LA VALLETTA (MALTA) (ITALPRESS/MNA) – The Ministry for Home Affairs in Malta is joining forces with the Muslim community to send humanitarian aid to Libya. Crates of clothes, food items, and other humanitarian aid to the Libyan city of Derna were already collected for the suffering population by the fatal effects of Storm Daniel. During a meeting between Byron Camilleri, Maltese Home Affairs Minister and the Muslim community’s Imam Mohammed Elsadi, the Maltese government immediately took up Elsadìs plea for continued Maltese aid to Libya, along with the provision of humanitarian supplies to Derna. Malta is committed to assisting the Libyan population during this difficult time and with the immediate search and rescue aid mission the Civil Protection Department and Armed Forces of Malta personnel conducted in Derna. Meanwhile, just a few days ago, Prime Minister Robert Abela appealed to the United Nations General Assembly for more aid from bigger states to Libya. The floods led to the collapse of two dams which killed at least 5,100 people and rendered thousands of others missing. The damage in the Mediterranean city is devastating and extensive with tens of thousands left homeless.

– foto Department of Information (Doi) –

(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

LA VALLETTA (MALTA) (ITALPRESS/MNA) – Animal activists protested outside the Embassy of Italy in Floriana against the killing of ten pigs during a police raid in Pavia, Lombardy on an order given by the Italian authorities due to fears of an African swine fever epidemic. The African swine fever was detected in Italy in January 2022. It is a highly contagious viral disease that affects domestic and wild pigs. Whilst posing no threat to humans, mass culls have been taking place in an attempt to limit the spread of the disease amongst farmed pigs to reduce losses for farmers. The Maltese activists from the group of Animal Liberation Malta said: “On September 20th, the Italian government ordered the killing of 10 pigs living in the ‘Progetto Cuori Liberi’ animal shelter, a sanctuary located in Sariana near Pavia, in the Lombardy region”. They declared full solidarity with those who tried to defend the animals to their detriment, after a dozen vans and cars full of police and carabinieri in riot gear intervened violently, attacking the pacifist vigil, and killing all the animals. The owners of the establishment and animal rights activists were dragged out of the shelter and many people were injured. The ten pigs were killed which activists say was “caused by the meat industry.” They slammed the industry for “enslaving animals and killing them for profit” with pigs and even wild boars being slaughtered due to “the greed of a few”.
The activists also accused the Italian authorities, saying, “Italy, once a pillar of innovation, is now retreating rather than making room for the science that could develop new technologies ethically, giving Italian entrepreneurs the opportunity to expand locally, across Europe and internationally”.(ITALPRESS).

Foto: xf3

Source: medNews

LA VALLETTA (MALTA) (ITALPRESS/MNA) – The Regional Director of the World Health Organization, Ahmed Al-Mandhari, appealed to supporters and partners to provide the necessary financial resources to deal with the areas affected by the floods in Al-Jabal Al-Akhdar, especially in Derna, pointing out that they were unable to obtain sufficient support and appropriate funding to help about 250,000 people in those areas despite the urgent call for relief response. Al-Mandhari added that WHO had sent two shipments to the areas affected by the floods in the eastern region, each shipment consisting of 29 metric tons of medical supplies, including surgical materials, medicines, and some devices and light equipment, indicating that there were approximately 130 metric tons ready for transport in the coming days to ensure that health institutions in those areas would receive necessary supplies. He also pointed out that they had provided medical teams with specializations that suit the current situation, for example surgical operations, emergency medicine, accident medicine, and trauma medicine, adding that they reviewed the epidemiological investigation system to ensure that epidemics would not appear in such cases, whether transmitted through drinking water: such as cholera, or diseases transmitted by other vectors such as mosquitoes like hemorrhagic fever or malaria.
Meanwhile WHO has confirmed that no epidemic is detected in Libya after the flood disaster in the city of Derna.
“We cooperated with the health authorities to ensure the maintenance of the comprehensive vaccination system for children to ensure that diseases such as measles, polio, and others would not appear among them, and we reviewed the damage done to health institutions in those areas. We are cooperating with the health authorities to rehabilitate and build these institutions to ensure that everyone had access to health services close to their areas, and until we have finished that work, we would cooperate to provide health services through mobile clinics to the affected areas,”Al-Mandhari said.
(ITALPRESS).
– Photo credit World Health Organization press office –

Source: medNews

VALLETTA (MALTA) (ITALPRESS/MNA) – Maltese Premier Robert Abela condemned Russiàs continued violation of international law through its assault on Ukraine when addressing the UN General Assembly.
“Maltàs neutrality means we will not tolerate military aggression and unilateral actions against members of the global community and the rules-based order”, Abela emphasized.
“In the spirit of peace”, he added, “we call upon Russia to withdraw its forces from the sovereign territory of Ukraine, and we urge all nations gathered here to unite in bringing an end to the war”.
Highlighting the devastating impact of the Ukraine conflict on global food security, Abela also called upon Russia to rejoin the Black Sea grain initiative to ensure grain exports from Ukraine.
The Maltese Prime Minister reaffirmed Maltàs commitment to assisting neighbouring countries in addressing shared challenges, emphasising the importance of solidarity within the Mediterranean region. “This is why I am proud that our capital, Valletta, will host the next summit of the EU’s MED 9 members in just a few days’ time,” Abela.
Speaking about the worsening political situation in Libya, Abela emphasised that Libya represents the most pressing issue for the Mediterranean. “The peace of our entire region hinges on achieving a lasting settlement there. Malta aspires to witness a peaceful, stable, and prosperous Libya through a Libyan-led political process”, he stated.
When addressing the widespread uncertainty surrounding technological advancements, particularly Artificial Intelligence (AI), Abela stated that if leaders make the right decisions, the impact of AI can be a positive one. He highlighted Maltàs “proactive approach” in this regard, citing six pilot projects in areas ranging from healthcare to traffic management as examples of how AI could enhance public services and improve citizens’ lives.
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Robert Abela held a meeting with the General Secretary of the United Nations, Antònio Guterres during which common interests were discussed. Antònio Guterres congratulated Malta in its role on the UN Security Council, particularly its period of Presidency.
Libya was on the agenda and the Maltese Premier explained the need for the country to be helped after the recent Daniel Cyclone disaster, but also due to the need of stability for the Libyan population.

– Photo Department of Information Malta –

(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

FAVIGNANA (ITALPRESS/MNA) – The value of the sea is one of the activities carried out by Marevivo for the “Egadi Islands” Marine Protected Area as part of the AMPPA project. In particular, this involves the set up of laboratories and educational courses aimed at primary and secondary school students on the following topics: MPAs and protected species and ecosystems.
Many initiatives are carried out in schools, with the aim of involving students through a training course of growth and awareness on marine ecosystem emergencies.
“My protected marine area: what can I do for my territory” is the name of the workshop, organized by Marevivo, which took place on 18 September in Favignana, involving three elementary classes. The aim was to raise awareness on the area through the study of history, natural heritage and traditions linked to fishing. The characteristics of the MPAs, the protection actions for the defense of the territory were also explained and a field trip and an ecological day are planned.
On 19 September, again in Favignana, at the “Antonino Rallo” Comprehensive Institute, a workshop entitled “A Blue Table” was organized to raise awareness on the sea and learn how to use its resources in a sustainable way.
More meetings were held for the schools, on 20 and 21 September, then again on 25 September, there is another event; “visit to the area – port and beach cleaning” and on 26 September a final event with an exhibition.
-photo Marevivo-
(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

PALERMO (ITALPRESS/MNA) -There are numerous activities carried out by the “Isola di Ustica” Marine Protected Area in collaboration with Marevivo as part of the “AMPPA – Marine Protected Areas and Artisanal Fishing” project, in schools, with the aim of involving students through a series of training for the development and awareness on marine ecosystem emergencies.
“My protected marine area: what can I do for my territory” and “A blue table” are two workshops organized by Marevivo, scheduled in Baia del Corallo, in Via Plauto 27, in Sferracavallo, on 20 and 26 September.
Following the experience of 15 and 19 September, in which the Lombardo Radice institute and De Amicis – L. Vinci respectively participated in the laboratory, on 20 September it is the turn of the I.C.S. Gugliemo Marconi and on the 26th of Cruillas.
The mission is to raise awareness among students through a training course in which they can understand the emergencies of the marine ecosystem.
Girls and boys can learn through the study of history, natural heritage and traditions related to fishing. They can include the actions implemented against illegal fishing, the traceability of fish, learning about sustainable fishing and responsible consumption.
The AMPPA project is financed under the INTERREG V-A Italy-Malta Program with priority axis: III (protection of the environment and promotion of efficient use of resources); specific objective: 3.1 (Contribute to stop the loss of terrestrial and marine biodiversity in the area by maintaining and restoring ecosystems and protected areas). Lead partner: Municipality of Favignana – Managing body of the “Egadi Islands” Marine Protected Area; partners: Regional Department of Mediterranean Fisheries; Municipality of Ustica – Managing body of the Marine Protected Area of the Island of Ustica; the Gharb Local Council; the Ghajnsielem Local Council.
-photo Marevivo –
(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

LA VALLETTA (MALTA) (ITALPRESS/MNA) – The Maltese government has issued an international call for applications for local and foreign enterprises to invest in innovative solutions and develop Maltàs blue economy, while establishing a base from which they can keep growing. Local and international enterprises will benefit from €4 million in funds from Malta Enterprise if they develop sustainable projects in the blue economy which create quality jobs. During the launch of ‘Blue Med Focal Point’, which is intended to attract these type of companies, the Minister for Enterprise Miriam Dalli, said that with these initiatives, marks a new target in Malta to create a sustainable economy. With territorial waters which are 13 times larger than Maltàs land area, Malta Enterprise has set up the Blue Med Focal Point to attract businesses with innovative ideas in the blue economy, with operations which will be sustainable. Economist Stephanie Vella said that the potential of the blue economy in Malta is considerable because it is in the middle the Mediterranean. “We have around 15% of the value which is generated in the economy made up of sectors which depend on the sea. In terms of employment, it is much larger because you have almost 30% of jobs which depend on the sea, one way or the other.”

– Foto: Department of Information Malta –
(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

LA VALLETTA (MALTA) (ITALPRESS/MNA) – Maltese Prime Minister Robert Abela declared once again Maltàs support for Ukraine and called for Russia to stop its aggression against the country. During his address at the United Nations general assembly, Maltàs Premier declared “We cannot relinquish ourselves to living in a world where might is right”. Abela said that when the Russian Federation began its aggresion against Ukraine last year, it was violating Ukrainès sovereignty and territorial integrity. These acts constitute a blatant violation of the UN charter and also a violation of international law,” Abela said. He noted that Russiàs actions had been overwhelmingly deplored and rejected by the UN general assembly which called for Russiàs immediate withdrawal of its military forces and a cessation of hostilities. “This war profoundly undermines the multilateral system,” adding “the long term consequences of such actions by a permanent member of this council cannot be emphasised enough”. Robert Abela reiterated Maltàs full support for Ukrainès independence, sovereigity and territorial integrity within its internatinally recognised borders. “I equally underline Ukrainès inherent right to self defence,” he added. Ukrainian people, Abela said, paid the heaviest price as a result of “this unjustified and unprovoked war of aggression”. Through its actions, Russia not only did bring war back to Europès shores but also generated a global food crisis that has seriously impacted mostly developing countries around the world. “Using hunger and food supplies as weapons of war is completely unacceptable,” Abela said.
He said that there can be no peace if the strong can trample on the weak, if international law can be brushed aside, if geopolitical interests so demand and if the rights of states and individuals can be suspended or revoked at any time. He maintained that during these turbulent times the Security Council must be informed on the necessary measures needed for today’s world. “In this time of upheaval” he said, “our collective reply is to redouble our efforts and continue to invest in our multilateral system. In doing so, we must also reform this Council to make sure it is truly fit for purpose in today’s world – a Council that is more transparent, more effective, more representative, more accountable, and more democratic”. Maltàs committment to dialogue, peace and multilateralism, Abela said, remained as strong as ever. “We remain firm in our resolve to stay at the forefront of the defence of the United Nations charter.” No matter how difficult or disheartening circumstances may seem we must never give up on peace and dialogue, he said.
He said the nuclear threat still hangs as well as climate change while democracies and human rights are coming under continual attacks. “More than ever, the world needs an effective multilateral system with the United Nations at its core. We must redouble efforts to uphold and defend the fundamental principles that unite us. We must promote our common values at a time when they are being undermined and threatened. We must protect them and adequately respond to any contempt for such values”, Abela said.

– Photo: Department of Information Malta –
(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

LA VALLETTA (ITALPRESS/MNA) – The Maltese transport authorities has registered an increase in the purchase of hybrid and electric cars as a result of government grants from national and European funds.
Transport Malta, the national authority overseeing the transport sector announced that there were 3,738 plug-in hybrid cars and 7,362 electric vehicles in Malta and Gozo by the end of August 2023.
This increase in numbers, according to TM, demonstrated such grants were “well received” by the public. The government boosted its funding for sustainable transportation to €28.4 million, of which €13.4 million came from national funds and €15 million came from the Recovery and Resilience Plan (RRP).
These schemes have reached over 5,549 beneficiaries, while €23.2 million of the €28.4 million allocated funds have already been accessed.
Transport Malta said Malta was successful in obtaining EU funds through the Recovery and Resilience Plan as a contribution to address issues with the sharp rise in energy consumption and waste creation brought on by, “rapid population growth, employment, and GDP growth in recent years”.
These funds, totaling €50.3 million, were intended to be dispersed over a period of three years, with 15 million being allocated in 2022, €15 million more being allocated in 2023, and €20.3 million by the end of 2024.
-photo Agenzia Fotogramma-
(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

LA VALLETTA (ITALPRESS/MNA) – Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi is in Moscow for high-level security talks with Kremlin officials following his meeting in Malta with Jake Sullivan, the United States national security advisor to President Joe Biden.
The bilateral talks in Malta focused on a potential leaders’ meeting and other issues in the relationship including Chinàs support for the Russiàs invasion of Ukraine.
Wang is in Russia on a four-day visit. He began his trip by conferring with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov. “The more violent the unilateral actions of hegemony and bloc confrontation become, the more important for us to keep up with the times, show a sense of duty as great powers, and further fulfill our international obligations,” Wang said during his talks with Lavrov.
Nikolai Patrushev, the secretary of Russiàs Security Council chaired by President Vladimir Putin, told Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi that the Russian leader is set to hold “substantive” talks with Chinese leader Xi Jinping during next month’s trip to Beijing to attend a summit of the Chinese Belt and Road infrastructure initiative.
Beijing has sought to project itself as neutral in the Ukraine conflict, even while it has refused to condemn Moscow’s actions and declared last year that it had a “no-limits” friendship with Russia. China has denounced Western sanctions against Moscow and accused NATO and the United States of provoking Putin’s military action.
Beijing has also proposed a peace plan that was largely dismissed by Ukrainès allies who insist that Moscow must withdraw its forces from the neighboring country.
– foto Agenzia Fotogramma –
(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews