LA VALLETTA (ITALPRESS/MNA) – Two Albanian nationals believed to be part of an international organised crime network have been remanded in custody in Malta after being charged with a string of home burglaries across the country. The case has drawn international attention following reports that one of the suspects was previously stopped by Belgian authorities with stolen jewellery.

They are facing serious charges over a week-long burglary spree that stretched along various localities across Malta. In total, 11 burglaries were reported between February 22 and 28, with seven of them reportedly successful.

The men are suspected to be active members of a wider international criminal group operating across European borders. During a Saturday court hearing, prosecutors presented CCTV footage and vehicle rental records linking the suspects to the scenes of multiple burglaries. Both cars used in the crimes were rented from a Qawra-based company under Silver’s name.

International cooperation played a key role in the case. Prior to the suspects’ arrest in Malta, Belgian authorities had detained Kociu Silver at Charleroi Airport after discovering a stash of jewellery hidden in a shampoo bottle. Although Silver was released at the time due to insufficient evidence, photos of the seized items were later shown to burglary victims in Malta—several of whom identified the pieces as their stolen possessions.

Following the identification, Maltese authorities issued an arrest warrant when it emerged that both men had booked a return flight to the island. They were apprehended upon arrival at Malta International Airport.

The case highlights growing concerns over transnational organised crime and the importance of international cooperation in tackling such networks. Investigations are ongoing, and both men remain in custody pending further proceedings.

-Photo IPA Agency-
(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

LA VALLETTA (ITALPRESS/MNA) – In a bid to strengthen transportation links and deepen bilateral ties, Libya’s Minister of Transport and Financial Advisor to the Prime Minister, Mohamed Al-Shahoubi, held talks with Maltese Ambassador to Libya, Charles Saliba, at the Ministry of Transport in Tripoli.

A key focus of the meeting was the exploration of new direct air routes between Libyan and Maltese airports. Both sides emphasized the importance of increasing flight connectivity as a means to facilitate travel, enhance economic cooperation, and promote greater people-to-people exchange.

The officials also discussed easing visa procedures for Libyan citizens traveling to Malta, signaling a shared commitment to improving accessibility and communication between the two nations.

In addition to developing new air routes, the two parties examined coordination mechanisms aimed at lifting the European Union’s longstanding ban on Libyan civil aviation. Reintegrating Libya into European airspace remains a strategic goal, with Malta positioned as a pivotal partner in this effort.

Minister Al-Shahoubi highlighted Malta’s role as a vital European gateway for Libya, stressing the importance of closer cooperation with European partners in revitalizing Libya’s aviation and transport sectors.

The meeting marks a significant step toward restoring Libya’s aviation presence in Europe and strengthening its regional ties through expanded air connectivity.

– Photo IPA Agency –

(ITALPRESS/MNA)

Source: medNews

LA VALLETTA (MALTA) (ITALPRESS/MNA) – Polish airline Lot has launched a new direct flight service between Warsaw and Malta. According to a statement from the airline, the service will operate four times a week, all year round. Lot welcomed passengers on board on April 16, at 8:05 am, for the inaugural flight from Warsaw Chopin Airport to Malta International Airport, located near La Valletta.

“With its rich history, crystal-clear seas, and mild climate, Malta is well worth visiting year-round. The new Lot Polish Airlines connection allows travellers from Poland to discover this extraordinary island’s charms, with four convenient flights operating each week. I believe this route will benefit tourism and economic development in both countries. We invite you to join us on board,” said Michal Fijol, CEO of Lot.

-Photo IPA Agency-
(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

TUNISI (TUNISIA) (ITALPRESS/MNA) – A new report released by Human Rights Watch (HRW) paints a grim picture of Tunisia’s human rights landscape, accusing the government under President Kais Saied of systematically using arbitrary detention to suppress dissent and eliminate political opposition.

The 42-page report, titled “Tunisia: Arbitrary Detention Crushes Dissent”, condemns what it describes as a deliberate strategy by Tunisian authorities to deprive individuals of their civil and political rights through politically motivated arrests and prosecutions.

Since President Saied’s dramatic consolidation of power on July 25, 2021, Human Rights Watch asserts that the state has intensified efforts to silence its critics. “Not since the 2011 revolution have Tunisian authorities unleashed such repression,” said Bassam Khawaja, deputy Middle East and North Africa director at Human Rights Watch. “President Kais Saied’s government has returned the country to an era of political prisoners, robbing Tunisians of hard-won civil liberties”, he added.

-Photo IPA Agency-
(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

TRIPOLI (LIBYA) (ITALPRESS/MNA) – Four prominent Libyan political groups have issued a formal appeal to Parliament Speaker Ageela Saleh, urging him to immediately initiate the formation of a unified national government as a vital step toward resolving the country’s long-running political fragmentation.

In an official letter, the blocs called on Saleh to take responsibility for ushering in a new political era rooted in Libyan consensus, free from foreign influence and temporary arrangements. “The time has come for decisive internal action,” the letter stated, emphasizing the urgency of breaking the current deadlock.

The political groups criticized previous transitional efforts as externally imposed and lacking legitimacy, arguing that they excluded key stakeholders, deepened mistrust, and failed to produce sustainable governance. They advocated for an inclusive government capable of managing current challenges, unifying sovereign institutions, and restoring public trust.

Their call comes amid growing public frustration over stalled elections, institutional paralysis, and the absence of a clear political roadmap. The letter warned that without bold action, Libya risks further erosion of state authority and continued instability.

Adding to the pressure for political change, interim Prime Minister Abdul Hamid Dbaiba is reportedly preparing to exit the political stage by the end of May, according to a report by U.S. media outlet ‘Newsmax’. The report highlights that Dbaiba, appointed in early 2021 with a mandate to lead Libya to elections, has lost much of his international support due to repeated delays and the eventual cancellation of the vote.

The article points to a growing consensus, both domestically and internationally, that Libya needs a new, credible executive authority to reset the country’s political process. While no official timeline for Dbaiba’s departure has been confirmed, the report suggests that intensified diplomatic activity and internal dialogue may accelerate his exit in the coming weeks.

Meanwhile, the United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL) has expressed deep concern over the country’s worsening financial and economic situation. During a recent meeting in Tripoli, Deputy Special Representative Stephanie Khoury urged Libyan leaders to agree on a unified national budget and implement long-overdue reforms to stabilize the economy and improve governance.

Khoury emphasized the need for a budget rooted in realistic revenue expectations and broad political agreement, while also calling for greater financial transparency and public accountability. Discussions with senior government officials addressed the need to reform public spending, improve efficiency, and eliminate parallel financial policies that have fueled institutional dysfunction.

The UN warned that Libya’s continued division and poor fiscal coordination risk further destabilizing institutions and hindering development. The absence of a unified economic strategy has delayed infrastructure investment, hampered service delivery, and eroded public confidence.

As the political crisis deepens and economic challenges mount, Libyan stakeholders face growing pressure to chart a new, unified path forward—one that prioritizes national interest and reflects the will of the Libyan people. Whether these calls translate into concrete action remains to be seen.

– photo IPA Agency –

(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

TRIPOLI (LIBYA) (ITALPRESS/MNA) – Libya and Malta have reiterated their commitment to enhancing bilateral cooperation during a phone call between Libyan Acting Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Taher Al-Baour, and Maltese Minister for Foreign and European Affairs and Trade, Ian Borg.

According to a statement issued by the Libyan Foreign Ministry, the two ministers discussed ways to strengthen relations across various fields, aiming to deepen cooperation and advance mutual interests between the two Mediterranean nations.

During the conversation, both sides affirmed the “strength of the friendship and cooperation ties between Libya and Malta” and reviewed key milestones in the development of bilateral relations. They expressed satisfaction with the progress made and emphasized their shared ambition to expand the partnership to meet the aspirations of both peoples.

The call also touched on a number of regional and international issues of mutual concern. The ministers exchanged views in a spirit of understanding and coordination, further highlighting the depth of diplomatic engagement between the two countries.

The conversation reflects ongoing efforts by both governments to foster stronger regional ties and promote stability and collaboration in the Mediterranean region.

– photo IPA Agency –

(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

TRIPOLI (LIBYA) (ITALPRESS/MNA) – At least eleven migrants have died after a boat capsized off the Harawa coast, east of the Libyan city of Sirte, in yet another tragic incident along one of the world’s most perilous migrant routes. The accident occurred on April 12, according to a report from the Pakistani Embassy in Tripoli submitted to Pakistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Among the dead are four Pakistani nationals, whose identities were confirmed by embassy officials who traveled to Sirte to gather information.

– Photo IPA Agency –

(ITALPRESS/MNA)

Source: medNews

LA VALLETTA (MALTA) (ITALPRESS/MNA) – Malta will not pursue reform of the European Convention on Human Rights during its upcoming six-month presidency of the Council of Europe.

Foreign Affairs Minister Ian Borg confirmed this position, emphasizing that the Maltese government will remain focused on its earlier-outlined priorities. Borg’s comments came during a press event unveiling the official logo of Malta’s presidency, which begins on 14 May.

“I spoke with the prime minister and this is the programme Malta will be pursuing,” Borg stated, reiterating that the priorities, initially set out in February, remain unchanged. These include the protection of children, amplifying youth voices, fighting violence and discrimination—particularly against women—tackling human trafficking and hate speech, and promoting the inclusion of LGBTIQ+ individuals.

-Photo Department of Information Malta-
(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

LA VALLETTA (MALTA) (ITALPRESS/MNA) – Malta’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign and European Affairs, Ian Borg, reaffirmed the country’s unwavering support for the Palestinian people during a high-level meeting with Palestinian Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Mohammad Mustafa in Luxembourg.

The meeting took place on the margins of the EU’s inaugural High-Level Dialogue with the Palestinian Authority, where Borg emphasized Malta’s commitment to humanitarian support and a just peace in the region.

“Malta condemns the resumption of attacks on Gaza and calls for Israel to exercise restraint,” Borg stated, urging all parties to uphold the current ceasefire. He also called on Hamas to honour commitments regarding the release of hostages, stressing the critical need to protect civilians and humanitarian workers while ensuring the continuous delivery of aid.

Discussions between Borg and Mustafa focused on recent developments in Gaza and the West Bank, Malta’s ongoing humanitarian assistance, and efforts toward achieving lasting peace through the Two-State Solution.

-Photo Ministero Malta-
(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

(MALTA) (ITALPRESS/MNA) – European Parliament President Roberta Metsola has once again voiced her concerns over Malta’s gender corrective mechanism, arguing that the system, introduced to boost female representation in politics, has failed to achieve its intended purpose and may now be doing more harm than good.

The mechanism, launched in 2021, was designed to address the persistent underrepresentation of women in Maltese politics by supplementing the number of elected female MPs if a gender imbalance is detected. However, in the 2022 general election, only four women were directly elected to Parliament—raising questions about the system’s effectiveness.

Speaking candidly, Metsola described the mechanism as having evolved from a tool of empowerment into a “smokescreen” that distorts democratic representation. “Rather than creating a fairer system, it manipulates statistics and places female candidates at a disadvantage,” she said.

The mechanism has faced criticism from several women in politics, who have called it “insulting” and argued it does not address the structural barriers preventing women from entering politics in the first place.

Metsola called for a broader and more mature conversation about the root causes of gender disparity and democratic dysfunction in Malta. She highlighted that Malta remains the only EU Member State without a full-time Parliament, a factor she believes contributes significantly to the country’s political stagnation.

“If we want to make a real difference,” Metsola said, “it’s time for a mature discussion on why Malta is still the only EU Member State without a full-time parliament; on allowing our MPs to have access to researchers; on fixing political party financing models in a way that stops parties competing with charities to raise funds.”

Beyond structural reforms, Metsola also emphasised the need to overhaul Malta’s political culture. She urged a shift away from tribalism, point-scoring, and hyper-partisanship, which she believes have long plagued the country’s political discourse.

“Changing the tone of politics is just as important as changing the systems,” she added. “Malta deserves a political environment where ideas matter more than allegiances, and where reform is driven by a genuine commitment to progress.”

Metsola’s remarks have reignited debate about how best to achieve gender equality and democratic maturity in Malta, with many now calling for a re-evaluation of the corrective mechanism and a serious look at broader institutional reform.

-Photo IPA Agency-
(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews