Reuters: Malta wants to join the group of rich nations meant to lead the fight against global warming, bringing the Mediterranean island into line with its European Union partners, the government said on Wednesday. Malta would apply in 2009 to join the group of about 40 nations including EU states, Japan and the United States, George Pullicino, Minister for Resources and Rural Affairs, said in a statement. “Malta seeks to put itself on the same legal footing as its fellow (EU) member …