Entry into Russia has been limited for Maltese and other ‘unfriendly’ states

Mar 29 2022

A statement on Monday revealed that Russia is preparing to restrict entry into the country for nationals of countries deemed ‘unfriendly’, one of which being Malta.

Along with all EU states and the Unite States, Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said that a draft presidential decree is being developed on ‘retaliatory visa measures in response to the unfriendly actions of a number of foreign states.’

This comes as the West introduced several sanctions on Moscow after Vladimir Putin sent troops to neighbouring country Ukraine.

The list of unfriendly countries includes Australia, Canada, Britain, New Zealand, Japan and South Korea along with Malta and the aforementioned EU and United States.

Russian carriers have also been banned from the airspace of the European Union, as sanctions from both sides continue to pop up. Russia banned Facebook and Instagram, calling them extremist and even kicked off works to develop an Instagram-mock platform.

On the other end, several companies, ranging from Netflix to Coca Cola, Disney and many others, halted businesses in Russia.

A few days ago, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said that he would be willing to no longer seek NATO membership for his country in exchange for Russian ceasefire. It is unclear when, or if, Putin intends to draw back his military as Kyiv and other cities endure shelling and bombing.

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‘I am a work in progress’; Will Smith issues public apology to Chris Rock

Mar 29 2022

The Oscars were quite the eventful event, accumulating in the now meme-worthy moment of Will Smith slapping comedian Chris Rock in the face.

This followed a joke made about Smith’s wife, Jada, about her her hair loss. The Fresh Prince of Bel Air actor hit Rock in the face and yelled out ‘Keep my wife’s name out of your f**king mouth’.

Now, Smith has issued a public apology to Rock, the Academy and everyone else impacted with an Instagram post. Smith said that ‘violence in all of its forms is poisonous and destructive.’

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A post shared by Will Smith (@willsmith)

‘My behaviour at last night’s Academy Awards was unacceptable and inexcusable. Jokes at my expense are a part of the job, but a joke about Jada’s medical condition was too much for me to bear and I reacted emotionally.’

Apologising to Chris, Will said that he was out of line and that he feels embarrassed as his actions were not indicative of the man he wants to be. ‘There is no place for violence in a world of love and kindness.’

Smith also apologised to the Williams and King Richard Family, saying that he regrets his behaviour staining what has been an otherwise ‘gorgeous journey for all of [them]. I am a work in progress.’

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Every COVID-19 restriction should be removed pledges Robert Abela

Mar 28 2022

In his inaugural address to the nation since being sworn in as Prime Minister, Robert Abela pledged the removal of every remaining COVID-19 restriction.

He highlighted the two difficult years which the pandemic put us through, saying that we must leave it behind us. ‘While I will keep on seeking expert advise, the government will continue down the road of removing all restrictions.’

He said that we must reach a stage where Malta can adopt a style of people choosing how to best take care of themselves as much as possible. He said that children and youth lost years from the best of their lives.

‘We must now look ahead to continue regaining our freedoms. This must be the spring in which we move in this direction.’ Apart from this, Abela expressed how pleased he was to see the democratic process unfolding throughout the election.

Referencing the 85% turnout rate, the lowest in recent Maltese history, Abela reached out to those who did not vote. He asked for the chance to serve the people and regain the trust so people can comfortably vote.

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Carmel Cacopardo steps down from ADPD leadership

Mar 28 2022

ADPD chairperson Carmel Cacopardo has stepped down from his position to make way for a new regeneration of the party.

Cacopardo announced in a blog post that he will be stepping aside in the interest of the party, kicking off the search for a new leader.

He opened up about how he is 66-years-old and he doesn’t think that it is in the party’s interest to stay on as leader for longer. ‘I’ve long informed my colleagues that they need to find someone else to lead the party in the future.’

Despite not leaving immediately, he said he will help the party make a smooth transition. ‘I sill have a lot of energy’ he said. The ADPD secured 1.61% of the voting share in the election – the highest standing in years. No candidates were elected.

The party’s best performance came in the 12th district, winning 2.4% of the district share.

Who do you think will be the next ADPD leader?

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