What the Sunday papers say…

MaltaToday leads with the ongoing clashes in Libya, saying amongst others that while the abducted Maltese is believed to be alive, Libya is in crisis amidst worsening violence in and around Tripoli. MaltaToday also reveals that Gaddafi’s son Saif al-Islam has been employed as a propaganda tool against Islamist threat while the foreign affairs ministry has urged Maltese to leave the country.

The newspaper also reports that even though a police investigation requested by the government into suggestions by Nationalist MP Jason Azzopardi of whether “commissions” were paid to pay the owners of the Café Premier €4.2 million to vacate the premises has been concluded, the Lands Department has rejected a Freedom of Information request by MaltaToday, claiming that the documents requested are exempt “due to an ongoing police investigation.”

Sunday newspaper Illum leads with the case of the unsolved disappearance of 6-year-old Modesta Cefai in 191, saying Cefai’s sister’s grandson – a university lecturer - is still determined to find her remains. In another story, Illum says that Manuel Cuschieri has rejected several jobs offered by Prime Minister Joseph Muscat in order to take care of his father.

On the back page, Illum reads that less schools are singing the Maltese national anthem on a daily basis, with some of heads of school arguing that it is “too boring.”

The Sunday Times leads with an interview with PN deputy leader Beppe Fenech Adami, in which the PN MP describes his fight against cancer. The newspaper also carries a story saying the abducted Maltese man in Libya is still alive, but these reports have yet to be confirmed independently.

The Malta Independent On Sunday says China could drill for Maltese oil through the new ‘neighbour state’ clause inserted in the recently-passed Continental Shelf Bill.

It-Torca reports how Foreign Affairs Minister George Vella is adopting a “cautious” approach to the ongoing crisis in Libya, arguing that there is an understanding between EU countries over a joint operation to evacuate foreigners from Libya.

Il-Mument reports that the Nationalist Party has proposed that Libyan factions meet in Malta to discuss the ongoing crisis, and claims that several Maltese nationals are unable to leave the Libyan desert.

Kullhadd says the number of people registering for employment dropped by 1,000 in the first six months of this year, and also reports that the government has implemented 66% of its manifesto when it comes to animal rights.