ROME (ITALPRESS/MNA) – Education and training, agriculture, health, energy and water are the five main points of the Mattei al Plan at the centre of the summit “Italy-Africa, a bridge for growth common”, currently underway in the Italian Senate.

“Europe and the whole world cannot think about the future without taking into account consideration of Africa; our future inevitably depends on the African continent. And aware of this, we want to do our part,” said the Italian Prime Minister, Giorgia Meloni, while announcing that the initial allocation as part of the Mattei Plan will be 5.5 billion in credits, donated operations and guarantees.

“Italy’s natural vocation is a bridge between Africa and Europe, a bridge that we have the advantage of being able to build starting from scratch but from the solid foundations that a long time ago Italian as Enrico Mattei had the foresight to achieve”, added Meloni.

On the education and training sectors, the Plan will deal with interventions that aim to promote training and the updating of teachers, the adaptation of curricula, the start-up of new professional and training courses in line with the needs of the labour market and collaboration with businesses, involving in particular Italian operators and exploiting the Italian ‘model’ of SMEs.

The interventions in agriculture will be aimed at decreasing the rates of malnutrition; promote the development of agri-food supply chains and support the development of non-fossil biofuels. In this framework, it is considered as fundamental the development of family farming, the protection of forestry and the fight against and adaptation to climate change through integrated agriculture.

The focus is also on the strengthening of the health system, improving accessibility and quality for both maternal and child services. To strengthen local capacities in terms of management, training and employment in the healthcare systems, research and medical personnel digitalization, the development of prevention strategies and systems, and containment of health threats, in particular pandemics and natural disasters.

Energy is one of the central sectors of the Plan. The goal is to make Italy an energy hub, a real bridge between Europe and Africa. In the context of the connection between climate and energy, all interventions will be carried out to strengthen efficiency energy and the use of renewable energy with actions aimed at accelerate the transition of electricity systems, in particular for electricity generation from renewable sources and transmission and distribution infrastructures. It is a commitment that it will also include the on-site development of applied technologies to energy also through the establishment of innovative energy centres, where Italian companies will be able to select local start-ups and thus support employment and development of human capital.

Finally, water is a very precious resource, the scarcity of which in Africa represents one of the main factors in relation to food insecurity, conflict and migration. In this framework the interventions will concern: the drilling of wells, powered by photovoltaic systems; maintenance of the points of pre-existing water supplies; investments in networks distribution networks; and raising awareness through activities regarding the use of clean, drinkable water. All these pillars are interconnected with each other with interventions on infrastructure, both general and specific for each sector.
(ITALPRESS).

– Photo: Agenzia Fotogramma –

(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

LA VALLETTA (MALTA) (ITALPRESS/MNA) – A Romanian was arrested by the police in Malta on his arrival from Sicily after he was found in possession of 15 kg of suspected cocaine. According to the police, the cocaine was destined for the local market, with a street value of around two million euro.
The Police identified a vehicle, a Volkswagen Touareg, that had just disembarked in Malta off the catamaran from Sicily.
Packages of cocaine were allegedly being carried in the vehicle. In fact, a search of the vehicle turned up the fifteen packages containing drugs. The investigations are still ongoing.
– Photo: Malta Police –
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Source: medNews

LA VALLETTA (MALTA) (ITALPRESS/MNA) – The lives of 74 migrants is at risk in central Mediterranean following their escape from Libya. This was confirmed by the interna NGO Alarm Phone, adding that the group of migrants were also trying to escape from the Libyan coastguard to avoid being taken back to Libya.
Meanwhile, the NGO Seawatch said that the supply vessel MARIDIVE has just taken 6 people from the sea. The other survivors are still on their boat in distress, facing dangerous weather. Seawatch is urging an immediate safe harbor and to halt the illegal return to Libya.
In another development, Doctors Without Borders rescued 68 migrants off the Libyan coast, including 5 children and a pregnant woman, who were on board three unseaworthy boats. The organization said in a statement that 5 migrants refused to be disembarked and remained on board the fiberglass boats, noting that this situation is worrying. It added that the lack of safe and legal options, in addition to “the violence” that migrants suffer in Libya, leaves them with no choice but to cross the sea and increase the number of victims.
– credit photo agenziafotogramma –
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Source: medNews

LA VALLETTA (MALTA) (ITALPRESS/MNA) – The police in Malta was part of an international effort against organized crime headed by Nigerian criminal networks which led to the arrest 14 arrests, the detection of 18 potential human trafficking victims, initiation of four new investigations, and monitoring of flights, harbours, postal services, and express delivery companies. The operation was coordinated by Europol and took place in December of last year between 7 and 9 and the main targets were the Nigerian criminal networks involved in various serious offences, including drug trafficking, human trafficking, fraud, illegal waste smuggling, and money laundering. The police in Malta collaborated with the Customs Department, Detention Services, and the Environmental Health Directorate, and enforcement actions in Marsa, Hamrun, and St Julian’s were taken following various raids. The arrests were linked to illegal immigration, while proprietors of African food establishments face court arraignment for violating public health regulations. The operation also led to the seizure of documents, prohibited food items, and drugs.
Europol spearheaded the international operation, which involved 468 law enforcement officers from Europe, Africa, South America, and North America. Nigerian criminal networks have gained prominence in various criminal activities, including drug trafficking, fraud, and human trafficking. The joint operation targeted these networks operating from Nigeria, coordinating amphetamine trafficking and employing tactics such as severe threats, extreme violence, and intimidation. The criminal leaders, often living luxurious lifestyles, orchestrate activities from a distance while recruiting and controlling members through secret societies known as confraternities. The operation was part of the EMPACT priority operational action plan “High Risk Criminal Networks” and was led by Sweden and Belgium.

Fonte foto: Polizia di Malta

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Source: medNews

ROME (ITALPRESS/MNA) – The International Court of Justice, also known as the International Tribunal in The Hague (ICJ), has issued a series of provisional measures against Israel on the basis that the rights of Palestinians should not to be subjected to genocide and must be protected before the court can make a final decision on the merits of the case.

The Court stated that Israel must “take all measures within its power” to prevent the commission of acts of genocide against Palestinians, as provided for in Article 2 of the Genocide Convention, take measures to prevent and punish incitement to genocide against the Palestinians and take measures to provide “urgently needed assistance to address the adverse living conditions in Gaza”.

The Court, however, does not accept South Africàs request for an immediate unilateral ceasefire in the military operation against Hamas in Gaza.

The President of the International Court of Justice, Judge Joan Donoghue, cited several comments made by the Israeli Defense Minister, Yoav Gallant, the then Energy Minister, Yisrael Katz, and President Isaac Herzog, which could be interpreted as a attempt to kill civilians in Gaza.

“The above-mentioned facts and circumstances are sufficient to conclude that at least some rights of Palestinians have to be protected from acts of genocide and related acts prohibited by Article 3 of the Genocide Convention, and the right of South Africa to seek protection of these rights , Donoghue said.

These statements appear to indicate that the Court accepts South Africàs claim that the Palestinians must be protected from genocide by Israel under the terms of the Genocide Convention and that it is plausible. Donoghue then stated that “the conditions required by its statute to indicate provisional measures have been met”.

According to the court, some of the activities of the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) carried out in the Gaza Strip allow the tribunal in The Hague “to examine the case on the basis of Article 9 of the Genocide Convention”.

After expressing concern about civilian casualties, Donohogue said that “93 percent of the population in the Gaza Strip risks starvation and hundreds of thousands of children lack access to education.”

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu responded by saying that Israel is fighting a “just war like no other” and that Israel’s commitment to international law is “unwavering.” He added, in a televised address, that the International Court of Justicès willingness to discuss genocide charges against Israel is “a disgrace that will not be erased, generation after generation.” He also said Israel “will continue to facilitate humanitarian aid and will do its best to keep civilians out of harm’s way.” He stressed that Israel will continue the war until “complete victory” and the return of all detainees, so that Gaza does not become a source of threat to Israel in the future. He concluded by stating that Israel has the right to defend itself and that the International Court has deprived it of that.

The Palestinian group Hamas congratulated the Court of Justice in The Hague following the adoption of a series of temporary measures against Israel over its role in the Gaza conflict. The decision of the International Court of Justice is “an important development that contributes to isolating Israel and denouncing its crimes in Gaza.” This was said by Sami Abu Zuhri, a senior Hamas official, quoted by the Arab media. “We ask to force the occupation to implement the court’s decisions,” he added.

Palestinian National Authority (PA) Foreign Minister Riyad al-Maliki welcomed the temporary measures ordered by the International Court of Justice, saying the court’s judges ruled in favor of humanity and international law . Al-Maliki called on all countries, including Israel, to ensure the implementation of all provisional measures ordered by the court, stressing that this is a binding legal commitment.

– Photo: Agenzia Fotogramma –

(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

LA VALLETTA (MALTA) (ITALPRESS/MNA) – Vast quantities of fossil water has now been discovered in vast quantities deep below the Hyblean Mountains in south east Sicily. A lack of rain, dry land and a hotter climate are causing stress on fresh water sources across the Mediterranean region. The scientific study was published in Nature Portfoliòs journal Communications Earth and Environment.
According to the study carried out by Researchers from the University of Malta the Istituto Nazionale di Geofisica e Vulcanologia (INGV) and the University of Roma Tre, the volume of the groundwater source is estimated at 17.3 cubic kilometres and is preserved at depths ranging between 800m and 2,100m.
“Deep groundwater resources around the world may represent an important unconventional source of potable water that can support growing needs, also linked to global population growth,” Lorenzo Lipparini, the lead researcher said.
Professor Aaron Micallef from the University of Malta, used deep oil well analysis techniques combined with advanced 3-D modelling to document the existence of an extensive fresh or brackish groundwater body in Sicily.
The study reveals the presence of unprecedented groundwater resources in the Gela Formation, a Triassic carbonate platform in the subsurface of southern Sicily. The researchers said the fresh water body was probably formed about six million years ago when the sea level in the eastern Mediterranean basin dropped to 2,400m below the current sea level.
“We have reconstructed that this lowering of the sea level, which occurred about 6 million years ago, reached 2,400m below the current sea level, creating favourable conditions for the infiltration of meteoric waters and the accumulation and preservation of this precious water resource underground,” Lipparini said.
He said these fresh and brackish waters could have diversified uses, from potable systems to other uses in industry and agriculture.
“This innovative approach could, in fact, be extended to other areas of the Mediterranean characterised by water scarcity and similar geological conditions,” Lipparini added.
“We have utilised the team’s expertise, developed in particular in the field of oil exploration, to search, this time, for potential valuable deep groundwater resources to support sustainable development, which will also enable the challenges of water security to be addressed,” the research team said.
Damiano Chiacchieri, a PhD student at Roma Tre University and Roberto Bencini, collaborator at the University of Bologna, were the other researchers on the team.
The Project has been listed as an ‘action’ at the UN Water Conference in March 2023 and funding was provided through a Marie Curie Grant project with the University of Malta, the support of the Roma Tre University and INGV.
The results will allow further studies to identify possible new fossil water bodies in Malta, Cyprus, Tunisia, Morocco, Egypt, Lebanon and Turkey.

– Foto: Ipa Agency –
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Source: medNews

LA VALLETTA (MALTA) (ITALPRESS/MNA) – As Malta started assuming officially the Presidency of the Council for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE), the Maltese Foreign Minister Ian Borg announced his upcoming visit to Kyiv, underscoring unwavering support for Ukrainès sovereignty and territorial integrity. He commended the OSCE’s efforts in their mission to Ukraine and expressed Maltàs desire for the organization to strengthen its involvement in the region.
While addressing the OSCE Permanent Council on Thursday, Minister Ian Borg underlined the commitment to keep Ukraine at the core of the OSCE’s focus during their presidency and called on Russia to promptly withdraw from the entire territory of Ukraine.
In his address, Borg asserted that Malta would persistently demand Russiàs complete, unconditional, and swift withdrawal from Ukraine, adhering to internationally recognized borders. He condemned recent heightened attacks and expressed the presidency’s dedication to addressing the ongoing conflict as a priority.
Ian Borg is presiding over the OSCE during a period marked by heightened tensions. He outlined the presidency’s commitment to actively engage, condemn violations, and promote accountability in response to the Russian aggression against Ukraine.
While mentioning Maltàs current commitment to the United Nations Security Council, Borg highlighted Maltàssense of duty in assuming the OSCE Presidency. He emphasized Maltàs unique role as a bridge between Europe and Africa, guided by a firm commitment to multilateralism. “Our engagement is governed by our sense of purpose to serve as a bridge in the world around us, inspired by Maltàs unique position at the crossroads of East and West, Europe and Africa”.

– foto: Agenzia Fotogramma –
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Source: medNews

VALLETTA (ITALPRESS/MNA) – The United States and Libya are exploring new strategies to enhance the oil production while securing energy sources for European partners.
During a meeting between the Special Envoy of the United States to Libya, Ambassador Richard Norland and Farhat Bengdara, the Chairman of the National Oil Corporation (NOC), discussions also focused on securing energy sources both domestically and internationally, achieving sustainable development, as well as bolstering the oil industry and human investment.
Bengdara emphasised the NOC’s continuous efforts to achieve a crude oil production of two million barrels, and secure energy sources for European countries working in partnership with Libya amongst them Malta and Italy.
U.S. Ambassador Norland underscored the pivotal role of Libyàs economic future in the energy sector. He commended the NOC for its dedication to a more environmentally sustainable future, and for unveiling its fresh approach to carbon removal at the UN Climate Change Conference.
Ambassador Norland conveyed the United States’ eager anticipation of forging a partnership with the NOC to jointly realize their climate-related objectives. He emphasised the vital necessity of preserving the technocratic integrity of the NOC’s leadership.
-photo Agenzia Fotogramma-
(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

LA VALLETTA (MALTA) (ITALPRESS/MNA) – Malta signed a memorandum of understanding with Egypt to explore the possibility of cooperation in the field of indirect electrical interconnection and collaborative hydrogen projects and clean energy. The agreement was formalised during a meeting between Egyptian Energy Minister Mohammed Shaker and Malta’s Energy Minister Miriam Dalli. Energy minister Miriam Dalli said: “We are exploring potentials in renewable energy systems and emerging technologies and fostering research and innovation within the energy and electricity sectors. Both countries believe in supporting the public and private sectors in implementing energy efficiency initiatives and measures. The agreement lays down the areas for possible cooperation between the two countries, seeking to increase the exchange of knowledge and expertise in the domains of energy sources and generation of electricity, focusing on diversification and security of supply. Malta and Egypt will explore the potential of virtual energy corridors, that would contribute towards the achievement of energy diversification from renewable energy sources. The MoU also refers to the exchange of technical expertise through educational initiatives, training programmes and information sharing. The collaborative effort will also tap into capacity building of green hydrogen projects and the electricity market. Dalli remarked the fast transformation which is happening in the energy sector, with strong potential awaiting the Mediterranean region. She also noted how such cooperation can help the respective countries in their solutions towards addressing the challenges brought about by climate change.  Malta has been pushing forward the initiative of the Mediterranean as a green energy hub amongst the nine EU Mediterranean states, with the ambition of extending further to other Mediterranean countries. (ITALPRESS)

Source: medNews

LA VALLETTA (MALTA) (ITALPRESS/MNA) – The Maltese authorities granted the permit for the second electricity interconnector between Malta and Sicily. The project was announced by the Maltese government two and a half years ago, and requires the relevant permits from the Italian authorities.
The permit covers all the relevant works up to the median line between the coast of Maghtab, in Malta and the coast of Ragusa, in Sicily. In the past two years, planning and studies were needed to prepare the design for the second interconnector which will be placed at a safe distance from the interconnector commissioned in 2015.
While the Environment and Resources Authority recognised that the project would have an impact on protected ecological zones at sea, it said that it was not expected to cause great harm.
The project is being overseen by Interconnect Malta, a 100% government-owned entity entrusted with all the country’s energy interconnection projects, including a proposed gas pipeline, along with any offshore renewable energy and energy battery storage systems.
Interconnect Malta described the latest development “an important step forward in the implementation of Maltàs plan for a sustainable energy sector.”
The interconnector is considered an essential part of Maltàs energy infrastructure following a series of blackouts last summer.

– Foto: Agenzia Fotogramma –

(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews