CAIRO (EGYPT) (ITALPRESS) – United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres has appointed Italian national Gianluca Rampolla del Tindaro as the UN Resident Coordinator in Egypt, with the host government’s approval.

Rampolla del Tindaro assumed the new role on October 4. With over 25 years of experience in development cooperation, humanitarian assistance, and peacebuilding, he most recently served as the UN Resident Coordinator and Humanitarian Coordinator in Venezuela.

He previously served as the UN Resident Coordinator in Papua New Guinea and held various senior positions within the Organization, including Head of Political Affairs at the UN Regional Office for Central Africa in Libreville, Gabon.

Before joining the United Nations, he worked for the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE), holding positions in the Western Balkans and Central Asia.

-UN Photo-
(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

BACKA TOPOLA (SERBIA) (ITALPRESS) – Even playing on neutral ground in Serbia, behind closed doors, wasn’t enough to avoid trouble. The second Nations League match between Ireland and Israel, which ended 1–1, was marked by a tense atmosphere—both on the pitch and off it. At halftime, the two teams clashed, and Ireland’s fitness coach, Damien Doyle, accused an Israeli player of spitting at him. “I don’t want to get into that specific issue, but that’s how things have gone in these two matches. There was tension,” commented Heimir Hallgrimsson, the ‘Boys in Green’ manager, speaking to Off The Ball. “The spitting incident? I didn’t see it. It will be reviewed, likely along with everything else that happened between the two teams. I felt they were trying to intimidate us right from kickoff, but I have to give the players a lot of credit for staying calm. It could have been a match full of yellow and red cards, but we kept our composure.” For his part, Israeli manager Ran Ben-Shimon countered: “At halftime, I was in the dressing room—in my own room—with my staff. I didn’t see anything. Once I have the chance to verify the facts, I’ll let you know.”

However, Ben-Shimon made it clear that there was no element of “revenge” against Jayson Molumby, who—during the first leg—had reported alleged racist chants by opposing fans directed at two of his teammates to the referee. “There was nothing personal against him; we don’t do things like that—we simply don’t—that’s not the kind of people we are,” he clarified. “I would never tell one of my players to play aggressively against an opponent. Sometimes I tell my players they need to be aggressive, but I would never tell them to hurt someone. That isn’t who we are; we are human beings.”

– photo IPA Agency –

(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

VENICE (ITALPRESS) – The ADRION (Adriatic and Ionian Initiative) Ministerial Meeting took place today in Venice aboard the ship “Amerigo Vespucci”, chaired by Defense Minister Guido Crosetto alongside his counterparts from Albania, Croatia, Greece, Montenegro, and Slovenia.

“Today in Venice, together with my counterparts from Albania, Croatia, Greece, Montenegro, and Slovenia, we discussed security, cooperation, and shared responsibility. I thanked my colleagues for the quality, candor, and constructive spirit of our dialogue,” said Crosetto. “For me, the point is simple: no European country can expect to face the challenges ahead—conventional, hybrid, and technological threats—on its own. These threats are increasingly interconnected and increasingly difficult to tackle in isolation. That is precisely the purpose of the ADRION initiative: to transform a shared geography into a collective capacity for action—pooling information, experience, tools, and capabilities. We share interests, priorities, and projects, but above all, we share an awareness of the responsibilities that come with belonging to the same strategic area. I commended my Slovenian counterpart, Valentin Hajdinjak, for the work accomplished during the ADRION presidency and extended my best wishes to my Albanian counterpart, Ermal Nufi, who will assume the next presidency. Enhancing security in the Adriatic and Ionian regions means strengthening our neighborhood, but it also means contributing to the construction of a European defense capability with a continental scope—one capable of extending beyond the boundaries of the 27 EU member states and acting in full synergy with the Atlantic Alliance”.

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ROME (ITALPRESS) – Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni met today at Palazzo Chigi with the Prime Minister of the Republic of Slovenia, Janez Janša. “The two leaders shared the goal of elevating their bilateral partnership to a strategic level through the upcoming adoption of an action plan focused on priority sectors such as defense, energy, connectivity, research and innovation, and culture,” stated a note from Palazzo Chigi.

“The conversation provided an opportunity to discuss priorities for the upcoming European Council, starting with strengthening the Union’s competitiveness and structurally reducing energy costs for households and businesses. In this context, Prime Minister Meloni highlighted recent initiatives promoted by Italy, together with other Member States, advocating for a more pragmatic European approach to the energy transition and industrial policy. Emphasis was also placed on the need for the next Multiannual Financial Framework to provide adequate resources for both the Union’s new priorities and traditional policies, such as cohesion and agriculture.” Finally, the two leaders discussed the management of migration flows, with a particular focus on strengthening the external dimension, returns, and innovative solutions.

– photo Palazzo Chigi –

(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

ORAN (ALGERIA) (ITALPRESS) – The 14th edition of NAPEC—the Energy and Hydrogen Exhibition for Africa and the Mediterranean and the premier energy sector event in Algeria—opened today in Oran and runs until October 7. The event brings together institutional representatives, international organizations, energy companies, and industry professionals from Algeria and various other countries, focusing on hydrocarbons, hydrogen, low-emission technologies, investments, and new energy partnerships.

At the opening, Algeria’s Minister of Energy and Mining, Mohamed Arkab, highlighted NAPEC’s role as a strategic platform for strengthening dialogue among energy stakeholders, developing partnerships, fostering technology transfer, and expanding investment opportunities. This 14th edition focuses on the transformation of the energy sector and the development of solutions related to hydrogen and emission reduction, set against a backdrop of growing cooperation between African and Mediterranean nations.

– Photo: Facebook / Algerian Ministry of Energy and Mining –

(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

MADRID (SPAIN) (ITALPRESS) – Real Madrid is preparing to secure Arda Güler’s future. According to “As,” the 21-year-old Turk has reached an agreement to extend his current contract by another two years— taking it through to 2031. Now in his fourth season with Los Blancos, Güler has become a key pillar of the team, and the new deal will also see him earn a higher salary, reflecting his status. The next player to renew could be Thibaut Courtois, whose contract expires in June; a one-year extension is reportedly being prepared for him.

– photo IPA Agency –

(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

NAPLES (ITALPRESS) – Massimiliano Allegri will be without Mathias Olivera when Napoli return to action following the international break.

The Uruguayan defender, Napoli said in a statement, “sustained an injury while on international duty. The Napoli player underwent diagnostic tests which revealed a strain to the right external obturator muscle. Olivera will return early today to the SSC Napoli Training Center, where he will begin his rehabilitation program.”

– Photo Ipa Agency –

(ITALPRESS)

Source: medNews

VALLETTA (MALTA) (ITALPRESS/MNA) – Malta’s first electricity interconnector with Sicily will be temporarily switched off for around 12 days as safety measures are carried out alongside construction of the second link.

Interconnect Malta and Enemalta said the shutdown of IC1 commenced today and is necessary as heavy machinery will operate close to existing 220kV overhead lines at the Ragusa Terminal Station.

The works form part of the €300 million Second Interconnector project, which is nearing completion.

Recent works at Ragusa include the installation of a fire tank and pumps, while a new 240 MVAr shunt reactor and its fire protection walls have also been completed.

Further civil works will now take place, including modifications to the IC1 overhead line support structure to accommodate new hybrid gas-insulated switchgear.

A 220kV land cable will also be routed underground between the switchgear and the reactor.

Authorities said the shutdown is intended to protect workers and existing infrastructure while the high-risk works are carried out.

The shutdown is being coordinated by Interconnect Malta, Enemalta, Terna Energy Solutions and Italy’s transmission system operator.

During the works, Malta’s electricity demand will be met entirely through local generation, with authorities saying sufficient capacity is available to maintain security and stability of supply.

Energy Minister Miriam Dalli said progress on the second interconnector represented another important milestone in delivering critical infrastructure for Malta’s future energy needs.

Interconnect Malta CEO Ismail D’Amato said the work presented significant technical and safety challenges because of the presence of live equipment, requiring close coordination between all parties.

Enemalta executive chairman Ryan Fava said the second interconnector would build on the first link, commissioned in 2015, and strengthen Malta’s long-term energy security.

The second interconnector will comprise a 122km, 225MW HVAC connection between Maghtab and Ragusa through a 245kV submarine cable.

Once completed, it will double Malta’s electricity interconnection capacity and support greater integration of renewable energy.

The project is co-financed by the European Union through the European Regional Development Fund, with EU funding increased to €261 million following the mid-term review of the 2021-2027 cohesion policy programme.

Project officials say the investment is expected to reduce Malta’s reliance on locally generated fossil-fuel electricity and contribute to the country’s long-term decarbonisation goals.

–  Photo Archive Malta Ministry for Energy –
(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

TRIPOLI (LIBYA) (ITALPRESS/MNA) – The Speaker of Libya’s House of Representatives, Aguila Saleh, has called an official session for tomorrow at the Council’s headquarters in Benghazi to open a new legislative term and discuss the inclusion of the 4+4 agreement in the Constitutional Declaration.

According to Libyan parliamentary sources, some members of the House of Representatives reported in September that the Council’s leadership had prevented them from entering the parliament building to hold an official session aimed at discussing the appointment of a new Speaker, despite the legal quorum having been reached. Tomorrow’s session is being seen as a step toward renewing the leadership of the House.

Article 137 of the internal regulations of Libya’s House of Representatives stipulates that the Council may withdraw confidence from the Speaker, deputy speakers, the rapporteur or any observer if they are deemed medically unable to perform their duties, or if they deliberately undermine the work of the Council or obstruct its sessions.

Last Thursday, Commander-in-Chief of the Libyan Armed Forces, Field Marshal Khalifa Haftar, received several lawmakers who had called for the session to be convened. Parliamentary sources said the lawmakers received Haftar’s “green light” to hold the session and proceed with a vote in the chamber to elect a new Speaker to replace Aguila Saleh, who has held the position for twelve years.

— Photo: IPA Agency —

(ITALPRESS)

Source: medNews

LONDON (ENGLAND) (ITALPRESS) – England and Bournemouth will be without Alex Scott. The midfielder, who was a standout performer in Saturday’s 7-0 win over Croatia, has left the national team camp on the eve of the Nations League match against the Czech Republic after suffering a quadriceps muscle injury.

According to the BBC, the player could be sidelined for six to eight weeks. It is a major blow for Thomas Tuchel, but even more so for Bournemouth, who face a demanding run of nine matches between October 10 and November 8, including their Europa League clash against Milan on October 22.

– Photo Ipa Agency –

(ITALPRESS)

Source: medNews