The following are the top stories in the Maltese and overseas press:
The Times says there are no signs of any challengers to Prime Minister Gonzi after he announced a leadership contest.
The Malta Independent says the prime minister has put himself to the test.
In-Nazzjon reports how the prime minister has launched a leadership contest in which he will be a candidate.
l-orizzont says uncertainty has been prolonged by the prime minister’s decision to hold a leadership contest.
The overseas press
France 24 reports French president Nicolas Sarkozy has confirmed he will unilaterally introduce a tax of 0.1 per cent on all financial transactions, starting in August. In an hour-long broadcast carried by six TV channels, Sarkozy said the so-called “Robin Hood tax” would enable French companies keep jobs at home instead of out-sourcing them abroad. He said he hoped to "create a shock" with the controversial tax and inspire other European countries to follow his lead, despite vocal opposition from some EU leaders.
Greece is continuing to respond angrily to suggestions it should give up control of its budget, which may be the price of Europe's stepping in to save the country's economy. Kathimerini quotes the former Greek Economy Minister Louka Katseli saying Greece should have control of its own finances. Reports says Greece and investors who own its bonds have reached a tentative deal to significantly reduce the country's debt, paving the way for it to receive a much-needed €130 billion bailout. Meanwhile, International Monetary Fund chief Christine Lagarde has said a new "fiscal compact" will be signed by European Union members.
Al Jazeera says UN nuclear inspectors have began a critical mission to Iran to probe allegations of a secret atomic weapons programme. The findings from the three-day visit could greatly influence the direction and urgency of US-led efforts to rein in Iran’s ability to enrich uranium – which Washington and allies fear could eventually produce weapons-grade material. Iran has declined to abandon its enrichment labs, but claims it only seeks to fuel reactors for energy and medical research.
Al Arabiya quotes Syrian activists saying at some 50 civilians and opposition fighters have been killed across the country as government forces attacked centres of opposition resistance in the suburbs of Damascus and Homs. More than 2,000 troops, backed by tanks, were deployed in the assault.
Gramma reports President Raul Castro of Cuba has defended the one party system. In a speech to the governing Communist Party, he said allowing other political parties would be the beginning of the end of the Socialist system.
According to USA Today, about 300 people were arrested during a chaotic day of Occupy Wall Street protests in Oakland that saw demonstrators break into City Hall and burn an American flag, and police fire tear gas and use flash grenades to disperse the crowds. The national Occupy movement, which denounces corporate excess and economic inequality, began in New York City in autumn.
The Wall Street Journal reports six passengers have filed a lawsuit in the US against the owners of the Costa Concordia, which capsized off the coast of Italy earlier this month. The passengers are claiming €350 million in damages. Meanwhile, Ansa says the stricken cruise liner slipped another 4cms into the sea in rough weather. The conditions have forced salvage crews to postpone their operation to remove half a million gallons of fuel from the vessel. Officials say it could take up to 10 months to remove the wreck. Seventeen bodies have been found inside the vessel. Another 16 crew and passengers are still missing.
Yangon Globe says thousands of supporters in Burma’s countryside cheered opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi today as she made a political tour ahead of by-elections. It was the first political trip for the Nobel Peace Prize laureate and former political prisoner since announcing a bid for parliament.
Ethiopian Observer reports that UN Seretary-General Ban Ki-moon has challenged widespread legal bans on homosexuality in most African countries. At the African Union summit in Addis Ababa, Ban said gay and gender rights must be respected. South Africa is the only country on the continent that legally recognizes gay rights and same-sex marriage.
Globe & Mail reports three members of an Afghan immigrant family in Canada have been convicted of murdering four female relatives – three teenage girls and their father's first wife – in a so-called “honour” killing in 2009. The girls' father, brother and mother will serve at least 25 years in prison. Prosecutors said the father was angered that his two eldest daughters wanted boyfriends, in defiance of his values. The court heard how Mohammad Shafia had become increasingly angry and upset with his three teenage daughters for having secret relationships with boys and wearing revealing clothes.