The following are the top stories in the Maltese and overseas press:
The Times reports that the consumer watchdog is probing the hair dye reaction case. It also features an EU report on Malta’s competitiveness saying that Nice strategies are not enough, ‘just look at SmartCity’.
The Malta Independent reports on a visit by the EU Commissioner for regional development and says the EU’s cohesion policy must become the EU’s main investment strategy.
In-Nazzjon features praise heaped on Malta yesterday for the way it has absorbed EU funds.
l-orizzont reports that there is serious concern by the Maltese regarding the economic situation and energy prices, according to an EU study.
The overseas press
The Jerusalem Post says Palestinian prisoners have begun leaving Israeli jails, setting in motion a phased prisoner exchange meant to secure the release of abducted Israeli soldier Gilad Schalit. In the deal, reached between Israel and Hamas, Schalit would be freed after five years of captivity in exchange for over a thousand Palestinian prisoners. The first vehicles that left a jail in central Israel were carrying female prisoners, most to be freed in the West Bank. They were accompanied by security personnel from Egypt, who mediated the swap deal. The remaining 550 prisoners would be released in two months’ time.
Meanwhile Al Ayyam reports that in Gaza, Hamas prepared a hero's welcome for 295 prisoners due to be sent to the territory. The Hamas interior minister for Gaza has urged residents to "refrain from using weapons and ammunition to express their joy". Palestinian prisoners destined for Gaza or exile abroad would first cross into Egypt, where authorities would ensure they are either handed over to the PA or flown to host countries including Turkey, Syria or Qatar.
Mahmoud Zahar, a member of Hamas' negotiating team in the Shalit deal, has told Haaretz Israel had agreed to lift the blockade as part of deal in talks with a German mediator long ago – and it was still part of the agreement. Zahar said the two sides had also agreed for families from Gaza to resume visiting their relatives in Israeli prisons, certain privileges to Palestinian prisons would be restored, and leaders taken out of solitary conferment. Israeli defence officials confirmed that the Shalit agreement marked a turning point in relations between Israel and Hamas.
Bloomberg TV reports that European stocks and the euro reversed initial gains and slumped after German Chancellor Angela Merkel’s office knocked down what it called “dreams” that next Monday’s summit would be the last word in taming the crisis. While Group of 20 finance ministers and central bankers pressed EU leaders to set out a strategy by the end of the week, there remained divisions over an emerging plan to avoid a Greek default, bolster banks and curb contagion. This morning, Asian stocks fell from a one-month high, the S. Korean won weakened and copper led metals lower. The euro traded at $1.3743 in Tokyo from $1.3738 in New York yesterday, when it slid one per cent.
As Gaddafi diehards continue to hold Libyan trips from advancing in Sirte, Al Jazeera reports tat Libyan revolutionary forces have captured almost all of Bani Walid, but reports say they still faced pockets of resistance as they try to end a weeks-long standoff. Fierce resistance in Bani Walid and Gadhafi’s hometown of Sirte has prevented Libya’s new leaders from declaring full victory and setting a timeline for elections.
Il Tempo reports that Italian police have raided suspected anarchists across the country following Saturday’s Rome riots when several hundred “black block” rioters who used clubs and sledgehammers to smash bank cash machines and store windows, set fire to police and private vehicles and hurled rocks. Homes and youth centres used by extremists in cities such as Florence, Palermo and Ancona were targeted. Six people were detained, along with the seizure of gas masks, ski masks and other gear used by rioters as protection from tear gas and to hide their faces.
France 24 says the former IMF chief Dominique Strauss-Kahn wanted to be questioned by police so that he could refute claims he was linked to a suspected hotel prostitution ring. Prosecutors in Lille are investigating a suspected prostitution ring in France and neighbouring Belgium. The head of Lille’s luxury Hotel Carlton was among those detained. The weekly Journal du Dimanche said Mr Strauss-Kahn’s name surfaced in the investigation as a possible client.
Montreal Gazette reports that a Canadian who spent the past 11 years walking around the world has finally arrived back home. Jean Beliveau, 56, returned to his home city of Montreal after walking 75,000 km through 64 countries. He crossed six deserts, mountain ranges, and even war zones along the way. He said he did the walk to get over his mid-life crisis and to promote peace.