RABAT (MOROCCO) (ITALPRESS) – Switzerland considers the “autonomy initiative” presented by Morocco “to be the most serious, credible, and pragmatic basis” for resolving the regional dispute surrounding the Sahara. This is according to a statement from the Moroccan Ministry of Foreign Affairs, which stated that this position was expressed in a joint statement adopted by Ignazio Cassis, Federal Councillor, Vice-President of the Swiss Confederation, and Head of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs, and Nasser Bourita, Moroccan Foreign Minister, on a working visit to Bern.

In the same statement, Switzerland also welcomed the adoption of United Nations Security Council Resolution 2797, stating that “genuine autonomy under Moroccan sovereignty could constitute one of the most feasible solutions.” Switzerland also reiterated its support for the central role played by the United Nations and the efforts of the Secretary-General’s Personal Envoy.

– photo Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Morocco –

(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

LONDON (ENGLAND) (ITALPRESS) – “Our energy and confidence have increased. We couldn’t know better what we have to do: there are five games to play, tomorrow is the first, all in and we’re off.” The defeat against Manchester City and the draw at the top of the table by Guardiola’s team don’t worry Mikel Arteta, who is convinced that his Arsenal will fight to the end, both in the Premier League and in the Champions League, where they face Atlético Madrid in the semifinals. “There are five games to go, four weeks, two big competitions to fight for, and everything still up for grabs. If someone had told us at the start of the season, we would have signed. And if we win tomorrow, we’ll be much closer. I have faith in our players, our people, and our will to achieve what we want.”

The title could also be decided by goal difference, which currently sees Arsenal and City perfectly tied, with both having a 37-point lead. “We’re just talking about hypotheses. Then, depending on how the situation develops, we can start thinking about other things. We have to give everything in these five games and make what we want happen.” Arteta, among other things, won a league title on goal difference as a player, against Rangers in 2003: “I took the penalty and we won the league by just one goal. You couldn’t ask for anything better. One of the best feelings of my career. When you win like that, it’s even more special.”

– photo IPA Agency –

(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

LISBON (PORTUGAL) (ITALPRESS) – UEFA has suspended Prestianni for six matches following homophobic (and not racist) insults directed at Vinicius Jr. The disciplinary investigation dates back to the first leg of the Champions League play-off in Lisbon against Real Madrid on February 17. The Ethics and Disciplinary Committee of the European Football Confederation has decided – according to the Portuguese newspaper “A Bola” – to sanction the Argentine player with a six-match ban to be served for both club and international football. The ban also includes the second leg of the play-off played at the Bernabeu on February 25. The sanction, however, comes with a specific condition. Three of the six matches remain suspended with a two-year suspended sentence: if there are no further sanctionable behaviors, Prestianni will be released by serving an additional two match suspension, since he has already missed one match, the return match at the Bernabeu. UEFA has also reportedly asked FIFA to extend the provision globally, a possibility that could deny the Argentine player participation in the 2026 World Cup.

Following this decision, Benfica responded with a statement confirming the incident: “The club announces that it has been informed by UEFA of the sanction imposed on the player Prestianni for using homophobic language during the Benfica-Real Madrid match. The player Prestianni has been sanctioned with a six-match ban, three of which are suspended for two years. Of the three actual bans, one has already been served and the remaining two must be served in UEFA matches or with the Argentina national team in FIFA.” The incident occurred during Benfica-Real, the first leg of the Champions League play-offs, played at the Da Luz stadium and ending 0-1 for the Blancos, who then won 2-1 in the return leg. After Vinicius’s goal to make it 1-0, around the 50th minute, Prestianni approached the Real Madrid winger and, with his shirt covering his mouth, said something, triggering a reaction from the Brazilian, who immediately ran to the match official, Frenchman Letexier, who was ready to activate the anti-racism protocol, suspending the match for about ten minutes. Prestianni immediately defended himself, denying that he had hurled racist insults at his opponent.

– photo IPA Agency –

Source: medNews

LONDON (ENGLAND) (ITALPRESS) – Serie A attempted this year, obtaining UEFA’s approval—albeit reluctantly—but the plan to bring Milan-Como to Perth ultimately fell through. But things could change in the future. According to the Guardian, FIFA is reportedly working on a clearer but also more rigorous protocol that would allow leagues to move one league match per season abroad.

On the other hand, a country could host up to five seasonal matches from other leagues. Zurich’s goal is to regulate an often thorny and debated issue by clarifying roles and conditions. Any request to move a league match abroad would thus be considered if all parties involved agree and the federations and confederations concerned approve. FIFA would, however, reserve a veto right, which it could exercise if it deems the well-being of the players to be at risk or if the host country’s league would be affected. Finally, guarantees would be required regarding the redistribution of revenue and compensation for fans unable to follow the teams abroad.

– photo IPA Agency –

(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

MANCHESTER (ENGLAND) (ITALPRESS) – “Do I have an idea of ​​when I’ll leave? I take it day by day. It’s not about numbers. I don’t wake up thinking about what we’ve won, or that winning would make that day happier.” Pep Guardiola, Manchester City manager, once again deflects questions about his future, with his mind focused exclusively on the FA Cup semifinal against Southampton. “We have the opportunity to play in another semifinal at Wembley, and we’ll try to win,” the Catalan coach curtly stated.

– photo IPA Agency –

(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

VALLETTA (MALTA) (ITALPRESS/MNA) – Malta’s government has unveiled an ambitious 15-year transport strategy featuring a hybrid light rail system linking Valletta, St Paul’s Bay, Mater Dei Hospital, Qormi and the airport.

The proposed 24km route, named the La Valette Line, will combine underground, street-level and elevated segments, with stations integrated into bus hubs and park-and-ride facilities to allow seamless travel connections.

Transport Minister Chris Bonnet presented the plan as part of a broader vision, “Malta in Motion”, aimed at improving daily mobility and expanding travel options through a mix of rail, bus, ferry, cycling and walking initiatives.

Estimated to cost €2.8 billion, including €1.8 billion in construction, the rail system is designed to offer high-capacity, high-frequency service, with waiting times of under 10 minutes.

Development of detailed route and station designs is expected to take two years, followed by a three-year planning phase. Construction will then proceed in two stages: a five-year first phase connecting Valletta to the airport, and a second five-year phase extending to Qormi, Mater Dei and St Paul’s Bay.

While less extensive than a 2021 metro proposal, officials described the revised plan as more realistic and better integrated within a wider transport framework.

Engineering firm ARUP, which contributed to the strategy, stressed that buses will remain the backbone of public transport, supported by measures such as dedicated lanes and intelligent traffic systems.

Transport Malta CEO Kurt Farrugia said geological studies along the proposed route will begin shortly, alongside work on a redesigned bus network aligned with the future rail system.

The plan also includes expanded ferry services, new park-and-ride facilities and improved interchanges, although authorities pledged to avoid past mistakes linked to unpopular transfer systems.

Officials confirmed there are no plans to introduce on-street paid parking, while decisions on whether rail services will be free will depend on future government policy.

– Photo DOI –
(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

LONDON (UNITED KINGDOM) (ITALPRESS) – The United Kingdom’s Foreign Minister, Yvette Cooper, yesterday reaffirmed her country’s position on the Sahara issue, renewing Britain’s support for the autonomy plan presented by Morocco as “the most credible, viable, and pragmatic basis for peace in the Sahara.”

According to a statement from the Moroccan Foreign Ministry, following her meeting in London with Moroccan Foreign Minister Nasser Bourita, the British diplomat reaffirmed her country’s position on the Sahara issue, renewing her support for the autonomy plan proposed by Morocco. Yvette Cooper finally expressed satisfaction with the excellence of bilateral relations, emphasizing that “the partnership with the Kingdom of Morocco represents a source of great value for the peoples of both countries, particularly through the opportunities for cooperation related to the 2030 FIFA World Cup.”

– Photo IPA Agency –
(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

MADRID (SPAIN) (ITALPRESS) – Atlético Madrid are targeting Julian Brandt as a replacement for Antoine Griezmann. According to the website of Spanish newspaper Marca, the Colchoneros are pushing hard in the race to secure the Borussia Dortmund player, whose contract is set to expire.

Dortmund’s sporting director, Lars Ricken, has confirmed that there will be no renewal, meaning Brandt will be available on a free transfer. These circumstances have prompted Atlético’s sporting director, Mateu Alemany, to closely monitor developments surrounding the German’s future.

From a technical standpoint, Julian Brandt could prove to be an excellent successor to Griezmann, who is set to join Orlando City at the end of the season. The club is looking for players with the right qualities to replace the Frenchman, and Dortmund’s number 10 has already scored 11 goals and provided 3 assists in 37 appearances.

However, bringing Brandt to Diego Simeone’s side may not be straightforward. Atlético will have to fend off competition from Arsenal, who—besides being rivals in the Champions League—are also interested in signing the German midfielder.

– Photo IPA Agency –
(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

MANCHESTER (ENGLAND) (ITALPRESS) – Bruno Fernandes has changed the minds of Manchester United’s top management. Last summer, the 31-year-old Portuguese was almost shown the door, with the Red Devils ready to facilitate his move to the wealthy Saudi league. However, it was Fernandes himself who opposed the transfer, choosing to stay.

His performances this season have completely turned the situation around: according to The Sun, the player is now considered untouchable, and the club is planning to rely heavily on him for next season, when United are expected to return to the Champions League.

At this point, it cannot be ruled out that the parties may also discuss a contract extension, given that Fernandes’ current deal runs until 2027—with a €65 million release clause—and includes an option for a further year.

– Photo IPA Agency –
(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

ROME (ITALPRESS) – On April 15, three years ago, a conflict began in Sudan that is still causing “a catastrophic deterioration of the humanitarian situation”. This is how Sudan’s ambassador to Rome, Emadeldin Mirghani Altohamy, described the ongoing war in his country, which pits the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) against the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF).

In an interview with Claudio Brachino for Diplomacy Magazine, the geopolitics column of the Italpress news agency, the ambassador referred to a “grim anniversary” for the Sudanese population. “On that very day, the Rapid Support Forces began committing crimes not only in Sudan, but also in Africa and around the world, and they are considered responsible for some of the most serious crimes against humanity. The war has led to the occupation of 11 out of 18 states in Sudan, the deaths of 150,000 people, the displacement of 12 million citizens, and the complete destruction of the country’s infrastructure, with a catastrophic deterioration of the humanitarian situation”, the diplomat said. We call for solidarity from peoples around the world with the Sudanese people”, he added.

This appeal for solidarity has already been answered by Italy through the humanitarian initiative Italy for Sudan, launched last December. “The initiative represents a concrete expression of the solidarity of the Italian people and government toward the Sudanese people and government, and it is based on the excellent bilateral relations between the two countries in this context”, the ambassador commented, thanking the Italian authorities. “This initiative has had a strong impact and wide resonance among Sudanese citizens and has been positively received by our government. This demonstrates the strength of relations between Sudan and Italy under these circumstances” the diplomat added.

According to Altohamy, relations between Italy and Sudan “are longstanding and continuous” and include cooperation in various fields, including cultural, social, and political areas. “There is also a good level of economic activity between the two countries, as Sudan has great economic potential, particularly in the agricultural, livestock, and mining sectors”. the diplomat explained. “Italy imports numerous natural products from Sudan, especially gum arabic, of which we export about 90 percent of global production. Sudan is also the world’s third-largest producer of sesame and the leading producer in Africa. We also export agricultural and livestock products such as hides and oilseeds. We import many Italian products, as Italy is a technologically, industrially, and agriculturally advanced country, and therefore there is a broad exchange that includes industrial goods, electrical equipment, construction materials, and food products, as well as significant cooperation with many major Italian companies, particularly in the infrastructure, roads, and bridges sectors”, the ambassador continued, noting however that “the volume of trade between the two countries requires further efforts”.

The country is currently facing an emergency situation, and humanitarian aid is an essential component at this stage. However, the latest international donors’ conference, held in Berlin on April 15, drew criticism from Sudanese authorities. “The Berlin Conference is not the first conference in this context, as it was preceded by the Paris and London conferences. However, in my view, the Berlin Conference made a serious mistake by not inviting the internationally recognized Sudanese government. The Sudanese government is the legitimate government and the legitimate representative of the Sudanese people, and the international community recognizes it as such based on these principles. The Sudanese Armed Forces are the country’s official forces under the Constitution since Sudan’s independence. Treating the Sudanese Armed Forces and the Rapid Support Forces as two parties in conflict represents a serious injustice and a violation of sovereignty”, the ambassador said.

At such a difficult time, the cultural dimension can serve as a channel for dialogue and closer ties between peoples. According to Altohamy, this dimension is one of the most important, also in relations with Italy. “Relations between Sudan and Italy have deep historical roots, dating back to the Roman Empire and ancient Nubian civilization, as confirmed by archaeological discoveries”, he noted. “Cultural and human relations between Sudan and Italy are therefore based on very ancient foundations”, he continued, adding that in this context, one of “the best programs implemented” was developed in cooperation with the Italian Parliament under the slogan “United for Sudan”.

– Photo Italpress –
(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews