Malta and international press digest

These are the main headlines of the local and international newspapers.

The Sunday Times says a police sergeant, convicted of assaulting a French woman last year, has been reinstated, less than two months after an appeals court handed down a suspended jail sentence. The newspaper also carries an interview with GWU general secretary Tony Zarb, who says he is optimistic that an agreement can be reached with the government over Malta Shipyards.

Malta Today claims that Ħaġar Qim, the world heritage site, is being dwarfed by the visitors’ centre, which should have been built elsewhere and not in the car park next to the pre-historic temples.

The Malta Independent on Sunday quotes Labour leader Joseph Muscat saying that he would resign from the European Parliament by the third week of September.

Il-Mument claims that in a bid to enhance the party’s image, Dr Muscat is being advised to change the party’s name and initials from Malta Labour Party (MLP) to Partit Laburista (PL). The paper also reveals that the government is considering changes to the examinations system to ease pressure from students.

Illum says that the system of having a person representing fellow inmates at the prison has been in place since 1993 on the advice of American consultant Jim Rowland, brought in by former Home Affairs Minister Louis Galea.

it-torċa also leads with the prison situation and asks whether the appointment of former director Manwel Cassar to investigate shortcomings was a cover-up.

KullĦadd says that owners of hearses have still not received the promised €230,000 subsidy promised half-way through the transport strike.

The Press in Britain…

The Mail On Sunday says a row over a £40bn plan for State-backed mortgages to tackle the housing crisis has caused a bitter feud between Gordon Brown and Chancellor Alistair Darling.

The Sunday Times reports on the continuing investigation into the burnt-out Shropshire mansion belonging to billionaire businessman Christopher Foster. The paper reveals Mr Foster was facing financial ruin and debts of up to £1.8m.

The News of the World claims terrorists plotted to shoot down Gordon Brown's helicopter during his visit to Afghanistan last week.

According to Star on Sunday, worried Prince William is questioning his brother Harry's plans to return to the frontline.

And elsewhere…

Bihar Times says about 70 people have died and more than two million have been displaced by the country's heaviest flooding in 50 years

Beijing Times says an earthquake, measuring 6.1 on the Richter scale, has hit Sichuan province and killed at least 22 people and injured more than 100.

El Diario Vasco says Arnaldo Otegi, the former leader of the banned Basque separatist party Batasuna, has been released from a prison in San Sebastian.

Asia Observer quotes Thai Prime Minister Samak Sundaravej vowing not to resign despite growing pressure from anti-government protesters.

China Times says tens of thousands of people have marched in the streets of Taiwan's capital to protest against the president's efforts to improve relations with China.

Al Ayyam says hundreds of Palestinians have crossed into Egypt after Cairo opened the border with the Gaza Strip for two days, ahead of the Muslim holy month of Ramadan.

Corriere della Sera leads with Italy’s agreement to pay Libya $5 billion as compensation for its 30-year occupation of the country, which ended in 1943. In return, Italy wants Libya to crack down on illegal immigrants.

O Globo says Brazil will spend $160 million by the end of next year on the development of a nuclear-powered submarine to protect the oil reserves found recently off its coast.

The Lancet urges expectant mothers to avoid perfumes or scented creams amid fears they could cause unborn boys to suffer infertility or cancer in later life. Research found the reproductive system of male foetuses may be damaged by chemicals in cosmetics as early as eight weeks' gestation, leading to infertility or testicular cancer.