President Myriam Spiteri Debono Embarks on Official Visit to Italy and the Vatican

Jan 21 2025 Share

President Myriam Spiteri Debono has embarked on an official visit to Italy and the Vatican, marking a significant moment for Malta’s diplomatic ties. Her itinerary includes a private audience with Pope Francis and a meeting with Vatican Secretary of State, Cardinal Pietro Parolin. These pivotal encounters are scheduled for Friday, January 24, with Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Tourism, Dr. Ian Borg, joining the delegation.

The President will also meet Italian President Sergio Mattarella at Palazzo Quirinale, further strengthening bilateral relations. Additionally, discussions with the Grand Master of the Sovereign Military Order of Malta, Fra John T. Dunlap, are set to take place at Palazzo Magistrale.

During her visit, President Spiteri Debono is set to tour the Vatican’s Madre di Misericordia Clinic and the Bambino Gesù Pediatric Hospital, renowned for its specialized care for children, including Maltese patients. The President will also attend the art exhibition A Maltese Artist in Rome, showcasing Antonio Sciortino’s work, and connect with the Maltese community in Italy.

Following her engagements in Italy, the President will travel to Poland to commemorate the 80th anniversary of Auschwitz’s liberation. She is expected to return to Malta on January 28, with Dr. Francis Zammit Dimech acting as President in her absence.

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Dog Walker Reportedly Assaulted & Injured By Illegal Bird Trapper

Dog Walker Reportedly Assaulted & Injured By Illegal Bird Trapper
Jan 21 2025 Share

A dog walker was allegedly assaulted by a bird trapper at an illegal trapping site, suffering grievous facial injuries, including fractures, as reported by the Malta Ranger Unit (MRU).

The incident occurred in December, where Golden Plovers were being trapped illegally, accompanied by the use of banned bird callers. The MRU released footage showing the trapper, dressed in camouflage, aggressively confronting the victim before a struggle ensued off-camera.

The MRU explained that the dog walker began filming to protect himself after the trapper exhibited prior aggressive behaviour.

After the altercation, the trapper gave his name and left the scene. Medical examinations revealed the victim might require surgery for proper recovery.

The MRU stated the same trapper was previously caught “red-handed” by police for illegal activities and now faces court proceedings, risking fines and license revocation.

The rangers released the footage, with the victim’s consent, to highlight the “impunity” environmental criminals often enjoy due to inaction by decision-makers.

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Ian Borg Meets Musk, Ramaswamy & World Leaders In US

Ian Borg Meets Musk, Ramaswamy & World Leaders In US
Jan 21 2025 Share

After posting stories on his social media after he was seated a few seats away from Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy, Deputy Prime Minister Ian Borg shared more encounters with some big names at the Trump inauguration.

Borg met up with the world’s richest man Elon Musk as well as American politician Vivek Ramaswamy, with the latter having been set to co-lead the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE).

Borg also met with Argentinian president Javier Milei and Vice President of China Han Zheng.

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No Part Of Gzira Garden To Be Used For Petrol Station Relocation

No Part Of Gzira Garden To Be Used For Petrol Station Relocation
Jan 21 2025 Share

Taking to social media, Parliamentary Secretary for Equality and Reform Rebecca Buttigieg welcomed the governmental decision, despite the court ruling, that no part of the Gżira garden will be used to relocate the petrol station.

‘Residents of Gżira surely deserve the best open space for families to enjoy.’

In the ruling, the court rejected the claims made by the Gżira local council against the Environment and Planning Review Tribunal in regards to a permit issued by the PA to relocate the petrol station to the Council of Europe Garden.

‘Despite all previous proceedings, the Government reiterates its position that no public land within the Gżira Garden will be allocated for the relocation of the mentioned petrol station.’

#MaltaDaily