Author Archives: admin.01

Migration, two more tragedies

VALLETTA (MALTA) (ITALPRESS/MNA) – At least two more tragedies occured in the Maltese search and rescue zone with at least seven Sub-Saharan migrants confirmed dead. The bodies were lifted by the Italian Coast Guard who managed to rescue tens of others. Meanwhile, a Tunisian fishing boat rescued a group of migrants and it is reported that on board there are three bodies being escorted to Lampedusa.

More migrants are leaving the Tunisian port city of Sfax by boat in search of reaching Italy. Between last Friday and Saturday, over 2,000 Sub-Saharan migrants arrived in Lampedusa which is 180 nautical miles away.

Around 78 migrants onboard a 12-metre rubber dinghy were rescued by the Emergency’s Life Support ship in the Maltese Search and Rescue area. The rubber dinghy was overcrowded and adrift, with no possibility of using the engine because it had run out of petrol. The dinghy was already damaged and they were all exhausted and dehydrated.

“The rescued people traveled for more than 20 hours without food and water,” said a nurse on board the Life Support research vessel. “The vessel was in international waters in the Maltese search and rescue area. Malta, despite having been informed immediately, did not coordinate the rescue activities or offer a safe port of disembarkation,” said Emanuele Nannini from the NGO Emergency.

While the Italian authorities instructed the NGO to proceed to the port of Brindisi as a place of safety, many other boats in distress, south of Lampedusa have been left without any other support intervention.

Ngo Sea Watch said that its reconnaissance aircraft found 17 boats in distress in the central Mediterranean. Many are built of sheet metal, some of them unable to maneuver without a running engine. Sea Watch added that all the boats location were forwarded to the Maltese rescue coordination center but have not received any response so far. It also said that contact was made with the Libyan rescue coordination center, but no one was able to speak English.

Ngo Alarm Phone declared that vast rescue efforts are needed as tens of boats with migrants on board are leaving from Tunisia. The Ngo said that it is unable to reach the majority of boats while trying to establish which arrived, been intercepted, or capsized.

– photo Agenziafotogramma.it –

(ITALPRESS).


Source: medNews

Marcolini “We are expecting a strong reaction from Italy”

TA’ QALI (MALTA) (ITALPRESS/MNA) – Malta is set to play Italy at the National Stadium Tà Qali on Sunday in the UEFA Euro Qualifiers. The 16,000 seats at Tà Qali National Stadium have all been sold. Michele Marcolini, Maltàs national team coach, confirmed that of the 24 players selected for these first two games, everyone is available except maybe some players are still a little tired from the match against North Macedonia. He said that the risk of the Italian team in such matches is that they sometimes take it slowly but after suffering a defeat against England in the first game, “we are expecting a reaction against Malta”. Marcolini also said that although the opponent is a strong one, the Maltese team will not be completely defending. “However, when you play with a team of this caliber you automatically find yourself closing the spaces”. Asked about Retegui, Marcolini said that if he continues at this rate he should give a helping hand to the Italian team, but he hopes that he won’t do that tomorrow. Regarding Maltàs previous matches against Italy, Marcolini said that he hopes that the Maltese team will be tough for the Azzurri.
Marcolini concluded that he thinks that the Italian team will be creating chances and therefore the defense should be careful and close all the spaces.
Maltese midfielder Matthew Guillaumier said that the the national team is expecting a very difficult game and therefore it is important that the players play with the same attitude with which they came out against North Macedonia
After the press conference the Maltese team had a training session at the National Stadium with the local and international media being able to follow 15 minutes of this session.
In 17 head-to-head encounters between the two sides, Italy have won 14 games and drawn three.
Malta come into this game on the back of a 2-1 loss to North Macedonia. Italy, on the other hand, lost 2-1 to 10-man England in their most recent game. Before losing to England on Thursday, Italy had won each of their previous 14 qualification games and were unbeaten in 40. Having also beaten Malta in all four past meetings without conceding a goal, Italy will expect to get off the mark with a first win of the campaign.
– photo: LivePhotoSport –
(ITALPRESS).


Source: medNews

Algeria, arrests over illegal Syria-Europe migrant route

ALGIERS (ALGERIA) (ITALPRESS/MNA) – The police in Algeria has dismanteled an international group of smugglers who were trafficking illegal immigrants to Europe from Syria and Lebanon, via the city of Benghazi in eastern Libya. 15 people were arrested – nine Syrians and six Algerians following five months of investigation with the participation of anti-organized crime teams.

The cross-border criminal network was condsidered by the investigators as “specialised in smuggling immigrants”. During the operation, the police seized more than $11,000 along with almost 9,000 euros.

The immigrants were being transported from Syria and Lebanon to Benghazi airport, and then they travel to the northwestern Libyan city of Ghadames, after which they are sent through the border of Debdab in Algeria, as they take the desert route towards the city port of Oran in Algeria to prepare for illegal sea crossings to Europe. Such crossing attempts which migrants have to pay exorbitant amount of money in foreign currency to reach Europe, claim the lives of thousands of migrants each year.

– photo Freepik –

(ITALPRESS).


Source: medNews

San Donato Group, the first Tunisian nurses arrived in Italy

MILANO (ITALPRESS/MNA) – The first Tunisian nurses from a group of 76 have arrived in Italy and will fill the hospital postitions made available by the GSD (San Donato Group) in support of the important initiative carried out in collaboration with the Italian Foreign and Home Affairs Ministries.
“Bilateral cooperation in health training must be encouraged, and the arrival of these nurses from Tunisia will mark the beginning of a cooperation that will see nurses be trained in the Italian language and culture to bring added value to both Italy and their country,” said the President of GKSD Kamel Ghribi declaring “it is also a legal and forward-looking response to the migration challenge which is a big issue for both Italy and Tunisia. It is proof that legal emigration can work.”
Ghribi, who is the promoter of this initiative, thanked all the Italian Government officials that contributed to realizing the project.

– foto ufficio stampa Gruppo San Donato –
(ITALPRESS).


Source: medNews

Malta-Latvia, common European problems on the agenda

LA VALLETTA (MALTA) (ITALPRESS/MNA) – Security in the Mediterranean, migration, and the Russian invasion of Ukraine were on the agenda during a state visit paid by Maltàs President George Vella in Latvia.
In Riga, President George Vella had official talks with the President of Latvia Egils Levits. Both sides discussed common issues, including the 31 years of bilateral relations.
George Vella referred in particular to the common problems within the European continent. “The biggest problem at the moment is the invasion of Ukraine by Russia.
Latvia is a country much closer to the problem than Malta. The Latvians are on the border with Russia. They are much more aware and feel the effect much more than we do, however, it is important to talk to them because when it comes to the common policy on what we are going to do about Russia one must be informed of all these opinions”, declared Vella.
Another meeting was with Latviàs Minister for Foreign Affairs Edgar Rinkevics. They discussed, among others, security in the Mediterranean, and the immigration situation in both countries.
President Vella said that at the top of the agenda was the Russian war in Ukraine, a subject of interest due to the position being taken in this regard due to the violation of international laws, despite Malta being a neutral country. President Vella added that the Russian invasion of Ukraine led to humanitarian abuses. “Although Malta is neutral, it did not remain silent about what is happening in Ukraine”, emphasizing that “Malta did not hesitate to condemn violations of international laws”.

– foto Department of Information Malta –
(ITALPRESS).


Source: medNews

Malta joins the EC legal action against Hungary

LA VALLETTA (MALTA) (ITALPRESS/MNA) – The Maltese government decided to join the European Commission’s legal action against the Hungarian government over a law banning LGBTIQ+ content from being shown to children at school.

The case is already before the Court of Justice of the European Union. The Maltese government is insisting that the Hungarian law discriminates against the LGBTIQ+ community. The Maltese government stated, “Malta has some of the most progressive and inclusive laws and policies, which protect the rights of LGBTIQ+ individuals and serve as an example and inspiration for other countries to follow, so that no one is left behind.”

The Hungarian Parliament approved the wide-ranging law against pedophilia and includes tougher penalties against child abuse and rules out LGBTIQ+ content, including sex education and media content from being available to children at schools.

The law was presented by Hungary’s ruling Fidesz party and refers to the banning of disseminating what it refers to as “promoting” gender change or homosexuality in schools and generally to anyone under 18. Human rights activists say it resembles Russiàs 2013 “gay propaganda” law and that is against children’s rights and the freedom of expression.

The European Commission is arguing that the law violates various fundamental human rights, including human dignity, freedom of expression and information, and the right to respect private life.

In September Malta will host Europride, providing an opportunity to reiterate Maltàs commitment to achieving greater equality.

– photo Agenziafotogramma.it –

(ITALPRESS).


Source: medNews

Tunisia, another migrant tragedy unfolding

LA VALLETTA (MALTA) (ITALPRESS/MNA) – As more sub-Saharian migrants are escaping from Tunisia, another tragedy is unfolding with at least five migrants are confirmed dead and another 28 are still missing after their boat sank off the coastline of the southern city of Sfax while trying to cross the Mediterranean Sea to Italy.
The Tunisian Forum for Social and Economic Rights confirmed the latest tragedy. In recent weeks, Sfax became the major departure point for migrants fleeing from Tunisia and other African and Middle Eastern countries because of poverty and conflicts in search of a better life in Europe.
The recent political upheaval, and the economic and financial crises are increasing significanty the departure of migrants from Tunisia towards Italy. Italy’s increase in migrants is largely due to the three days between March 9-11 when as many as 4,566 people reached the Italian shores.
However, according to humanitarian and life-saving NGOs, Maltàs political decision not to intervene and save lives in distress in its search and rescue area, is making it more difficult for migrants to reach Europe.
Maurice Stiel from Alarm Phone, confirmed that more voyages are being attempted from Tunisia but believes the main factor is “Maltàs systematic non-assistance policy”. “Migrant boats nowadays are trying to cross the Maltese search and rescue zone in order to reach Lampedusa or even Sicily, which of course prolongs journeys and makes them more dangerous. He added, “migrants trying to escape from northern Africa, especially Libya, seem to be aware that they cannot rely on any assistance coming from Malta.”
Tamino Bohm from NGO Sea Watch, also believes the small number of migrants saved by the Maltese Armed Forces is due to a lack of action on the part of Maltese authorities. “This is not a new trend and is connected to the current policies of the government,” he said, observing that aircraft belonging to Armed Forces Malta (AFM) remain “very active” in southern waters and is passing information to the Libyan coastguard.
According to unofficial United Nations data, 12,000 of those who have reached Italy this year set sail from Tunisia, compared with 1,300 in the same period of 2022. Previously, Libya was the main escape route for migrants from the North African region.
credit photo agenziafotogramma.it
(ITALPRESS).


Source: medNews

Malta, Minister Camilleri forced to explain help to Ukraine

LA VALLETTA (MALTA) (ITALPRESS/MNA) – Maltàs Home affairs minister, Byron Camilleri, was forced in Parliament to defend the government’s decision to sign up for an EU ammunition procurement initiative that will also serve to replenish Ukrainian stockpiles, highlighting that the arrangement both safeguarded Maltàs neutrality and was clearly beneficial to its interests. The European Defence Agency’s “Collaborative Procurement of Ammunition” project, made it clear that helping Ukraine militarily was one of the project’s main immediate objectives. However, the signing of the agreement by the Maltese government was under scrutiny in Parliament by a government MP.
Minister Camilleri admitted that the decision was bound to cause controversy whilst arguing that any concerns were misplaced. The Minister explained “everyone knows that the price of military equipment has exploded because of the war: including the ammunition that the Armed Forces of Malta use in their training exercises” while adding “finding material to purchase has become challenging”. Minister Camilleri declared that it is with this in mind that Malta joined the EDA initiative so that all countries involved acquire their ammunition jointly with the advantages of guaranteeing lower prices and security of supply. Camilleri suggested that the EDA’s initial statement helped contribute to the controversy, since it declared that all signatories would be helping Ukraine. The EDA’s website now makes clear that “in full respect of sovereign national decisions, the project may be used to replenish member states’ national stockpiles and/or aid Ukraine”. Camilleri emphasised that Malta has made clear that it would be limiting itself to send humanitarian as it has already done.
(ITALPRESS).
-photo credit agenziafotogramma.it-


Source: medNews

Italy and the Ivory Coast sign agreement against human trafficking

ROME (ITALPRESS/MNA) – Italian Home Affairs Minister Matteo Piantedosi was on an official visit to the Ivory Coast.
During a bilateral meeting held yesterday with the Ivorian Minister of the Interior and Security, Vagondo Diomandè, both sides discussed and underlined the common will to strengthen further the collaboration between the two countries to fight human traffickers and ensure security.
This morning, Minister Piantedosi participated, together with Minister Diomandè, in the launch ceremony of the Civit-Oim project, financed by Italy and which will be implemented together with the IOM. The initiative involves the creation of border outposts and specialized training courses on border control, the fight against the smuggling of migrants and trafficking of human beings.
The Italian Home Affairs Minister signed a cooperation agreement with his Ivorian counterpart which provides, among other things, for the exchange of information and the implementation of joint action to prevent and combat phenomena such as terrorism, organized crime, drug trafficking and arms trafficking, criminal activities related to irregular immigration and technological crime.
“During the bilateral meeting with Minister Diomandè, we shared the need to strengthen cooperation between the two ministries. The Civit-Oim project is part of this direction, which represents an important initiative in the field of security and border control and I thank the IOM for its implementation”, declared Minister Piantedosi.
“I thank Minister Diomandè for his availability for dialogue and for his willingness to give further impetus to our collaboration”, said Piantedosi, adding “the signing of the agreement testifies the common will to work together and implement a strategy to strengthen cooperation in the field of security. This agreement represents a “pillar” on which our police forces will be able to build a solid strategy of action, realizing an effective exchange of information and guaranteeing a profitable action to prevent and combat criminal phenomena”.

– photo Viminale –

(ITALPRESS).


Source: medNews

Ukraine, Malta opt-in to secure ammunition despite its neutrailty

VALLETTA (MALTA) (ITALPRESS/MNA) – Despite Maltàs constitutional neutrality, the Maltese government has opted-in to join the initiative by the European Defence Agency for the collaborative procurement of ammunition to top up stockpiles for Ukraine to combat the Russian military in occupied Ukranian territory.
However, the decision taken by the Maltese government was critizised by leftist organisations insisting that Malta should not have signed up the agreement that will provide military aid to Ukraine and will only lead to further escalation of war, instead of working for a UN peace agreement.
The Maltese government referred to the Foreign Affairs EU Council meeting attending by Maltese Foreign Minister Ian Borg and Home Affairs Minister Byron Camilleri and reiterated that Malta would continue to support the Ukrainian people “primarily through humanitarian provisions and other products”. The statement highlighted that “Malta joined several other member states in an initiative led by the European Defence Agency in order to make a joint purchase of various types of ammunition”, adding that “through this initiative, Malta will benefit from economies of scale and security of supply for the resources of the Armed Forces of Malta”.
The initiative was designed specifically to allow neutral EU members to participate. At present, the European Defence Agency brings together all EU member states except for Denmark, which benefited from an opt-out.

– photo Agenziafotogramma.it –

(ITALPRESS).


Source: medNews

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