NEW YORK (UNITED STATES) (ITALPRESS/MNA) – At the end of the UN Security Council meeting to restore an international agreement on Iran’s nuclear program, the Fifteen discussed developments regarding the 2015 agreement, known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), and the implementation of Council Resolution 2231 that approved it.
The JCPOA established rigorous mechanisms to monitor restrictions on Iran’s nuclear program, while paving the way for the lifting of sanctions against the country. The agreement was signed between Iran and the five permanent members of the Council – China, France, Russia, the United Kingdom and the United States – plus Germany and the European Union. The United States withdrew in May 2018 under the Trump administration.
The UN noted that there are 10 months to go until “Termination Day” for resolution 2231 and that the impasse on the restoration of the JCPOA persists, in a deteriorating regional context.
“In this context, the need for a long-term global solution that restores the objectives of the Plan has never been greater,” Rosemary DiCarlo, head of political affairs at the UN, told ambassadors. Speaking to Italpress at the end of the meeting, Maltàs ambassador Vanessa Frazier stressed that “I think Iran is ready to make a deal and the new US administration is an opportunity. If sanctions are lifted, I think it will be ready to negotiate on its nuclear program. It is a very delicate moment, but with next year’s deadline, the new administration of the JCPOA and everything that is happening in the region, we can see an important turning point”.
(ITALPRESS).
-Photo: Agenzia Fotogramma-

Source: medNews

LA VALLETTA (MALTA) (ITALPRESS/MNA) – The new sexual health strategy proposed by the Maltese health authorities is recommending that emergency contraception should be added to the national formulary and condoms distributed for free.
The strategy has now been opened to public consultation for feedback before it is finalised. Health Minister Jo Etienne Abela launched the two-month consultation for the National Sexual Health Strategy 2025-2030, and he described it as being “grounded in robust research”. The strategy aims to be inclusive and equitable to all populations including migrants, people with disabilities and LGBTIQ+ individuals, he said. To prevent the spread of sexually transmitted infections (STIs), the strategy suggests providing free condoms to anyone aged over 16. Adding the emergency contraception pill to the national formulary will help make it more accessible, it adds. The emergency contraception pill, also known as the morning-after pill, was not available in Malta until 2016 when it was made legal and started being sold over the counter at pharmacies. The LP strategy proposes free preventive treatment against HIV for those who are at risk of contracting the virus. This is the first time that Maltàs sexual health strategy has been updated in 14 years. To this day, Maltàs sexual health public policies are based on a strategy that was published in 2010 and was already considered outdated by GU Clinic doctors at the time of publication. lol
Superintendent of Public Health Charmaine Gauci said the strategy direction was aligned with a World Health Organisation action plan and other EU policies and strategies.
(ITALPRESS).
-Photo: Department of Information-

Source: medNews

LA VALLETTA (MALTA) (ITALPRESS) – A majority of Maltese people (52%) support Ukraine’s bid to join the European Union but support for funding the purchase of weapons so Ukraine can defend itself from Russia’s aggression has fallen to a historic low of 46%, down 2 points from April. The percentage opposed to EU military assistance has remained stable since April at 50%.

This emerged from a recently published Eurobarometer survey held between October and November.

Maltese support for EU military assistance to Ukraine had already fallen to 51% in Autumn last year, down from 74% in May 2022, just weeks after the Russian invasion.

But support for economic sanctions against Russia (65%) and financial aid to Ukraine (66%) remain high. Moreover, most Maltese (73%) have a negative view of Russia of which only 19% hold a positive view.

Moreover, 63% of Maltese regard Russia’s invasion of Ukraine as threat to the security of their own country.

The survey also shows widespread support for the Maltese government’s response to the Russian invasion which was aligned with that of the EU (69%) while 52% are satisfied with the EU’s response to the invasion.

Overall, in the EU as a whole 58% support the EU policy of financing the delivery of weapons to Ukraine. But support ranges from 92% in Sweden to just 23% in Cyprus. Malta is one of seven member states where a majority opposes this policy.

The survey also shows that 52% of Maltese support the EU decision of granting candidate status to Ukraine. Support for EU membership for Ukraine ranges from 83% in Sweden to 34% in the Czech Republic. In the EU as a whole 60% support accepting Ukraine as a candidate to join the block.

And while the Maltese are increasingly sceptical on delivering weapons to Ukraine, they still favour enhanced military cooperation between the member states. In fact 55% of Maltese agree that the EU needs to reinforce its capacity to produce military equipment. 57% of Maltese also support a common defense and security policy involving all EU Member States, even if support for such a policy has dropped by 11 points since Spring.

This means that support for a common defense policy in Malta is now the lowest in the European Union. The vast majority (68%) of Maltese also consider the European Union as “a place of stability in a troubled world.”(ITALPRESS).

Foto: Agenzia Fotogramma

Source: medNews

ROME (ITALPRESS/MNA) – “The challenges that Europe is facing are complex and enormous, in terms of security, climate crisis, energy transition, migration management, but there is no challenge or threat, even so serious, that justifies us to move away from our identity and our European path”. This was stated by King Felipe VI of Spain, during the ceremony at Montecitorio, in front of both Chambers, in the presence of the highest officials of the State.

“Our concerted action, our solidarity, have helped us to promote projects such as the Recovery Fund Next Generation EU, which is transforming Europe,” adding, “the EU is facing a decisive legislature, which leaves behind a complex institutional cycle”.

For King Felipe, the new Commission “must lead the Union towards the future, with lines of action that are essential for the interests of Italy and Spain: from ensuring global competitiveness, to renew the internal market; from projecting the Union with intelligence and solidarity towards its closest neighbours, to the advancement of common defence and open strategic autonomy; and to pledge on digital transformation to continuing to protect the rights of our citizens”.

“I have always found a sense of wisdom, good sense and advice in the President of the Republic. You know it better than I do: President Mattarella is a point of reference for Italy and for Italians, as well as for many heads of state, among whom I certainly find myself. I am honoured to be among them,” continued King Felipe.

“I am honoured to be here, and I am here because Spain is not only considered a friendly country of Italy, but a brother country, which is the same consideration that Spain has towards Italy”, he continued.

“In this historic building, together with the Senate of the Republic, the representation of national sovereignty, the values that define us are projected; democracy, individual freedoms, human rights and the rule of law are affirmed.”

“Italy and Spain are united by a firm commitment to multilateralism, that is, a world order based on rules and inspired by the purposes and principles of the United Nations Charter,” he added. “We are two countries of reminiscence, with a clear awareness of the past, in particular of what cannot and must not be repeated, and we see with logical concern how many treaties, institutions and multilateral fora are undergoing increased deterioration, while at the same time calling into question their effectiveness or the very meaning of their existence; a dangerous decline towards something uncertain that is not at all bright”.

– Photo Agenzia Fotogramma –

(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

ROME (ITALY) (ITALPRESS/MNA) – The international exhibition Expo2027, which will take place from 15 May to 15 August 2027 in Belgrade, was presented. The event, which took place yesterday evening in Rome, in front of representatives of political institutions and a group of ambassadors from all continents, was attended by Mirjana Jeremic, Ambassador of the Republic of Serbia in Italy and the director of the Expo company Dusan Borovcanin. On this occasion, the ambassadors were given invitation letters from the President of the Republic of Serbia Aleksandar Vucic to have their countries participate in Expo2027.
During the presentation, Director Borovcanin particularly emphasized that becoming the host of Expo 2027 is a great achievement achieved in competition with important candidates such as the United States of America, Spain, Thailand and Argentina, thanks to a significant commitment and dedication of the Serbian institutional system. The motto of the exhibition, “Play for Humanity: Sports and Music for All”, is what maintains the spirit of Serbia, which is dedicated to improving relations and respecting all peoples, regardless of their diversity, a theme whose importance has been recognized by most of the countries that have subsequently trusted Belgrade and Serbia by assigning them the organization of the event. Belgrade expects the participation of more than one hundred countries, as well as the arrival of one million visitors from all over the world. Serbia sees Expo as an important opportunity for development – through the optimization of infrastructure and the construction of a new urban center in Belgrade, but at the same time also as an opportunity to present its potential – a dynamic economy, innovations and the vision of interconnection between states and peoples. In addition to numerous European and world countries, Italy is also expected to participate as a strategic partner of Serbia.
(ITALPRESS).
-Photo: Serbian Embassy in Rome-

Source: medNews

LA VALLETTA (MALTA) (ITALPRESS/MNA) – Malta has joined several other European countries in suspending the processing of asylum applications for Syrians, after the downfall of former president Bashar al-Assad. Maltàs Home Affairs Ministry said the International Protection Agency, responsible for asylum applications, had “temporarily suspended the examination of pending and new asylum applications for international protection by Syrian nationals”. The move came following “recent significant events in Syria”, the statement said, in reference to a lightning offensive by Syrian rebels that saw the fall of Baath rule last week after five decades in power. The ministry said the agency “will continue to assess the evolving situation with the aim of resuming the processing of such applications in the shortest time possible”. It said it had taken the decision to suspend applications to “properly assess the evolving situation, since at present it is not possible to properly assess applicants’ reasons for seeking international protection”. NGO Syrian Solidarity in Malta expressed its concern at other European countries announcing suspensions of asylum applications. “We would like to remind the international community that many Syrians in Malta have put down deep roots: we have children born in Malta, businesses operating here and strong familial and social ties to this country,” the statement read. The president of the NGO Syrian Solidarity in Malta the Syrian population in Malta soared from a few hundred before civil conflict in 2011 to around 6,500 by 2022.
(ITALPRESS).
-Photo: Agenzia Fotogramma-

Source: medNews

LA VALLETTA (MALTA) (ITALPRESS/MNA) – Syrians in Malta who were celebrating the fall of the Baath Party rule after 50 years in power were warned by the police not to wave the Syrian flag while cheering in the streets. Syrians in Malta took to the streets to celebrate as they woke up to news that President Bashar al-Assad had fled the country as Islamist-led rebels declared they had taken Damascus in a lightning offensive. Some joined carcades, waving Syrian flags and cheering. Others joined the peaceful celebrations in various Maltese localities. Human rights activist Omar Rababah, who was born in Malta to a Syrian father, said police officers in Hamrun were stopping people with flags in their hands and giving them a warning. “The right for freedom of peaceful assembly, according to the Constitution of Malta, applies to every person, not just every citizen. “Just like no one is stopped when we celebrate the results of general elections in Malta, we should not stop four cars and pedestrians with flags. Do not discriminate,” he said in a Facebook post.
However, those celebrating thanked the European Union and Malta for welcoming Syrians over the years while expressing their overjoy that they finally rid us of the Assad regime. Some described the Assad regime as “mafia that led a government by tyranny”. Many of those who were celebrating have been in Malta for years. Some of them expressed their wish to return to their home country and their families.
(ITALPRESS).
-Photo: xf3/Italpress-

Source: medNews

LA VALLETTA (MALTA) (ITALPRESS/MNA) – The Maltese Government has launched a public call to develop the first offshore renewable energy project, located 12 nautical miles off the Maltese coast within the country’s Exclusive Economic Zone.
Maltese Prime Minister Robert Abela and Minister for Energy Miriam Dalli highlighted that this innovative project will strengthen Maltàs position as a hub in the Mediterranean through investment in renewable energy.
The international call, known as a pre-qualification questionnaire was issued, inviting the private sector to participate in this floating wind turbine project. It outlines the key details of the project and allows interested parties to demonstrate their technical and financial capabilities. This information will then be used to shortlist the highest-ranking companies for the next stage. Only the first five applicant will proceed to the subsequent cycle, known as the Invitation to Participate in Dialogue. At this stage, these five candidates will submit initial proposals that will serve as a basis for discussions. Following the dialogue phase, a competition for the Best and Final Offer will be launched.
Maltese Prime Minister Robert Abela emphasized that this project will enhance Maltàs energy diversification and increase the use of renewable energy. He reiterated the vision of positioning Malta as a clean energy hub in the Mediterranean. “This technology continues to evolve, and our country is ready to shape a sustainable future,” said the Prime Minister, noting that challenges posed by climate change can be transformed into opportunities.
Abela described the project as one that will deliver collective benefits and emphasized the Government’s belief in the private sector as a strategic partner in helping Malta achieve its goals, including becoming carbon neutral by 2050.
Minister Miriam Dalli described the project as significant for both the energy and environmental sectors. “This project is not only crucial for energy generation but will also have a positive environmental impact. It addresses Maltàs space limitations in a sustainable manner. She added that Maltàs vision, aligned with European goals, is for the Mediterranean to become a clean energy hub. “Malta is taking the lead in achieving this goal, having united Mediterranean countries to establish this principle,” concluded Minister Dalli.foto: DOI

(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

ROME (ITALPRESS) – Syrian rebels took control of Damascus on the night between Saturday and Sunday, effectively overthrowing the Assad regime.
According to Al Jazeera, Bashar al-Assad has fled the country. Syrian President Bashar al-Assad boarded a plane and left Damascus for an unknown destination overnight, marking the definitive end of his regime in Syria. This reportedly happened as rebels said they entered the capital with no sign of an army deployment.
The New York Times reports that only one flight was leaving Damascus as the rebels approached. That flight was headed to Moscow. Other footage appears to show chaos at the airport as staff and security leave their posts.
The head of the main Syrian opposition group abroad Hadi al-Bahra Syrian said Damascus is now “without Bashar al-Assad”.
Syrian rebels also said Damascus is “now free of Assad,” calling on Syrians abroad to return to their newly liberated country.
An Al Jazeera TV reporter in Damascus reported seeing groups of armed civilians lining a road on the outskirts of the capital and hearing gunfire.
The city’s main police headquarters appeared abandoned, its door left partially opened with no officers outside, they said. Footage circulating on social media shows an abandoned army checkpoint where uniforms were being thrown to the ground beneath a poster of Assad’s face.
Syrian Prime Minister Mohammed al-Jalali said he is ready to “work with” any leadership chosen by the people and for any handover process, after the apparent fall of the Assad regime. “This country can be a normal country that builds good relations with its neighbors and the world… but this issue is up to any leadership chosen by the Syrian people. We are ready to work with [that leadership] and offer all possible facilities,” Jalali said in a speech broadcasted on his Facebook account.

Photo credits: Ipa Agency
(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

VALLETTA (MALTA) (ITALPRESS/MNA) – Maltàs Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Tourism Ian Borg defended the decision to invite Russia to the OSCE’s council summit in Malta, saying it is important to engage with those who can stop war immediately.

Speaking at the closing press conference, Borg declared: “I’d rather have the participating states sat at the same table as Russia telling them to stop this war and retract from Ukrainian territory,” he said. He added it is more challenging “to engage with those who started and can stop this war immediately”.

Ian Borg has dismissed a tirade of anti-Western sentiment from Russiàs foreign minister Sergey Lavrov at the opening of today’s OSCE conference, insisting the group would “not be intimidated” by Russia.

Borg also announced that a unanimous agreement has been reached at the OSCE Ministerial Council, after discussions between the 57 OSCE countries had been ongoing for years.

The agreement was reached on a new leadership covering the OSCE’s top four posts. The announcement came on the second and final day of the organisation’s annual ministerial council meeting being held in Malta.

Feridun Sinirlioglu from Turkey was announced as OSCE Secretary General while Maria Telalian of Greece was named as Director of the Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights. Christophe Kamp of Netherlands, meanwhile, took the post of High Commissioner on National Minorities and Norwegian Jan Braathu was appointed Representative on Freedom of the Media. The announcement has come as a relief to the OSCE, which had been stuck in negotiations on the top leadership positions for months.

Speaking at a news conference, Sinirlioglu said: “I take this with a deep sense of pride and duty… I know it will not be easy, there are challenges facing the OSCE region, not least in Ukraine. My role will enable me to act as a bridge between participating states for consensus and solutions”, he said.

The OSCE Ministerial Council welcomed delegates from 57 member states, and is likely to be the last large event of the organisation hosted by Malta, the current chair of the organisation.

– Photo Department of Information Malta –

(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews