The following are the top stories in the Maltese and overseas press:
The Times reports how the AFM rescued 246 migrants off Malta. It also reports how a bus driver submitted a false report about a hold-up in order to be dismissed by Arriva because he was fed up.
The Malta Independent says the Maltese have most confidence in financial institutions, an EU survey shows.
In-Nazzjon reports how Arrow Pharm invested $30m in its factory in Hal Far and it now employs 150.
l-orizzont highlights how a Brazilian company praised by the prime minister has closed its Malta operation.
The overseas press
L’Echo reports talks to agree the European Union's 2013 budget have collapsed, after negotiators from the EU and member states were unable to agree on extra funding for this year. The EU Commission and European Parliament had asked for a budget rise of 6.8 per cent in 2013. But most governments wanted to limit the rise to just 2.8 per cent. Yesterday’s dispute was over an extra €9 billion in “emergency funding” for 2012, to cover budgets for education, infrastructure and research projects. After eight hours of wrangling a number of Euro MPs walked out in protest. The EU’s 27 leaders were due to meet in Brussels on November 22 to hammer out the EU’s next seven-year budget.
The lead story in the US dailies is the resignation of CIA director David Petraeus after an FBI investigation uncovered evidence that he had been involved in an extramarital affair. NBC News reports Petraeus issued a statement saying that after 37 years of married life, he had shown “extremely poor judgement” and that “such behaviour was unacceptable”. Officials said the FBI had investigated whether a computer used by Petraeus had been compromised and in the course of that inquiry, they discovered the relationship. The woman was identified as Paula Broadwell, the author of a biography of Petraeus. Her book, “All In: The Education of General David Petraeus,” was published this year.
The Wall Street Journal quotes President Obama saying wealthy Americans would have to pay higher taxes as part of any political deal to avert a looming budget crisis. He was speaking before talks with Congressional leaders next week for talks on avoiding $600 billion in mandatory government spending cuts and tax increases. He said he was open to compromise with the Republicans but would not accept a deal that did not balance government spending cuts with higher taxation on the richest people. The president and leaders of both parties are trying to avoid the so-called “fiscal cliff” economists say could plunge the US economy back into recession.
President Obama visits New York next week to take a first-hand look at storm recovery efforts as an even-odd fuel rationing system has been put into place in New York City and on Long Island. VOA says officials hope that rationing would ease shortages. Lines at petrol stations were up to 1.5 kilometres with waiting time of several hours. Only 25 per cent of gas stations are open in New York City.
Syria embattled President Bashar al-Assad has insisted that he still has the support of the Syrian people and army. In excerpts of an interview aired yesterday by Russia Today TV, he acknowledged that division existed within his country but he denied that the uprising against him was a civil war.
As Syrian government forces pounded rebel targets across the country, Turkey’s state-run Anadolu news agency reported that at least 26 Syrian officers, including two generals fled across the border. UN officials said meanwhile that 11,000 Syrians fled violence in Syria since Thursday.
al bawaba saysThe Syrian National Council, the country’s main opposition group, has chosen a Christian former Communist as its leader after talks in Qatar. George Sabra, who used to be a teacher, said his election showed that the SNC was not sectarian, and he appealed for more weapons to help overthrow President Bashar al-Assad. Talks resume today with other Syrian factions to form a new body to secure recognition as a government-in-waiting.
At least 13 prisoners have been killed in armed clashes with guards in Sri Lanka’s biggest jail after the worst riot there in decades. Footage aired on Sirasa TV showed tanks employed outside the maximum security prison in Colombo. The violence was sparked when police commandos attempted to conduct a search at the prison. Reports speak of ongoing gunfire, and that inmates have seized weapons.
Norway Post says mass murderer Anders Behring Breivik has complained about his prison conditions. In a letter to authorities, the man who killed 77 people in a bombing and shooting frenzy in July last year, described his solitary confinement and frequent strip searches as “sadistic”. He also complained about having to drink cold coffee and being denied moisturiser and video games.
Love letters written by Rolling Stones, Mick Jagger to American singer Marsha Hunt, which discuss poetry and his personal turmoil, will hit the auction block next month. Hunt, with whom Jagger had his first child, Karis, told Britain's Guardian newspaper she was selling the letters, written in July and August 1969, because she had been unable to pay her bills. The 10 letters, to be sold by Sotheby's on December 12, are valued between £70,000 and £100,000.