modes of transport form the past can be displayed.
Source : topix.net | 26-Sep-2008 11:58

GREEN MEP TO HIGHLIGHT MALTA SPECIFIC MIGRATION PROBLEMS IN EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT REPORT
Jean Lambert, UK Green MEP in the Green Group in the European Parliament and Rapporteur for the European Parliament on the evaluation of the Dublin System which establishes the criteria and mechanisms to determine the Member State responsible for examining an asylum application, will be highlighting problems specific to Malta in her report to the European Parliament in Brussels next week, announced Arnold Cassola, Chairperson of Alternattiva Demokratika -The Green Party.

Prof Cassola stated: "I am pleased to see that Jean Lambert has specifically addressed the need for increased responsibility sharing amongst the 27 EU member countries. Indeed, Ms Lambert has seen for herself the problems facing our country on her various visits to Malta, and her first hand experience is being translated into concrete suggestions in her report".

In fact, Jean Lambert considers that we must consider whether the Dublin system is really 'fit for purpose'. It would appear that the system is assigning a disproportionate amount of responsibility towards Member States at the borders of the EU, and whilst Dublin II clarifies which Member State is responsible for examining the asylum claim, there are no real mechanisms for providing these States' support". "We look forward to a positive vote on this report next week in Strasbourg. Responsibility should be shared equitably between all EU states", concluded Arnold Cassola.
Source : topix.net | 25-Sep-2008 13:14

AD officials meet EU Parliament Office Director regarding discrimination
Arnold Cassola, Alternattiva Demokratika -The Green Party Chairperson, Victor Galea, Secretary General and Henrik Piski, AD committee member and EU resident in Malta, met with Julian Vassallo, EU Parliament office director in Valletta, regarding discrimination against EU residents in Malta.

Prof Cassola stated: "Probably without even realising it, the Electoral Office in Valletta is discriminating against EU residents in Malta by not accepting to register these EU citizens in the electoral register for the forthcoming European Parliament elections. On the other hand Maltese citizens resident in Malta can register any day for this electoral register. This is a blatant act of discrimination since Maltese and EU residents have the same rights as regards voter registration for European Elections".

Secretary General Victor Galea added: "Of the about 13,000 non-Maltese EU citizens resident in Malta and Gozo, 12,000 have no vote in the European Parliament elections at present, whilst they have been automatically registered in the Local Council Elections register. Assuming an extreme case of 12,000 registrants trekking to Rabat (Gozo) and Valletta to enrol on the European Parliament electoral register and given that there are only 120 effective working days between October 1st 2008 and March 31st 2009, is the European Parliament Valletta office satisfied that the electoral commission is adequately prepared, equipped, resourced and staffed to serve an average daily influx of 100 EU electoral registrants as well as process their compulsory identity card renewals?"

Henrik Piski, Alternativa Demokratika committee member and spokesperson on IT, said: "I am one of the 13,000 EU residents in Malta, having been resident here for a number of years. Why have I been automatically registered for Local Council elections but not for the European Elections register? And why is it not possible for me, like any Maltese resident, to go and register any day I want to?"

Meanwhile any inquiries from the public can already be addressed to the EP Valletta Office (epvalletta@europarl.europa.eu or Tel 21 235075).
Source : topix.net | 25-Sep-2008 13:11

"Human cost of accidents at work too high" - AD
Referring to latest NSO figures, Alternattiva Demokratika - The Green Party expressed its concern at the statistical increase in accidents at work, stating that the human cost of such accidents is too high.

Michael Briguglio, AD's spokesperson for Social and Economic Development, said:"The human cost of accidents at work is immense. Legislation is not enough to prevent such accidents, unless there is proper enforcement. Currently there are too few enforcement officers who have to cope with a multitude of work places, including thousands of construction works. This is resulting in hazards not only for workers, but also to residents".

"The increase in precarious work, with bad conditions, and the fact that a number of employers do not allow their employees to join trade-unions, is definitely not helping things as regards such workers' rights".

Arnold Cassola, AD Chairperson, added:"AD shall be proposing further investment in occupational health and safety amongst its proposals for the upcoming budget. Government should also set the example by including appropriate work conditions in its tenders".
Source : topix.net | 25-Sep-2008 12:54

Sam Mifsud - the MTA Chairman's declarations preposterous
Alternattiva Demokratika expresses its disapproval at the declaration by the Chairman of the Malta Tourism Authority, Sam Mifsud, who has declared that "the authority believed that the north side of the island needed an area of entertainment to boost tourism" and that the "authority's policy is to spread places of entertainment to the north and to develop the coast".

"In such a a congested and overbuilt country as ours, the policy of developing the little coastline that is still left free is absolutely preposterous", stated Arnold Cassola, Alternattiva Demokratika - The Green Party Chairperson.

Carmel Cacopardo AD Spokesman on Sustainable Development and Local Government added that MTA's attitude to the proposal to develop Jeffrey Pullicino Orlando's site at Mistra indicated that MTA does not care about environmental policies. Had it cared it would have noted immediately that the site forms part of a proposal for a Natura 2000 site and hence is protected in terms of the Habitats Directive as transposed into Maltese law. Environmental laws, regulations and policies are not only applicable at MEPA. They need to be applied by MTA too.

Carmel Cacopardo further added that if MTA intends moving along the path of sustainable tourism in this manner, Malta would be better off without MTA and its leadership.
Source : topix.net | 25-Sep-2008 12:25

Another two Black Storks shot down 07:51

Two Black Storks were shot down over Malta this morning, a spokesman for CABS, the German-based birdwatchers' group said.

Source : topix.net | 25-Sep-2008 06:24

EIB gives 150m loan to Enemalta

The European Investment Bank has granted a loan of 150 million to Enemalta Corporation, the public electricity and petroleum company in Malta, to upgrade the power supply system in the country and make it more ...

Source : topix.net | 24-Sep-2008 22:19

"The secrecy of Ta' Cenc: an example of disrespect for the citizens"
Alternattiva Demokratika, The Green Party are four square with the NGOs and insist with MEPA and government that plans regarding Ta' Cenc should immediately be put on line. "The disrespect for the citizen on the part of MEPA is becoming unacceptable."

The Green Party reminds how back in 2005, the AD Gozo Regional Committee was informed by the EU Commissioner for the Environment ithat the Maltese Government and MEPA had failed to include Ta' Cenc in the list of sites to be protected under the Natura 2000 network scheme.

AD secretary general and spokesman for Gozo, Mr. Victor Galea said "Three years later, we still have concerned citizens and NGOs struggling for transparency in the process of the proposed developments at Ta' Cenc. It is a pity that the government and the Gozo Ministry still seem to be unaware of the ecological, ornithological and geomorphologic uniqueness of Ta' Cenc."

"It is disappointing that notwithstanding the echoing of the Eco-Gozo project, the Ministry for Gozo still finds it hard to express a simple opinion on this issue."

Mr. Galea added: "It is absolutely unacceptable that the Ta' Cenc site, home to various birds, endemic species and historical remains, has not been included in the list of protected sites. Ta' Cenc is a place of unique importance, not only because of its special bio-diversity but also because the natural beauty of the place - with its unique diversity. It is a source of attraction for Maltese and tourists and thus a source of much needed income for the local economy".

Alternattiva Demokratika's chairperson Prof. Arnold Cassola, concluded: "The behaviour of the Maltese government on the long dragging Ta' Cenc issue is, to say the least, irresponsible. The message sent out by the government is that it does not really care about safeguarding Gozo's unique heritage, despite all the hype about Gozo as an eco-island. Ta' Cenc deserves to be scheduled immediately and fully as a Natura 2000 site".
Source : topix.net | 23-Sep-2008 14:17

Hotel owner may face further fraud charges

The manager of the Serena Hotel in Gozo could soon face further charges of fraud after police assessed the evidence provided by a number of former guests.

Source : topix.net | 23-Sep-2008 10:08

Malta and international press digest

The following are the top stories in the Maltese and international press today: The Times leads with remarks by the Archbishop yesterday that the Church will not interfere in State decisions.

Source : topix.net | 23-Sep-2008 02:07

GREEN MEP HIGHLIGHTED MALTA SPECIFIC MIGRATION PROBLEMS IN EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT REPORT
Jean Lambert, UK Green MEP in the Green Group in the European Parliament and Rapporteur for the European Parliament on the evaluation of the Dublin System which establishes the criteria and mechanisms to determine the Member State responsible for examining an asylum application, will be highlighting problems specific to Malta in her report to the European Parliament in Brussels next week, announced Arnold Cassola, Chairperson of Alternattiva Demokratika -The Green Party.

A burden sharing proposal for the problem of irregular migration to be shared among all European Union member states will be discussed by EU ministers in the coming days, Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi said this ...

Source : topix.net | 21-Sep-2008 02:24

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