Malta and international press digest

The following are the top stories in the Maltese and foreign newspapers:

All the newspapers show a picture of the Spanish triumph at the Euro 2008 final yesterday.

In its lead The Times reports eyewitnesses saying that a Sudanese migrant was beaten by the police in Paceville early on Saturday. The migrant admitted in court yesterday that he had assaulted the officers.

The Malta Independent says migrant arrivals are up 36 percent on last year. It also reports that the power surcharge is expected to rise to record levels.

In-Nazzjon says that 2,777 migrants were repatriated in four years. It also reports Resources Minister George Pullicino promising more assistance to farmers during a speech at the Mnarja show.

l-orizzont quotes Joseph Muscat saying the government did not keep its word when it suddenly announced it would privatise the dockyard after having previously said it would work to improve it.

The Press in Britain…

Metro says Robert Mugabe was sworn in as Zimbabwe’s president after a landslide victory in an election widely condemned as a ‘grotesque charade’.

The Times warns that families are more fearful about their financial future than during the depths of the last recession, as they struggle with soaring food and fuel costs.

In its campaign against the rising cost of fuel, the Daily Express claims it has come up with a mechanism that would cut fuel duty and slash prices by 14p a litre.

A poll for the Daily Telegraph has showed Labour is no longer the party trusted to bring in the health reforms that are needed to safeguard the NHS for future generations.

In an exclusive story, the Daily Mail claims a high street bank is giving children debit cards that could allow them to buy cigarettes, alcohol and porn videos over the internet.

The Guardian reports trade union leaders are to put a broad set of demands to Labour ahead of its next general election manifesto, including free school meals for all primary children and new flexible working rights for parents.

The Sun says EastEnders star Brooke Kinsella was inconsolable as she visited the spot where her brother was fatally knifed.

The Independent leads on a report that says the nationwide smoking ban has triggered the biggest fall in smoking ever seen in England.

The Financial Times reports that under US-style plans to be floated by the head of the Serious Fraud Office, firms involved in bribery abroad could avoid prosecution by admitting guilt and paying financial penalties.

And elsewhere…

Harare’s The Herald reports Zimbabwe's newly re-elected president Robert Mugabe has left the country for an African Union summit in Egypt where Zimbabwe's political crisis is on the agenda

The Jerusalem Post leads with the Israeli government agreement to free Lebanese Samir Kuntar, in jail since 1979 for multiple murders, in exchange for the bodies of two Israeli soldiers killed by Hezbollah guerrillas.

Toulouse’s Metro reports that a military display in south east France has left up to 16 people wounded after real bullets were used instead of blanks during a demonstration of hostage-freeing techniques. The soldier who fired the shots has been detained.

The People’s Daily announces the resumption of talks between Chinese authorities and representatives of the Dalai Lama early next month.

The Dawn quotes Pakistani security forces say they have taken control of a militant area in the Khyber region, a day after an offensive was launched to push back militants threatening the city of Peshawar.

Soeul Times leads with the clashes bedtween protesters and riot police at a rally in Seoul demanding that the government withdraw its decision to lift a ban on US beef. Some 100 policemen and several hundred protesters were hurt.

The Spanish Press is in a jubiliant mode as Spain beat Germany 1-0 in the final of the European football Championship in Vienna. Fernando Torres scored the game's only goal in the 33rd minute earning his country their first major title in 44 years. At 70 Spain's Luis Aragones became the oldest manager to win a European championship title.