Marzia Maatouk To Be Given Final Farewell After Body Returned

Nov 29 2024

The body of 24-year-old Marzia Maatouk, who was found dead in Libya six months ago, was repatriated to Malta on Thursday night, providing some closure to her grieving family.

The Maltese Foreign Affairs Ministry confirmed the development with Times of Malta, marking the culmination of months of discussions and coordination between the ministry’s Consular Services Directorate, the Maltese Embassy in Libya, and Libyan authorities.

Marzia had fled Malta with her husband, Jomic Calleja Maatouk, in August last year after he was sentenced to prison for drug-related crimes. Both were on Europol’s most wanted list before being located in Libya. Marzia’s body was discovered in May in Gharyan, Libya, while her husband was arrested.

Investigations into possible foul play delayed the repatriation. The Maltese Consul in Libya recently facilitated the transfer of her body to Tripoli, where final arrangements were made. Libyan authorities have not confirmed if foul play was involved.

Her family, who had long sought answers, expressed gratitude for the support received during this ordeal. Marzia’s husband remains detained in Libya as the family continues to seek clarity about the circumstances of her death.

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Marvel Studio Reportedly Making A Hulk vs Wolverine Film

Nov 29 2024

Marvel Studios is reportedly moving forward with a Hulk vs. Wolverine film, marking a major step for both iconic characters. While the Hulk has been an essential part of the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) since its inception in 2008, rights issues and the mixed reception of The Incredible Hulk kept the character in a supporting role for years.

Though rumors of a World War Hulk movie have circulated, this new project would center on the long-awaited battle between the Hulk and Wolverine, offering fans a monumental clash of titans. Details about the movie remain scarce, including which versions of these characters will appear. It could take the form of a multiversal adventure starring Hugh Jackman and Mark Ruffalo, or possibly a story set in the post-Secret Wars MCU after a soft reboot.

Jackman has expressed his excitement for this team-up for years, even stating in 2014 that a fight between the two characters was inevitable. “There’s no doubt he’d get in a fight with Hulk,” he said. Fans have long speculated about a potential showdown, with Jackman claiming that Wolverine would ultimately defeat the Hulk.

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Over 2,000 Work Together To Finalise OSCE Ministerial Council Preparations

Nov 29 2024

Over 2,000 public servants and service providers are involved in organising next week’s OSCE Ministerial Council, the largest ministerial conference ever hosted in Malta.

On Thursday afternoon, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister for Foreign Affairs and Tourism, and Chairperson of the OSCE, Ian Borg, visited Ta’ Qali to observe the final preparations for the historic event. On Thursday 5th and Friday 6th December, the Foreign Ministers from the 57 participating states of the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) will convene in Malta for the 31st Ministerial Council meeting. The discussions will focus on regional security challenges and crucial organisational decisions, with Russia’s war against Ukraine expected to dominate the agenda, as both nations are among the participating states.

At Ta’ Qali, Minister Borg met with the task force from the Ministry overseeing the conference’s organisation, in collaboration with Malta’s Permanent Representation to the OSCE in Vienna and other supporting government entities. He also spoke to workers putting the finishing touches on the conference venue, which will accommodate over 800 delegates and local and international journalists. The 12,000 square-metre venue includes a plenary hall for foreign ministers’ discussions, press conference rooms, areas for side events, bilateral meeting rooms, interpretation facilities, a media centre for more than 200 journalists, catering services, and other amenities.

Since the start of the year, the Ministry’s task force has coordinated essential logistical requirements with the Malta Police Force, the Armed Forces of Malta, the Civil Protection Department, Transport Malta, LESA, Infrastructure Malta, the Department of Public Works, Ambjent Malta, Health Services, the Cleansing and Maintenance Division, MITA, the Department of Information, Public Broadcasting Services, and others.

Deputy Prime Minister Ian Borg expressed his gratitude to all teams involved for their hard work and dedication. “A year ago, at the 30th Ministerial Council in Skopje, all participating states agreed that Malta was the only country capable of leading this organisation in 2024 due to our reputation as a credible agent of peace and dialogue,” he said. “Next week’s conference will further strengthen Malta’s standing on the world stage.”

He added, “The Ministerial Conference represents the culmination of a year’s efforts to enhance the resilience of this organisation and advocate for unity among nations to address the challenges facing the OSCE region, from conflict to the climate crisis, from media freedom and cybersecurity to gender equality and the protection of human rights. No country can resolve these challenges alone, but together, through decisive action, we can build a better future for over one billion people in the OSCE region.”

Malta began its 12-month Chairmanship of the OSCE in January, with the theme “Strengthening Resilience, Enhancing Security,” following its unanimous election to lead the organisation for the first time in its history in November 2023.

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Minister Schembri Champions Single Market Reforms and Startup Support at EU Forum

Nov 29 2024

Minister for the Economy, Silvio Schembri, attended the Competitiveness Council meeting in Brussels, where he emphasises the need to strengthen the performance of the EU’s Single Market to foster growth and economic performance across Europe. Silvio Schembri highlighted that persistent barrier, particularly in the services sector, hinder competitiveness, especially for Malta’s cross-border digital services.

He called for solutions to remove these obstacles to ensure that equal competition and sustainable economic development.

Schembri also supported the European Commission’s goal , as outlined in the Draghi report, to reduce reporting obligations by 25%. He emphasised the need for simplified regulations to reduce business compliance burdens without undermining objectives.

Additionally, at the Europe Startup Nations Alliance Annual Forum, Schembri outlined Malta’s efforts to support startups, including initiatives like diHub Malta and Malta Venture Capital. He urged EU policymakers to address funding fragmentation and outdated state aid frameworks that restrict startup growth. Schembri stressed that startups are vital to innovation and economic growth, and it is crucial to create an environment that nurtures their success. Malta’s advocacy for better regulation aims to strengthen the European economy and ensure its readiness for the future.

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