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Ian Borg Pushes for Stronger Collaboration at OSCE Assembly

Feb 23 2024 Share

Minister Ian Borg Addresses OSCE Parliamentary Assembly

Ian Borg, as the President of the OSCE, emphasized Malta’s belief in fostering strong collaboration between member countries’ governments and parliamentary structures to maintain the organization’s effectiveness. Speaking at the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly in Vienna, Austria, Borg highlighted the crucial role of this independent institution in promoting dialogue among parliamentarians from OSCE member states.

Reflecting on the current challenges facing the OSCE, Borg underscored the necessity for the organization to operate effectively, particularly in turbulent times. He emphasized the significance of the assembly’s potential and the critical importance of addressing parliamentary concerns.

Borg also addressed recent events, noting the second anniversary of the Russian invasion of Ukraine and affirming Malta’s commitment to prioritizing the cessation of the conflict. He reiterated that conflicts and tensions in the region and beyond will remain high on the OSCE agenda.

Regarding Malta’s presidency, Borg outlined priorities focused on “Strengthening Resilience and Enhancing Security” across all dimensions of the OSCE. Additionally, he engaged in meetings with various stakeholders, including the President and Secretary-General of the General Assembly, as well as with the Maltese Parliamentary delegation and internal OSCE officials.

Kusi Dismark Deported From Malta After 13 Year Stay

Kusi Dismark Deported From Malta After 13 Year Stay
Feb 23 2024 Share

Kusi Dismark bid farewell to Malta on Friday morning, concluding a residency spanning 13 years in the country, despite pleas for reconsideration based on humanitarian grounds.

The protest happening this Sunday by a number of activist groups will still be taking place and calling for stability and an end to uncertainty for long-term migrants living and working in Malta. 

The activists, which include Moviment Graffitti, Dance Beyond Borders, SOS Malta, aditus foundation and others, will meet on Sunday 25th February at 15:00 at Ħamrun Square and will walk to Valletta to make demands to parliament. 

The 37-year-old reportedly made the decision to return voluntarily to Ghana after being detained on January 21 under a removal order. Although initially denied asylum upon arrival in Malta in 2011, he was permitted to work, pay taxes, and contribute socially.

Having invested in his education and established a hair salon in Ħamrun, Kusi had plans to expand his business until his recent arrest. Following a meeting with the Principal Immigration Officer alongside his lawyers Gianluca Cappitta and Adrian Sciberras, Kusi opted for voluntary return to Ghana, a decision made after careful consultation.

Despite enduring statelessness for over 12 years, Kusi won’t face a ban from re-entering Malta due to intervention from the Home Affairs Ministry. His departure underscores the plight of stateless individuals on the island, emphasizing the need for initiatives to regularize their legal status.

While his aspirations for Europe are temporarily on hold, Kusi finds solace in the prospect of reuniting with his mother, whom he’s been separated from during his time away from Ghana. Support remains steadfast for his journey ahead.

Various voices, including the Church’s Migrants Commission director and European Parliament president Roberta Metsola, have echoed support for Kusi, criticizing the decision to deport him. The call for compassionate immigration policies resonates strongly, emphasizing the human aspect behind legal frameworks.

#MaltaDaily 

Rescue Mission As Migrant Boat Capsizes Off Malta

Rescue Mission As Migrant Boat Capsizes Off Malta
Feb 23 2024 Share

Armed Forces of Malta (AFM) personnel rescued a group of distressed individuals at sea, bringing them to Sa Maison’s AFM naval base for medical attention at Mater Dei Hospital. 

Tragically, several victims succumbed during the rescue mission. The rescued individuals arrived in Malta around midday, with ambulances and Civil Protection Department personnel providing immediate aid.

During the rescue operation, a boat carrying over 30 migrants capsized, resulting in at least five fatalities and numerous injuries. The incident occurred after the migrants sought assistance while crossing to Europe. Despite AFM’s prompt response, the vessel capsized during the rescue effort.

Civil Protection Department personnel assisted in bringing the casualties ashore at Hay Wharf, where three ambulances awaited. TVM News reported that one survivor required medical treatment after ingesting fuel while at sea.

A magisterial inquiry has been initiated, and further details are expected from the AFM. 

#MaltaDaily 

Vladimir Putin gifts luxury car to Kim Jong Un

Feb 23 2024 Share

Russian president Vladimir Putin has given North Kore supreme leader Kim Jong Un a Russian made luxury car. The story was first reported by Pyongyang’s state media and later confirmed by the Kremlin’s Dmitry Peskov who confirmed the gift was an Aurus, a spacious luxury sedan similar to the type favored by Mr. Putin himself.

Ever since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, the two internationally isolated countries have bonded a lot and forged  a strong alliance so much so that North Korea are thought to be aiding Russia in their war, supplying artillery, rockets and ballistic missiles. Despite countless international sanctions placed on both countries both sides are denying any breaching of sanctions.

During Kim’s visit to Russia last September, he encountered Putin’s own Aurus Senat limousine, foreshadowing the eventual gift. The luxury car adds to Kim’s extensive collection, reflecting the strong personal relationship between the leaders.

Kim’s sister Yo Jong said the “gift serves as a clear demonstration of the special personal relations between the top leaders” of the two countries, however South Korea’s Foreign Ministry had other thoughts stating that the gift breached United Nations Security Council sanctions against North Korea which prohibit supplies of certain categories of vehicle including luxury cars.

#MaltaDaily