Malta and international press digest

The following are the top stories in the Maltese and overseas press:

The Times quotes UHM General Secretary Gejtu Vella saying the government has accepted proposals on the power tariffs made by the trade unions. Other trade unions were adopting a more cautious approach.

The Malta Independent says the nation yesterday paid its respects to the Prime Minister's mother, Inez, at her funeral. It also reports Nationalist MP Jeffrey Pullicino Orlando insisting once more that the country had higher priorities in the restoration of heritage sites than the proposed underground extension of the museum of St John's Co-Cathedral.

MaltaToday Midweek raises questions on the justification of the financial compensation given to former ministers and the former leader of the opposition after they lost office in the wake of the general election. It says that several ministers found their old jobs waiting for them. It also reports that tuna catches by Malta are under investigation, with some quarters in the EU arguing that local catches were higher than claimed.

l-orizzont says the GWU is evaluating the Prime Minister's reply to the unions' proposals on the electricity tariffs. It also reports that the Local Councils Association has insisted it will not absorb higher prices for domestic waste collection.

In-Nazzjon says the government and the trade unions are heading towards agreement on the utility tariffs. It reports that the consultation meeting on the reform of primary schooling has started with meetings with parents. It also reports the funeral on Inez Gonzi, who was described as a woman who was never scared of demonstrating her faith.

The Press in Britain…

The Independent leads with the case of the father jailed for life for repeatedly raping his two daughters over a period of 25 years, fathered nine children.

The Times claims a major investigation into the failings of police and social services is now under way as a result of that rape case.

The Daily Mirror reports celebrity chef Gordon Ramsay and his wife Tana have vowed not to let their marriage be wrecked by claims he cheated on her.

The Daily Mail says supermarkets and high street stores are going head-to-head in a savage seasonal price war.

The Daily Telegraph says documents leaked on an official website reveal ministers will increase VAT after the next election.

However, The Guardian quotes Chancellor Alistair Darling denying “the secret VAT hike”, even if Treasury officials say the details were published ‘by mistake’.

The Daily Express claims the documents reveal covert plans for rises in council tax as well as VAT.

The Financial Times says the Treasury is drawing up plans to boost lending to businesses by warning banks they face nationalisation unless they reopen credit lines.

According to The Herald, a new book alleges UK frontline armed forces are being exposed to unnecessary risk due to delays in acquiring the right gear and poor Ministry of Defence leadership.

And elsewhere…

EU Observer says the European Commission has raided a number of pharmaceutical companies across the EU on suspicion they were pursuing restrictive practices. The Commission confirmed inspections took place in several member states last November on suspicion that its provisions prohibiting restrictive business practices and/or the abuse of a dominant market position may have been infringed.

Prague Tribune reports that the Czech Constitutional Court will today announce its verdict on whether the Lisbon Treaty conforms to the country's constitution. The court was expected to deliver a ruling yesterday, but will now return to the issue later today after hearing arguments against the treaty from Czech President Vaclav Havel, an avowed Eurosceptic.

L’Echo says the European Commission has punished new EU member Bulgaria and cancelled €220 million in aid for failing to stamp out corruption in government development agencies.

The New York Times quotes the World Meteorological Organisation reporting that the three main greenhouse gases – carbon dioxide, methane and nitrous oxide – have reached record levels in the atmosphere.

Panapress reports that the government of the Democratic Republic of Congo has ruled out direct talks with Tutsi rebel leader Laurent Nkunda. Meanwhile the UN Human Rights Council will hold an emergency session this week to probe alleged violations including mass killings, rape and torture.

Kathimerini says troubled Olympic Airlines is cancelling or rescheduling 40 flights today due to a brief strike by air traffic controllers.

The People’s Daily admits Chinese officials have been forced to boost police numbers at the base of Everest amid increasing cases of theft, prostitution and gambling.

Gulf News reports a British couple, convicted of having sex outside marriage on a Dubai beach, have had their three-month jail sentence suspended and are expected to be deported to Britain. An appeals court in the United Arab Emirates upheld the guilty verdict but spared them imprisonment. The couple admitted kissing but denied having sex.

MSNBC reports that an 84-year-old man hit with a $3,000 quarterly water bill won't have to pay a dime. In one week, a drive by neighbours to help Norman Beckman raised $4,027. Beckman was not able to live in his home at the time, and in his absence water pipes froze, causing three leaks that allowed 44,700 cubic feet of water to go through the meter. Despite the large volume of water, no damage to the house was reported.