In the Press: Drugs users need help, repeat offenders should face court - PN | 100 new promotions within Armed Forces

MaltaToday

Former chairman of the fuel procurement advisory committee Joseph Falzon denies claims made by former minister Austin Gatt that he employed graduates without going through the government's recruitment procedures. Falzon said that he requested the extra help but that Gatt turned him down.

The Times of Malta

PN deputy leader Beppe Fenech Adami said yesterday that drug users should be given help and that young first-time offenders in particular should be spared the ordeal of going to court. Clarifying the PN's stand on the issue, Fenech Adami said that drug use should be treated as a health concern instead of a criminal one but that this should not give out the message that drug use is an acceptable practice.

In-Nazzjon

A Labour-founded board has made recommendations that have led to about 100 promotions within the Armed Forces in the past days, according to this newspaper. Despite an ongoing dispute involving the government, the ombudsman and claims of unjust promotions, In-Nazzjon reports that some individuals received more than one promotion and that some were given retroactive promotions.

L-Orizzont

Malta may be declaring its Exclusive Economic Zone soon, though official confirmation is not forthcoming yet, according to this newspaper. An EEZ allows special rights over the exploration and use of resources in a particular maritime area, including energy production from wind and waves and marine research. It also affects the laying of pipes and cables within the zone.

The Malta Independent

Gozitan developer Joseph Portelli is set to buy eight tumoli of land by the end of the week, according to The Independent. Portelli bought the area, which touches the patch that brought media attention, six months ago, with the promise of sale elapsing this Friday with the signing of a final contract. Portelli claimed earlier this week that the area he cleared overlooking San Blas Bay was his, although the Land Registry refutes this.