LA VALLETTA (MALTA) (ITALPRESS/MNA) – The President of Malta, Myriam Spiteri Debono has insisted that a profound discussion is required on the introduction of abortion and euthanasia in Malta.
During an interview on the national tv station, President Spiteri Debono said that she believes it is inevitable that abortion will be introduced in Malta. “I think it is inevitable. If we study the developments even in other countries, they began with 100% being against it. The important thing is that it does not enter the country by just slipping through by stealth. It’s the same with euthanasia. The most important thing is that it is discussed, and on euthanasia it seems a profound discussion is about to start”. She added that while there has been some discussion on abortion, and more is needed, the same cannot be said for euthanasia which can mean a lot of things, including assisted suicide, or passive or active euthanasia.
“When it comes to abortion there is another thing. As far as I know it is only us and the Philippes which do not have it. But euthanasia no. Euthanasia is not that widely accepted. We have to proceed slowly but it is important that ultimately we have a clear direction from the people, what they want as a nation and I believe that the best tool is a referendum, and nothing else,” the President remarked.

foto: DOI

(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

LA VALLETTA (MALTA) (ITALPRESS/MNA) – The Maltese authorities have identified the two Moroccan men who are still on the run after they escaped from a parked Turkish Airlines aircraft on New Year’s Day. They are Fouad el Sellah, 26, and Mohamed Lazaar, 43, who were part of a group of five Moroccan passengers who boarded the Marrakesh-bound aircraft flight from Istanbul and staged a fake medical emergency, leading the pilot to make an emergency landing in Malta. The search for el Sellah and Lazaar, has so far failed to give positive results. Police released their photos on Thursday afternoon, calling on the public to help in locating the two men. As arrangements to disembark the purportedly sick Moroccan passenger were underway, the other four Moroccans opened the aircraft’s rear door, jumped onto the apron and climbed over the airport’s perimeter fence. Two of them were captured hours later and returned to Morocco together with the person who had complained about the malaise in the first place.
The Sunday Times of Malta reported that migration experts are warning that similar attempts to enter Schengen countries through are likely to become more common.
The voyage between Turkey and Morocco has become particularly attractive to people hoping to sneak into Europe since there are no visa requirements between the two countries.
The newspaper quoted Salaheddine Lemaizi, editor of Enass.ma, an independent media organisation in Morocco, saying these incidents represent a “spectacular and dramatic” migration route into Schengen territory that has taken off in recent years, often spurred by conversations across social media.
Some TikTokers have taken to acting as de facto travel agents, suggesting possible air travel routes and warning against others. The trip between Turkey and Morocco remains a favourite, as passengers used to travel to Turkey and cross into Europe posing as Syrians.
Meanwhile, other airlines and airports are also being forced to face similar escape attempts.
In 2021, a flight between Morocco and Turkey was diverted to Mallorca, with a man on board appearing to be suffering from a diabetic attack. As the man, who later turned out to be in perfect health, was being escorted into an ambulance, a group of over 20 passengers pushed their way off the plane, some of them managing to jump over the airport’s perimeter fence. While airport police managed to capture 12 of the runaways, a dozen others evaded capture, with some believed to have later boarded a ferry towards Barcelona.
Barcelona also found itself in the centre of a similar case a year later when another flight travelling from Morocco to Turkey was diverted to the Spanish city after a woman on board claimed to be going into labour. As medical officials entered the aircraft, 28 passengers jumped off the plane on to the apron. While police managed to detain half of them, several others remained at large.

foto: ufficio stampa Polizia di Malta

(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

VALLETTA (ITALPRESS/MNA) – The police in Malta have published a photo of two Moroccan nationals who escaped from a Turkish Airlines flight that was diverted to Malta following a medical emergency. The police said that he together with two men, aged 28 and 34, who were arrested after escaped from the aircraft were returned to Morocco. They were also banned from returning the Schengen area. Two other passengers remain on the run.
On New Year’s Day, a 28-year-old Moroccan on the flight from Istanbul to Marrakesh in Morocco, claimed that he was unwell prompting Turkish Airlines to request permission to land in Malta. Turkish Airlines flight TK619, was travelling from Istanbul to Marrakesh when the passenger reported feeling unwell just as the aircraft was approaching Sicily, prompting a diversion to Malta.
However, shortly after the plane landed and the crew were working to retrieve the sick passenger’s suitcase, four other Moroccan passengers escaped through the rear door.
The passenger who reported feeling ill was taken to Mater Dei hospital under arrest and has also been deported and issued with a travel ban, the police said.
The police urged the public to come forward with any information about the whereabouts of the missing two Moroccans, either through Facebook or by calling the Police Headquarters on 21 224001 / 119 or by going to the nearest police station and quote number 01/2025.
Meanwhile, video footage posted online by aviation-focused social media platform HavaSosyalMedya shows one of the men running away from the diverted plane, dashing across the apron to jump the airport’s security fence. Another person can be seen appearing to give chase before breaking off pursuit shortly before the end of the video, while the passenger capturing the footage can be heard exclaiming, “Oh my God” as he witnesses the escape attempt.
-photo Agenzia Fotogramma-
(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

ROME (ITALPRESS/MNA) – “I have instructed the Secretary General of the Foreign Ministry to summon the Iranian Ambassador to Rome”. This was announced by the Italian Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani on X. “The Government, as it has done since the first day of Cecilia Salàs arrest, is working tirelessly to bring her home and we demand that all her rights be respected. Until her release, Cecilia and her parents will never be left alone”, Tajani wrote on X. The meeting at the Foreign Ministry between the Secretary General of the Ministry Riccardo Guariglia and the Iranian ambassador to Rome Mohammad Reza Sabouri lasted about an hour. According to a statement by the Foreign Ministry, the Italian government underlined the first request for the immediate release of the Italian national, who arrived in Iran with a regular journalist visa.” Guariglia also reiterated “the request to ensure conditions of dignified protection, in compliance with human rights, to guarantee full consular assistance to the Italian national, allowing the Italian Embassy in Tehran to visit her and provide her with the comforts that have been denied up to now”.

– Photo Agenzia Fotogramma –

(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

LA VALLETTA (MALTA) (ITALPRESS/MNA) – Maltàs Prime Minister Robert Abela appealed for unity during a video recorded annual message, appealing to “work together to find solutions to the issues affecting our people. United we are greater than the sum of our parts. Unity is far greater than resentment”.
Abela observed that the country’s economy is “thriving and creating more wealth,” however, he stressed that “in the coming days, we will continue addressing one of our most significant challenges, that of imported labour”.
The Maltese Premier acknowledged the strain on infrastructure caused by the influx of foreign workers. “I will ensure that as the economy grows, this does not adversely affect the quality of life of the Gozitans and Maltese, or indeed the environment around us. This, I will never accept”, Abela said.
Speaking about the tourism industry, Abela argued that Malta has the luxury to be able to prioritise and lean towards “quality” and not the quantity of tourists it attracts.
The prime minister said the government “has solutions” and these will be implemented. “We have a clear plan, and we know where wère heading”, he underlined.
The prime minister spoke about the implementation of the 2025 Budget measures that will come into force in the coming days. He also promised to address the waiting lists for surgeries and supporting everyone in becoming a homeowner.
“What was promised in October will come into fruition over the coming days. I give you my word that we will deliver”, he concluded.
– credit photo DOI –
(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

ROME (ITALPRESS/MNA) – Iran has confirmed that it has arrested Italian journalist Cecilia Sala for “violating Islamic law”. This was reported by state media. “Cecilia Sala, an Italian citizen, traveled to Iran on December 13, 2024 with a journalist visa and was arrested on December 19, 2024 for violating the law of the Islamic Republic of Iran”, Tehran’s IRNA agency reported, citing the General Department of Foreign Media of Iran’s Ministry of Culture and Islamic Orientation.
“The arrest was carried out in accordance with current legislation and the Italian embassy was informed. She was granted consular access and telephone contact with her family”, the agency explained.

– Photo Agenzia Fotogramma –

(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

LA VALLETTA (MALTA) (ITALPRESS/MNA) – As Malta concluded its two-year tenure on the United Nations Security Council (UNSC), Maltàs Foreign Minister Ian Borg described the country as “a voice for the vulnerable and a champion of peace in its two-year membership of the UN Security Council.”
In an official statement, Borg reflected “on a term defined by principled leadership, multilateral engagement, and unwavering commitment to international peace and security.” Malta, he added, upheld its pledge to be a force for good on the global stage.
During Maltàs tenure, the Security Council convened 560 formal meetings and adopted 91 resolutions. Malta played an active role in advancing critical global issues, including protecting civilians in conflict zones, addressing humanitarian needs, and tackling the impacts of climate change.
“Malta leaves the UNSC with a profound sense of pride, having positively contributed to advancing the principles of the UN Charter and upholding the trust placed in us by the international community. Our work reflects Maltàs enduring dedication to dialogue, peace, and multilateralism. As Malta concludes its term, we remain resolute in our commitment to global peace and security, ready to continue contributing as a voice for inclusion and cooperation on the world stage,” Borg said.
Malta presided over the Security Council twice, hosting various debates on pressing issues. During its February 2023 presidency, Malta emphasised the protection of children in conflict and the security implications of sea-level rise. In April 2024, under Maltàs presidency, discussions on humanitarian access for children and youth-driven solutions to Mediterranean security challenges gained prominence.
The Foreign Ministry also pointed out that in 2023, Malta spearheaded Resolution 2712 on the Middle East, enabling humanitarian corridors and securing the release of 105 hostages-a breakthrough after nearly a decade of diplomatic impasse. Through Resolution 2744, Malta overhauled the Focal Point Mechanism, ensuring that sanctions-an essential foreign policy tool-retain their credibility through processes for review, adjustment, or removal.
Similarly, Resolution 2766, authored by Malta and recently adopted, addressed gaps in child protection, earning co-sponsorship from over 100 Member States and reinforcing Maltàs leadership on Children and Armed Conflict (CAAC).
The ministry said Maltàs two-year term was underpinned by three major thematic priorities: Children and Armed Conflict (CAAC), Climate Security, and Women, Peace and Security.
Malta advanced resolutions addressing grave violations against children and facilitated field missions to conflict zones. “By emphasising climate change as a security threat, Malta fostered dialogue on its far-reaching global impacts. Furthermore, Malta elevated women’s voices, safeguarded their roles in peace processes, and bolstered inclusive policy language across UNSC mandates,” the ministry said.
The end of 2024 also brings to a close Maltàs second stint as a non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council.
Maltàs latest term was marked by Russiàs continued invasion of Ukraine and by the start of the Israel-Hamas war which has spilled over to neighbouring Syria and Lebanon. In neither case could the UNSC achieve meaningful process, with Russia vetoing any resolutions concerning Ukraine and the US vetoing resolutions concerning Israel.

foto: Agenzia Fotogramma

(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

VALLETTA (MALTA) (ITALPRESS/MNA) – Members of the Syrian community in Malta told Foreign Minister Ian Borg about their concerns over calls being made across Europe for Syrian migrants to be repatriated now that there has been regime change in their country.

The Syrian Solidarity Association in Malta said that during a meeting with the minister, it discussed European asylum policies and their impact on Syrians in Malta.

Malta earlier this month joined several other European countries in suspending the processing of asylum applications for Syrians after the downfall of president Bashar al-Assad. Out of the 600 asylum requests last year, 119 were from Syrian nationals – the highest of all the countries.

The Syrian delegation in their meeting with Borg expressed concerns about the prospect of returning Syrians to Syria in the current circumstances.

They underlined the strong family, economic, and social ties that many Syrians in Malta have, the contribution of the Syrian community to Maltese society and how many Syrian children were born in Malta and are part of the Maltese social fabric.

The delegation also raised problems about a lack of official documents for many Syrians in Malta and called for easier access to such documents for Syrians in Malta through diplomatic cooperation.

The delegation expressed its gratitude to the Maltese people for their continued support and urged the Maltese government to maintain its ‘open policies’ towards the Syrian community.

– Photo Ministry for Foreign Affairs Malta –

(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

ROME (ITALPRESS/MNA) – Italian journalist Cecilia Sala was arrested in Iran while carrying out journalistic services. She was arrested on December 19 by the Tehran police authorities. This was announced by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Since the arrest, Minister Antonio Tajani ordered the Italian embassy and consulate in Tehran to follow the case with the utmost attention. In coordination with the Office of the Prime Minister, the Foreign Ministry has started working with the Iranian authorities to clarify Cecilia Salàs legal situation and to verify the conditions of her detention. On December 27, Ambassador Paola Amadei paid a consular visit to verify the conditions and state of detention. The family was informed of the results of the consular visit. Sala had previously had the opportunity to make two phone calls with her relatives.

– Photo Agenzia Fotogramma –

(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

RIYADH (SAUDI ARABIA) (ITALPRESS/MNA) – The Saudi Press Agency (SPA) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Italian news agency Italpress to enhance cooperation and exchange of news between the two agencies. The agreement was signed by the Chairman of SPA Ali Bin Abdullah Alzaid and the Director and Chairman of the Board of Directors of Italpress Gaspare Borsellino. This partnership, as stated in a note from the Saudi Press Agency, aims to strengthen cooperation in news, develop collaborative activities with the media and facilitate mutual benefits in terms of news products and content sharing. The agreement includes support in the areas of training and development of skills at work and the organization of joint events in both Italy and Saudi Arabia.
“I am thrilled about the news partnership between our agencies, the Saudi Press Agency and Italpress. I believe – said SPA President Ali Bin Abdullah Alzaid – that this collaboration will produce numerous benefits and will expand beyond the exchange of news, to include a wide range of experiences and skills related to news work”.
Director Gaspare Borsellino declared his satisfaction following this important international agreement. “I am truly happy and honoured by this important partnership with the Saudi Press Agency that will allow us to cooperate in mutual interest in the exchange of news, photos and videos in multiple languages. This agreement – added Borsellino – will also allow the development of joint initiatives in the geographical areas with the organization of events, conferences and talks to promote the respective countries. Among the specializations of Italpress, since its inception, there is sport and therefore we will be happy to be able to collaborate and support the Saudi Press Agency in the important project of promoting the many sporting events in Saudi Arabia such as Tennis or Football, also in view of the Football World Cup that Saudi Arabia will host in 2034. An exciting challenge where Italpress will give its important contribution!”.
(ITALPRESS).
-Photo: Italpress and Saudi Press Agency-

Source: medNews