TRIPOLI (LIBYA) (ITALPRESS/MNA)– Libya has officially launched its first round of oil and gas exploration bids in more than 17 years, offering 22 new blocks for development across both onshore and offshore areas. The announcement, made during an investment event in London represents a significant step by the National Oil Corporation (NOC) to revitalize the country’s energy sector, attract international investors, and recover from years of political instability and conflict.

The event was marked by the presence of senior executives from leading global energy firms, alongside key Libyan officials, including Acting NOC Chairman Masoud Suleiman, Acting Oil and Gas Minister Khalifa Abdul-Sadiq, and Peter Millett, Chairman of the UK-Libya Business Council. During the proceedings, Suleiman emphasized the importance of this bidding round as part of Libya’s broader effort to modernize and expand its oil sector.

“This bidding round is a vital element in the transformation of our country’s oil and gas industry,” Suleiman said. “We are committed to revitalizing production, fostering international partnerships, and enhancing Libya’s position on the global energy stage.”

The 22 exploration blocks—11 of which are offshore—are located in high-potential basins such as Sirte, Murzuq, and Ghadames, as well as areas in the Mediterranean. Since the launch of the bidding process in March, these blocks have already garnered significant interest from international energy companies, signaling confidence in the country’s oil potential.

– Photo IPA Agency –

(ITALPRESS/MNA)

Source: medNews

LA VALLETTA (MALTA) (ITALPRESS/MNA) – The Maltese government is set to introduce a series of changes to the country’s cannabis laws, aimed at strengthening enforcement, clarifying legal definitions, and providing more clarity for everyone involved, from regulators to cannabis associations.

Parliamentary Secretary for Reforms Rebecca Buttigieg announced the proposed amendments during the second reading of the reform bill in Parliament, emphasizing the government’s commitment to reducing harm and ensuring responsible use.

A major change proposed in the bill is the shift in how offences committed by cannabis associations will be handled. Under the new legislation, these offences will no longer be dealt with by the Commissioner for Justice tribunal, but will instead be referred to the Magistrates’ Court. This move signals the government’s intention to treat such offences with greater seriousness. However, Buttigieg assured that individual cannabis users would not be affected by this shift in legal processes.

One of the most significant aspects of the bill is the clarification of what constitutes cannabis under Maltese law. The revised definition will now explicitly include both THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) and CBD (cannabidiol), while non-psychoactive cannabinoids containing less than 0.2% THC will be excluded. This change aims to close any potential loopholes that could allow synthetic or semi-synthetic substances, such as HHC (hexahydrocannabinol), to bypass regulation and enter the market.

Another key element of the reform is the expansion of the Authority for the Responsible Use of Cannabis (ARUC). The new law would grant the Authority enhanced powers to both regulate the cannabis sector and provide advice to the Minister on emerging substances. This move is designed to strengthen the oversight of the cannabis market and keep pace with the rapidly changing industry.

-Foto IPA Agency-
(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

WASHINGTON (UNITED STATES) (ITALPRESS) – The United States has clearly and unequivocally reaffirmed its recognition of Morocco’s sovereignty over Western Sahara. This position reaffirms what was announced in 2020 by then-President Donald Trump to King Mohammed VI and is now being reiterated by the new U.S. Secretary of State, Marco Rubio.

During an official meeting in Washington with Moroccan Foreign Minister Nasser Bourita, Rubio stated, “The United States recognizes Morocco’s sovereignty over the Sahara,” emphasizing the continuity of American commitment to this geopolitical issue, which impacts the stability of North Africa and the entire Mediterranean region. This policy dates back to December 2020, when Donald Trump, in a direct phone call with the King of Morocco, announced the signing of a presidential decree recognizing Morocco’s sovereignty over the entire Sahara region, with immediate effect.

This act was described as “legally and politically binding.” The same State Department statement notes that the United States also reiterated its support for Morocco’s 2007 proposal for autonomy for the Sahara, presented to the Security Council, calling it “serious, credible, and realistic.”

According to Washington, this plan represents the only viable basis to resolve a conflict that has blocked regional development for decades. “True autonomy under Moroccan sovereignty is the only feasible solution for a just and lasting peace,” insisted Rubio. The message to the parties involved is clear: “The U.S. president urges immediate commencement of concrete negotiations based on the Moroccan plan as the only framework for negotiating a mutually acceptable solution.”

This vision is also shared by State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce, who confirmed the American administration’s invitation to the involved parties: “The president urges immediate negotiations based on Rabat’s proposal.”

– photo IPA Agency –

(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

LA VALLETTA (MALTA) (ITALPRESS/MNA) – Malta is setting its sights on a prosperous future with the government unveiling an ambitious plan to elevate the nation’s economy and society. Dubbed ‘Vision 2050’, the long-term roadmap outlines 90 macro-initiatives aimed at transforming various sectors, with a bold goal of achieving a median disposable income of over €24,000 by 2035. If realized, this would place Malta on par with France, surpassing the EU’s average.

The ‘Vision 2050’ blueprint, released today for public consultation until September, was crafted after extensive consultations with stakeholders, including political parties, youth organizations, and expert advisers from the Boston Consulting Group. Led by Economy Minister Silvio Schembri, the document envisions a sustainable, resilient Malta driven by progress, with a special emphasis on fostering a healthy quality of life for all its citizens.

Currently, Malta’s median disposable income stands just under €19,000—93% of the EU average—making the target of a €24,000 median by 2035 an ambitious but achievable goal, according to government officials.

– photo DOI –

(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

LA VALLETTA (MALTA) (ITALPRESS/MNA) – European Parliament President Roberta Metsola has left the door open for a potential return to Maltese politics, insisting that she is always ready to serve wherever needed. In an interview aired last night on Malta’s national television, Metsola reaffirmed her commitment to her homeland, saying, “I always take responsibility and I will always serve where I am needed.” The EP President further clarified that she had never truly left Maltese politics despite her prominent role in European institutions.

During the interview, Metsola did not hold back in her criticism of Prime Minister Robert Abela, particularly concerning Malta’s defence spending. Metsola accused Abela of hypocrisy following his recent remarks that Malta would not be increasing its defence budget. “In reality, defence spending has doubled in recent years,” she stated, pointing out the contradictions in the Prime Minister’s public stance. Metsola also reminded the public that Abela had been the sole vote in favour of increasing defence spending and had cast doubt on Malta’s neutrality by participating in the NATO Parliamentary Assembly. She also referenced Malta’s contribution of a military officer to assist Ukraine in its fight against Russia.

Turning to Maltese domestic politics, Metsola stressed the need for comprehensive reform across all political parties in Malta. She highlighted the necessity for change in how parties are financed and how the media operates in the country. One key area she identified for reform was the structure of the Maltese parliament. “Malta remains the only EU member state with part-time MPs,” Metsola remarked, calling for a system where MPs work full-time to better serve their constituents.

On gender equality, Metsola sharply criticized the gender-corrective mechanism introduced in the lead-up to the 2022 General Election. She described the measure as “the biggest insult to women,” claiming that it had clearly failed to address the issues it was meant to resolve.

The interview then shifted to international matters. While Metsola refrained from directly criticizing former U.S. President Donald Trump, she acknowledged that his leadership required adaptation. “I understand his goal was to protect the domestic US market, but a trade war is not the solution,” she said, referring to Trump’s tariffs on European goods. Metsola noted that such tensions had already resulted in a trade war back in 2017, which ultimately benefited no one.

When asked about the situation in Gaza, Metsola reaffirmed the European Parliament’s commitment to humanitarian aid and the push for a permanent ceasefire. She emphasized that the EP had been vocal in sending more aid to Gaza and calling for the release of hostages. Regarding the control of Gaza by Hamas, Metsola made it clear that she did not see the group’s leadership as a step toward resolving the conflict.

As for her future, Metsola’s statements suggest she remains deeply connected to Maltese politics and is watching developments closely, all while balancing her duties on the European stage.

-Foto IPA Agency-
(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

LA VALLETTA (MALTA) (ITALPRESS/MNA) – Asabaa Municipality is continuing its battle against persistent forest fires, with a renewed push for better resources and safety measures for firefighting teams.

The Mayor of Asabaa, Emad Al-Magtouf, spoke to the Fawasel Media Platform about the arrival of a specialised team from Malta’s Ministry of the Interior. The team, which includes seven fire-fighting experts, is part of an ongoing collaboration with the National Crisis Management Centre.

Al-Magtouf explained that the Maltese experts, in conjunction with local research teams, have conducted a comprehensive field tour of areas suspected to be sources of or heavily affected by the ongoing forest fires. Despite their combined efforts, Al-Magtouf noted that the situation remains dire, with the fires continuing to rage without any significant improvement.

-Foto IPA Agency-
(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

TRIPOLI (LIBYA) (ITALPRESS/MNA) – The Central Bank of Libya (CBL) has issued a stark warning over the severe economic impact caused by irregular migration and undocumented foreign workers, revealing that the country is losing an estimated $7 billion annually due to these issues. The CBL noted that these factors have sharply boosted domestic consumption and driven up demand for foreign currency—primarily via the informal market—placing significant pressure on the country’s financial system.

“The uncontrolled presence of these migrants has contributed to the rise in unregulated economic activities,” the bank’s statement said. “These activities, including money laundering networks and the potential financing of terrorism, are posing serious risks to the country’s stability.” The CBL also pointed to the rampant smuggling of subsidized goods and fuel as a critical factor exacerbating the situation. Smuggling operations have led to a spike in demand for imports, forcing the central bank to dip into its dwindling foreign reserves in order to stabilize the value of the Libyan dinar.

This depletion of reserves, coupled with the growing demand for foreign currency, has placed immense pressure on Libya’s already fragile economy. In response to these challenges, the CBL devalued the Libyan dinar by 13.3%. This change translates to an official exchange rate of 5.5677 dinars per U.S. dollar. However, the black market rate remains significantly higher, with the dinar trading at 7.11 dinars per dollar, underscoring the widening gap between official rates and market realities.

The devaluation marks yet another challenge for Libyan citizens, many of whom are already grappling with the country’s ongoing economic instability. The CBL’s Governor, Naji Mohamed Issa, stated that further corrective measures may be necessary if the situation does not improve, warning that the absence of unified public spending policies was contributing to the economic turmoil. Issa also pointed to the persistent fiscal division between Libya’s eastern and western governments as a key factor driving inflation and instability. In 2024, the central bank reported that dual government spending reached a staggering 224 billion dinars, far surpassing total national revenues of only 136 billion dinars. As Libya continues to struggle with these pressing economic challenges, the future of the country’s financial system remains uncertain. The government’s inability to address the root causes of migration, smuggling, and fiscal fragmentation threatens to deepen the nation’s economic crisis.

– photo IPA Agency –

(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

LA VALLETTA (MALTA) (ITALPRESS/MNA) – Malta has achieved the lowest cancer mortality rate in the European Union, with a notable 20% decrease in cancer-related deaths over the last decade, according to the latest report from the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD). In 2011, Malta recorded 247 cancer deaths per 100,000 people. By 2021, this figure had dropped to 198 deaths per 100,000, placing the country significantly below the EU average of 235 deaths per 100,000.

Despite these encouraging figures, Malta’s progress is tempered by ongoing challenges in cancer prevention, access to innovative treatments, and healthcare disparities. The OECD’s ‘European Cancer Inequalities Registry 2025’ report highlights that while Malta performs well overall, gaps persist, particularly among lower-income groups and migrant populations.

The report points to Malta’s relatively low cancer incidence, particularly for lung, colorectal, prostate, and breast cancers. Notably, the incidence of cancer among men is 614 per 100,000, well below the EU average of 684. However, women in Malta face a slightly higher cancer incidence rate compared to the EU average, with 494 cases per 100,000, compared to the EU’s 488. The gender gap in cancer incidence in Malta is also smaller than the EU average. Across the EU, there are 40% more cancer cases among men than women, whereas in Malta, the disparity is only 24%.

– photo IPA Agency –

(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

LA VALLETTA (MALTA) (MNA/ITALPRESS) – An international law enforcement operation coordinated by Europol has resulted in the arrest of two men in Malta in connection with the online sexual exploitation of children.

The operation, named “Operation Stream,” saw the collaboration of police forces from over 35 countries worldwide, leading to the identification of 1,400 suspects and the arrest of 79 individuals, including the two men apprehended by the Malta Police Force. As part of the operation, the Malta Police conducted a raid that resulted in the seizure of electronic equipment and other devices related to the exploitation.

Authorities have not provided further details regarding the identities or specific charges against the arrested individuals. The operation also led to a significant breakthrough in the fight against online child exploitation, with the shutdown of the “Kidflix” platform.

Known as one of the largest online hubs for paedophilic content, the platform contained over 72,000 videos. The closure of “Kidflix” is seen as a major victory in the battle to combat online abuse and trafficking. Authorities continue to investigate the full scope of the operation, with further arrests anticipated as the investigation progresses.

The Malta Police, along with international law enforcement agencies, are working to ensure that those involved in the distribution and exploitation of such content face justice.(ITALPRESS).

Foto: Ipa Agency

Source: medNews

TRIPOLI (LIBYA) (ITALPRESS/MNA) – Libyan authorities, in collaboration with the United Kingdom’s National Crime Agency (NCA), have arrested four individuals suspected of being involved in large-scale migrant smuggling operations. The arrests, which span several cities in Libya, are part of an ongoing effort to dismantle human trafficking networks operating in the Mediterranean region.

The most significant arrest took place on 12 March in Tripoli, where a man allegedly responsible for transporting hundreds of Syrian migrants across the Mediterranean was detained.

The individual, identified by National Crime Agency and Libyan security forces as a key player in a Syrian smuggling network, is believed to have facilitated the illegal movement of at least 2,000 migrants into Europe. Authorities also discovered evidence on his phone indicating that some of the migrants were headed for the United Kingdom.

In addition to the Tripoli arrest, two other individuals were apprehended earlier in March. On 10 March, a suspect was arrested in Tobruk, a port city in eastern Libya, for his role in smuggling migrants of various nationalities into Greece. The individual’s arrest follows months of investigation into a broader network that uses Libyan shores as a launching point for journeys across the Mediterranean.

Meanwhile, in January, two further arrests took place in the city of Sabratha, a known hub for people smuggling operations. A Sudanese national was caught attempting to transport 11 Iraqi Kurdish migrants to Europe. Additionally, a Syrian national was detained after being linked to an operation that organized the transportation of around 400 migrants, primarily via sea routes.

All four detainees are now facing prosecution by the Libyan Attorney General’s Office. The ongoing investigations into their activities suggest a complex network of smugglers who have exploited the chaos of Libya’s political instability to facilitate illegal migration. Authorities are working with international partners to identify further individuals and disrupt additional trafficking routes.

Rick Jones, Deputy Director of the NCA‘s International Operations, highlighted the importance of global cooperation in combating human trafficking and smuggling networks. “These arrests in Libya highlight the effectiveness of international cooperation in combating organised immigration crime. People smugglers show no regard for human life, cramming migrants into unseaworthy boats, risking their lives on perilous journeys,” said Jones. “This operation demonstrates that those who profit from this trade are being targeted and brought to justice, no matter where they operate.”

The Libyan arrests are part of a broader strategy to curb the rise of human trafficking, which remains a pressing issue for both Europe and North Africa. In recent months, there has been an intensification of efforts to disrupt smuggling rings, especially those operating across Libya’s porous borders and sprawling coastlines.

This operation follows the conviction of UK-based people smuggler Ahmed Ramadan Mohamad Ebid, who orchestrated the transportation of thousands of migrants across the Mediterranean. Ebid, who is responsible for facilitating the illegal crossings of approximately 3,800 migrants from North Africa to Italy, is scheduled for sentencing on 19 May 2025.

As investigations into the wider smuggling networks continue, authorities in Libya and Europe remain vigilant in their efforts to prevent further exploitation of vulnerable migrants. The successful cooperation between Libyan and UK law enforcement highlights the growing international resolve to dismantle criminal operations that endanger lives for profit.

For now, authorities are continuing to examine the broader scope of trafficking routes, with an eye toward prosecuting those behind the operation while working to ensure safer migration pathways in the future.

– Photo IPA Agency –

(ITALPRESS)

Source: medNews