medNews

Libya: Eastern PM Hamad claims credit for reconstruction, urges cooperation with Italy

Libya: Eastern PM Hamad claims credit for reconstruction, urges cooperation with Italy

ROME (ITALPRESS/MNA) – Osama Hamad, the prime minister of the Libyan government appointed by the House of Representatives in the East, outlined in an interview with Italpress the reconstruction plans underway in areas under the control of the Libyan National Army (LNA), led by Field Marshal Khalifa Haftar. He also issued an appeal to Italy and European countries for genuine cooperation on the migration issue. Hamad emphasised that after years of stagnation following the fall of the 2011 regime, reconstruction has resumed thanks to the joint efforts of the government and the Army command. “We started from Benghazi, with new bridges, buildings, and the Tika airport, which is 60% completed. The first phase of the port has been finished, and we are building a large stadium. Derna, two years after the tragedy, has been reborn as a modern city with new infrastructure and housing,” he declared.

According to Hamad, the reconstruction process also extends to the south of the country, in cities such as Ajdabiya, Brega, Sirte, and Murzuq — “all areas that are now safe.” On the issue of migration flows, Hamad explained that the army and the Ministry of the Interior have established reception centres in the eastern region, where migrants receive care and assistance before being repatriated. “We have not seen any cooperation from European governments, who do not recognise us and instead support Tripoli. With real cooperation, we could close the routes across the Libyan desert and stop departures,” he said. The eastern prime minister then accused the United Nations and Western powers of having “contributed to Libya’s division” by refusing to recognise his government: “UNSMIL interfered in appointments and prevented legitimate political representation, favouring the fragmentation of the country.”

Hamad estimated that 80% of Libyan territory is now under the control of the General Command led by Haftar, including the south and almost all of the east. Regarding Italian concerns over Russian influence in Cyrenaica, he replied: “Libya is a sovereign state and must be free to cooperate with whoever it chooses — be it Russia, the United States, or Italy. Every partnership must be viewed in the interest of the Libyan people.” Finally, he addressed a direct message to the Italian people: “We have historic and sincere ties with Italy. The Libyan people have great affection for Italians. But we ask the government in Rome to engage in official dialogue with us if it truly intends to solve the issue of illegal immigration. Continuing to deal only with an outgoing government in Tripoli will not bring results.”

– photo eastern Libyan government –

(ITALPRESS)


Source: medNews

Barcelona, muscle injury for Dani Olmo while on international duty

Barcelona, muscle injury for Dani Olmo while on international duty

MADRID (SPAIN) (ITALPRESS) – Bad news for both Spain and Barcelona. On the eve of the World Cup qualifier against Georgia in Elche, Dani Olmo suffered an injury during training. Medical tests revealed a muscle strain in his calf.

The Spanish Football Federation announced that Olmo will return to Barcelona tomorrow to begin his recovery. Spain coach Luis de la Fuente is reportedly considering a replacement, with Ansu Fati among the names being evaluated by Spanish media.

– Photo IPA Agency –

(ITALPRESS).


Source: medNews

Fabio Capello “I sent Ronaldo away from Real Madrid, he refused to lose weight”

Fabio Capello “I sent Ronaldo away from Real Madrid, he refused to lose weight”

TRENTO (ITALPRESS) – “I spent five years in the youth sector and also worked as Liedholm’s assistant — that experience helped me understand many aspects of this profession.” These were the words of Fabio Capello, former coach of Milan, Juventus, and Real Madrid, speaking at the Festival dello Sport in Trento.

“You have to know how to highlight players’ strengths and manage their weaknesses,” Capello explained. “Inside the locker room, psychology is key — you need to understand the importance of the leaders you have. A leader doesn’t necessarily have to be the best player, but someone with charisma. Then there’s the leader who drives the team on the pitch. But there are also negative leaders, and they’re the most dangerous — usually the ones who play less and make everyone’s work harder during the week.”

Capello also recalled a famous episode from his time in Madrid: “At Real Madrid, I sent Ronaldo away. He loved partying, weighed 94 kilos, and refused to lose weight — even though he’s the greatest player I’ve ever coached.”

(ITALPRESS).


Source: medNews

Malta, activists call for blocking ship carrying weapons to Israel

Malta, activists call for blocking ship carrying weapons to Israel

VALLETTA (MALTA) (ITALPRESS/MNA) – Activists in Malta are calling on the government to block the passage of a Danish cargo ship reportedly carrying military supplies to Israel. The Marianne Danica, sailing under a Danish flag, is expected to dock in Malta on Saturday while en route from Chennai, India to Haifa.

According to reports, the vessel is transporting 18 containers of 155mm shells destined for Israeli arms manufacturer Elbit Systems. Activists argue that allowing it to refuel in Malta would breach the country’s obligations under international law and its constitutional neutrality.

A protest is planned for Friday evening in Valletta, with organisers urging authorities to deny the ship entry. “This cargo risks fueling Israel’s atrocity crimes against the Palestinian people,” the group said, calling on Malta to prevent the transfer of any military materials to Israel. Campaigners say Malta must now “act on principle” and refuse to facilitate the vessel’s passage.

-Photo IPA Agency-
(ITALPRESS).


Source: medNews

Taylor returns to Roma-Sevilla: “I’ve never experienced anything worse”

Taylor returns to Roma-Sevilla: “I’ve never experienced anything worse”

LONDON (ENGLAND) (ITALPRESS) – “The worst situation I’ve ever had to face.” This is how Anthony Taylor described the aftermath of the Roma-Sevilla match, the 2023 Europa League final won on penalties by the Spanish side amid protests from the Giallorossi fans, especially Jose Mourinho, over the English referee’s handling. The then-Roma manager called Taylor a “disgrace,” then confronted him in the stadium parking lot.

There was also an unpleasant incident at the airport, with some Roma fans insulting and attempting to assault the referee in front of his family. “It was the worst situation I’ve ever had to deal with in terms of abuse,” he said in an interview with the BBC. “Not only because I was traveling with my family, but also because it highlights the impact that people’s behavior can have on others. Even in a match like that, where there were actually no serious errors, they tried to shift the focus onto someone to blame. I felt disappointment, frustration, and anger.”

“I don’t think everything that happened is acceptable, and I’m sure those people who behaved that way would never want to suffer that in front of their children. My family hasn’t come to see one of my games since,” Taylor added, concluding: “Yes, honestly, I think Mourinho’s behavior influenced the fans’ behavior.”

-Photo IPA Agency-
(ITALPRESS).


Source: medNews

European Ministers unite in Malta to strengthen youth participation

European Ministers unite in Malta to strengthen youth participation

VALLETTA (MALTA) (ITALPRESS/MNA) – Ministers responsible for youth from the 46 member states of the Council of Europe gathered in Valletta for the first Ministerial Conference on Youth in 13 years, under the theme “Young People for Democracy: Youth Perspectives in Action.”

In a statement, Malta’s Youth Ministry said the event underscored the country’s commitment to fostering youth participation, dialogue, and empowerment across Europe.

The conference concluded with a collective call to strengthen young people’s role in democratic life and reinforce youth policy as a cornerstone of democracy, human rights, and the rule of law.

Minister Clifton Grima and Council of Europe Secretary General Alain Berset highlighted the urgent need to rebuild young people’s trust in democratic institutions through genuine dialogue and inclusion.

At the close of proceedings, ministers adopted the Valletta Declaration, recognising youth as key agents of change in Europe’s digital, demographic, and environmental transitions. They pledged to turn these principles into concrete action through national and regional policies.

The declaration calls for greater investment in citizenship education, intercultural dialogue, and peacebuilding, while addressing youth unemployment, housing barriers, education gaps, and mental health challenges.

Ministers also reaffirmed young people’s rights to free expression, peaceful protest, and environmental activism, expressing solidarity with those affected by conflict and digital exclusion.

In his closing remarks, Minister Grima welcomed Luxembourg’s announcement that it will host the next Ministerial Conference in 2028.

-Photo DOI-
(ITALPRESS).


Source: medNews

Former Malta National Team Goalkeeper Convicted of Sexual Harassment

Former Malta National Team Goalkeeper Convicted of Sexual Harassment

VALLETTA (MALTA) (ITALPRESS/MNA) – Justin Haber, former Malta national football team goalkeeper and Labour Party councillor, has been convicted of sexually harassing a teenage waitress. The incident took place at Pitch 16, a restaurant in Marsaxlokk where Haber employed the girl between 2020 and 2022.

Magistrate Claire Stafrace Zammit sentenced Haber, 44, to two years in prison, suspended for four years, and fined him €7,000. A three-year restraining order was also issued to protect the victim, and Haber’s name will be added to the offenders’ register.

The case was triggered in August 2022 after police received an anonymous complaint from the teenage girl, who provided a screenshot of Haber requesting nude photographs when she was only 14. During testimony, she described repeated inappropriate conduct, including unwelcome kisses, slaps, and questions about her virginity. She admitted that fear of Haber’s anger and financial dependence kept her from rejecting his advances.

Haber denied requesting explicit photos or sex but admitted to kissing her once and making inappropriate comments during police questioning.

Following his conviction, Haber’s professional career was immediately affected. Hibernians FC announced the termination of his contract.

-Photo IPA Agency-
(ITALPRESS).


Source: medNews

Manchester United are ready to offer €90 million for Kenan Yildiz

Manchester United are ready to offer €90 million for Kenan Yildiz

LONDON (ENGLAND) (ITALPRESS) – English interest continues to escalate for Kenan Yildiz. Chelsea are keen on Juventus’ 20-year-old Turkish star, but according to “Caughtoffside,” Manchester United are ready to take on the Blues’ competition: “Yildiz is the top priority for the 2026 summer transfer window,” an anonymous source reports.

“The feeling is that United are prepared to offer more than Chelsea and Arsenal, probably around €90 million.” However, it won’t be easy to convince Juventus, who want to secure Yildiz, and the Turkish player himself has never given the impression of wanting to leave.

-Photo IPA Agency-
(ITALPRESS).


Source: medNews

Libya, Benghazi celebrates the reconstruction of its new stadium with Inter vs Atlético Madrid / Photos

Libya, Benghazi celebrates the reconstruction of its new stadium with Inter vs Atlético Madrid / Photos

BENGHAZI (LIBYA) (ITALPRESS) – The city of Benghazi, capital of eastern Libya, is set to host the “Reconstruction Cup” this evening at 6 p.m. local time at the brand-new Benghazi International Stadium. Competing for the trophy — a symbol of Libya’s ongoing rebuilding efforts under Prime Minister Osama Hammad — will be Italian giants Inter Milan and Spain’s Atlético Madrid.

A packed crowd is expected, with Field Marshal Khalifa Haftar, Prime Minister Hammad, and Parliament Speaker Aguila Saleh all scheduled to attend. Speaking to Italpress in Benghazi, Ali Aftita, the Minister of Sports for the eastern Libyan government, highlighted the significance of the event:
“Benghazi will host a match between two European giants, Atlético Madrid and Inter. We welcome them to our new facility, the Benghazi International Stadium. Many other events will follow here, thanks to the security and reconstruction that Benghazi is experiencing, driven by sincere people who have brought great progress to the city. God willing, we’ll enjoy a beautiful evening and a big crowd. The Libyan public loves football, especially major teams like Inter and Atlético, so it will be a real celebration.”

It marks the first time in over a decade that two clubs of this caliber have faced each other in Libya — a clear sign of openness and normalization in the country’s sporting landscape. The friendly has been organised through cooperation between the Libyan Football Federation, local authorities, and European embassies, with the goal of restoring Libya’s international image and promoting sports as a tool for dialogue and collaboration.

The choice of Benghazi — the historical and cultural heart of Cyrenaica — is symbolic. The city aims to showcase its readiness to host major events, offering modern facilities and security. The recently renovated stadium can accommodate more than 30,000 spectators, supported by extensive security and logistical measures. Local authorities have also put in place a special traffic and crowd management plan, with fans expected from Benghazi, Tripoli, Misurata, and Tobruk.

The friendly will be broadcast live on Libya’s leading sports channels, serving as a landmark occasion to highlight the country’s passion for football and Benghazi’s growing ability to organize international events.

Beyond the sporting spectacle, the Inter–Atlético Madrid match carries diplomatic and cultural significance as well. Delegations from both clubs will take part in an official ceremony with local authorities, promoting youth programmes and initiatives to develop sports in Libyan schools.

For Libya — and Benghazi in particular — this encounter is a global showcase and a symbolic step toward a return to normalcy. Under the lights of the eastern Mediterranean, football will once again become an ambassador of peace and renewal.

PHOTOGALLERY




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Monaco, Paul Pogba’s return is postponed again

Monaco, Paul Pogba’s return is postponed again

MONTE CARLO (MONACO) (ITALPRESS) – Paul Pogba still has to postpone his return to the pitch. Out for over two years due to injuries and suspensions, the former Juventus midfielder seemed close to making his Monaco debut, so much so that coach Huetter had hinted he wanted to call him up for the October 18th away match in Angers. But, as “Nice-Matin” reports, Pogba complained of pain in his right thigh in training and will undergo tests: his return to the group after the break is ruled out.

Certainly, when he’s ready, Pogba will find a new coach: Huetter has been officially sacked, with Sebastian Pocognoli – current coach of Union Saint-Gilloise – in contention for the job after Terzic’s refusal. Huetter, 55, arrived in the Principality in the summer of 2023, qualifying for the Champions League for two consecutive seasons with a second- and third-place finish. In the current season, however, the Monegasques have collected 13 points after seven matchdays.

– photo IPA Agency –

(ITALPRESS).


Source: medNews

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