VALLETTA (MALTA) (ITALPRESS/MNA) – Maltese businessman Yorgen Fenech told police he personally gave Melvin Theuma, the middleman between Fenech and the men who carried out the assassination, the “OK” to proceed with a plot to murder Daphne Caruana Galizia — then claimed he tried to call it off three days later.

The extraordinary admission is contained in Fenech’s 2019 police interrogation and is being published today by the Sunday Times of Malta for the first time following Wednesday’s verdict acquitting him of complicity in Caruana Galizia’s murder and criminal association.

“First, I told him OK. After three days, I told him to stop,” Fenech told investigators. He claimed the initial green light came after Keith Schembri, then chief of staff to Prime Minister Joseph Muscat, allegedly told him to proceed. But Fenech said the operation was already under way when he changed his mind. Theuma had allegedly paid €30,000 to people Fenech described as “killers” and “the worst people in Malta”.

Fenech said he subsequently handed Theuma €50,000 from his office safe to reimburse him. “If you paid €30,000, take €50,000. I don’t want you to be out of pocket. I don’t want anything to do with this,” he recalled telling Theuma. Fenech said the assassination had initially been priced at €120,000, insisting investigators were wrong when they put the figure at €150,000. “It was €120,000 not €150,000. They went up to €150,000 after,” he said.

Yet when directly questioned about whether he had paid the €120,000, Fenech declined to answer, repeatedly telling investigators he would provide details “at the opportune time”. He also admitted passing money to Theuma for expenses linked to the men who were later convicted of Caruana Galizia’s murder.

Fenech said he continued paying Theuma after the murder because he feared him and wanted to protect himself and Schembri. “I kept giving him money, because I was scared of him,” he said. He claimed Theuma had threatened him with recordings and that he would have “problems” if the middleman began speaking. Fenech also alleged that Schembri had been hinting about getting rid of Caruana Galizia since 2014, becoming more direct in 2016. “He told me find someone to get rid of her,” Fenech claimed. Schembri has denied any involvement in the murder.

Fenech further accused Schembri of giving him a “script” for his earlier accounts of the assassination and promising him a pardon. “I felt it was my duty to protect Keith Schembri,” he told police. He said one earlier version, which implicated former minister Chris Cardona, was based on that alleged script. Fenech also named Joseph Muscat, Adrian Vella and Johann Cremona as people who, he claimed, eventually learned that Schembri was behind the murder. Muscat has denied discussing Caruana Galizia’s murder with Fenech.

The interrogation recordings provide a previously unpublished account of Fenech’s own description to police of the alleged assassination plot — including his admission that he personally gave Theuma the initial green light.

– photo IPA Agency –

(ITALPRESS).

ROME (ITALPRESS) – “The FIFA President announced in April that he would run again in the 2027 elections. Naturally, nothing has changed.” This statement came from Gianni Infantino‘s spokesperson, confirming that the official—despite recent controversies—does not intend to step aside. The Swiss executive, who has led FIFA since 2016, will once again stand for the presidency of the international football governing body at the next congress, scheduled to take place in Morocco in 2027.

– photo IPA Agency –

(ITALPRESS).

TRIPOLI (LIBYA) (ITALPRESS) – Libya’s Government of National Unity has announced the dismantling of an organized terrorist cell and the arrest of five individuals—both Libyan and foreign nationals—involved in suicide drone attacks targeting oil storage tanks in Tripoli and Zawiya, as well as the Zawiya power plant. Plans to attack the South Tripoli power plant and various political, security, and military targets were reportedly thwarted. According to an official statement from the Government of National Unity, investigations revealed that these were not isolated incidents but part of a large-scale sabotage plot targeting critical infrastructure and energy resources during a period of peak summer demand on utility services.

The government emphasized that dismantling the cell marks the beginning, not the end, of the operation; a comprehensive investigation is underway to expose the entire network and prosecute all those responsible—regardless of their status or position—with a pledge to take firm action both domestically and abroad. The statement indicated that authorities would release full details regarding the plot and its backers to the domestic and international public once preliminary investigations conclude, and that legal and judicial action would be pursued without exception. The government reiterated that the safety of citizens and national resources is a “red line” that will be strictly defended. This announcement follows a series of drone attacks on Libya’s energy infrastructure that caused damage and power outages. The government warned that those who planned, funded, and supported these activities would be held accountable, assuring that investigations would continue unabated until all perpetrators are brought to justice. The government thanked the security forces for their work and urged citizens to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity.

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(ITALPRESS).

ZAGREB (CROATIA) (ITALPRESS) – Luka Modric isn’t quitting—quite the opposite. Despite nearing his 41st birthday, the Milan midfielder has made himself available to new head coach Slaven Bilic and will be called up for Croatia’s upcoming Nations League fixtures. The Croatian Football Federation announced that Modric—who already has 202 caps—informed the coach of his intention to continue playing for the national team and will therefore be included in the squad for the upcoming matches against the Czech Republic, Spain, and England.

“This decision makes me extremely happy,” commented Bilic. “We are all aware of what Luka brings to Croatia, both on and off the pitch. I look forward to working with him again after 14 years, and we share a strong ambition: to keep Croatia among the elite, successful teams, standing shoulder to shoulder with the best national sides in the world.” 

– photo IPA Agency –

(ITALPRESS).

ROME (ITALPRESS) – A muscle tear in his right thigh: this is the result of the instrumental tests Neymar underwent, the injury sustained in Wednesday’s match against Palmeiras, which sealed the elimination of his Santos club in the Copa do Brasil quarterfinals.

The 34-year-old former PSG striker is expected to be sidelined for three to four weeks, although Santos has not specified a recovery time. After the match against Palmeiras, Neymar complained about the poor pitch conditions to explain the injuries sustained, both to himself and to Alvaro Barreal, who also suffered a torn hamstring in his left thigh.

-Photo IPA Agency-
(ITALPRESS).

BUENOS AIRES (ARGENTINA) (ITALPRESS) – Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi together for the first time on the same team? Carlos Tevez is trying. The Apache said goodbye to football in June 2021, at Boca Juniors, but never had the opportunity to say goodbye to the Bombonera. He will do so in December, on a date yet to be determined, after receiving the approval of former teammate and current president of the Xeneize, Juan Roman Riquelme.

Tevez will bid his fans farewell for the last time with a farewell match to which he has invited several former teammates, both at club and country. And on the list, “Tyc Sports” reveals, are CR7—with whom he played at Manchester United—and Messi, with whom he shared the Seleccion experience. There are reportedly around sixty guests, including Gigi Buffon and Andrea Pirlo, whom he met while at Juventus.

-Photo IPA Agency-
(ITALPRESS).

RABAT (MOROCCO) (ITALPRESS) – Denmark welcomes the Moroccan autonomy plan, considering it a good basis for a mutually agreed-upon solution to the Moroccan Sahara issue. This position, the Moroccan Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced in a statement, was expressed by Danish Foreign Minister Lars Løkke Rasmussen during a press conference during the working visit to Copenhagen of the Minister of Foreign Affairs, African Cooperation and Moroccans Abroad, Nasser Bourita.

In this regard, Rasmussen stated that “Denmark welcomes, in line with the position of the European Union, the adoption of United Nations Security Council Resolution 2797.” The Danish Foreign Minister also welcomed the Moroccan autonomy proposal, calling it “credible” and stating that it “makes a serious and essential contribution to the ongoing UN process,” reiterating that the Moroccan autonomy plan represents “an excellent basis for a mutually agreed-upon solution.”

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(ITALPRESS).

BARCELONA (SPAIN) (ITALPRESS) – Ahead of the away match against Valencia, scheduled for tomorrow at 4:15 PM, Hansi Flick assessed Barcelona’s current situation during a press conference, focusing particularly on Lamine Yamal’s condition, the new captaincy hierarchy, and lineup decisions. The German coach confirmed that the forward will travel with the squad: “He was in pain after a knock and trained separately. But he says he feels fine and could play tomorrow. We have to wait to see if he’ll be on the pitch; we’ll decide. He wants to play.”

Flick then explained the choice of Barcelona’s new captains. With Ter Stegen and Araujo no longer in the role, the armband passes to others: “I chose two—Raphinha and Pedri—and the players chose three: Eric Garcia, Frenkie de Jong, and Lamine. I know our dressing room, and everything is going well. It was a good choice.” Among the most interesting new developments is Gabriel Jesus, who arrived to add further depth to the attack. Flick is satisfied with what he has seen in training, though he noted that the Brazilian is not yet at peak fitness: “I really liked what I saw. He isn’t at one hundred percent, but he could get a few minutes in the second half. He’s ready. I like his movement, his composure on the ball, and the way he attacks the goal.”

The Barcelona manager also discussed Real Madrid’s defeat in the previous round of matches, while urging against underestimating Xabi Alonso’s team. “I watched yesterday’s game; Madrid played well and created chances. That’s football—it happens. We want to stick to our style, but it will be a tough match, and we need to be ready. Winning isn’t always easy.” Flick then praised his squad and the level of performance shown in daily training sessions. “What I see during training is what matters, and what I see is fantastic. The important thing is winning and securing trophies. The quality is extremely high.” Finally, Flick addressed the topic of transfer market investments and decisions made jointly with sporting director Deco. “We made the decisions together. I’m happy. After selling players, you have to make new signings. It isn’t easy for me to look at La Masia players and choose to back others brought in from outside. The La Masia lads dream of succeeding here, but we have to be honest: we want to win trophies. We are Barça, and changes are part of the game.” The objective ahead of the match against Valencia remains clear: “We’ll see if we can win every game, but that is our goal. The right mentality and attitude are there. It’s incredible to see how they work and the atmosphere in the dressing room. We need to improve every day.”

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(ITALPRESS).

PARIS (FRANCE) (ITALPRESS) – Three matches and just two points. Meanwhile, league leaders Monaco—who triumphed at the Parc des Princes last night—have already opened up a seven-point gap. It is certainly not the start Paris Saint-Germain fans expected, though Luis Enrique remains confident. The Asturian coach would have liked to celebrate the announcement of his contract extension through 2030 in a different way (“It’s the first time I’ve managed a team for four consecutive seasons, but I’m more motivated than I was in the first year; I hope to stay here for a long time, but I know I have to earn it”), yet the result isn’t the whole story. “We deserved the win,” he said after the defeat to Monaco. “It’s the classic match where you’re better than the opponent and create more chances, but the opposing goalkeeper is the man of the match. Just like what happened against Newcastle, Atlético Madrid, Sporting Lisbon, or Liverpool two years ago. We deserved to win, but football comes down to goals, and in that regard, we lost.” Luis Enrique downplayed the situation (“The defense? Monaco had two shots on target and scored two goals”), though he did not shy away from offering the customary praise to his counterpart, Filipe Luís. “Monaco defended very well; I liked the way they played. They’re in first place—congratulations to them and their coach.”

“What I want to get across, however, is that we shouldn’t focus on the result. We pressed much better than in other matches where we didn’t concede any goals. But this time, luck was against us; the result cannot erase everything we did well,” the Spanish coach insisted. “Monaco knows that if they played ten matches against us like this, we would win eight, draw one, and lose one—today’s match.” After two comeback draws against Rennes and Lille—in both cases after trailing 2-0—PSG had taken the lead this time, only to see the game turned around against them. Now, the standings show Monaco leading Ligue 1 with 9 points, while Marquinhos and his teammates sit on 2. “It’s incredible motivation,” Luis Enrique replied. “If you want to bet on who will be champion at the end of the season, we can do that. We’re seven points behind? Fine, we’ll try to rectify this situation as quickly as possible.” More than a promise, it was a threat.

– photo IPA Agency –

(ITALPRESS).

WASHINGTON (UNITED STATES) (ITALPRESS) – “What an incredible summer for American tourism! The FIFA World Cup alone generated more than $18 billion for our economy and supported over 160,000 jobs.” U.S. President Donald Trump wrote this on Truth, highlighting the major impact the recent World Cup had on the country’s economy.

– photo IPA Agency –

(ITALPRESS).

VALLETTA (MALTA) (ITALPRESS/MNA) – Population growth, political loyalty and changes in social attitudes are at the heart of Malta’s State of the Nation 2026 survey, which highlights significant transformations in Maltese society.

Opening the conference presenting the findings, Malta’s President, Myriam Spiteri Debono, called for a broad and balanced debate on the population, based on long-term planning and focused on quality of life, social cohesion and the common good.

This year’s theme is “The population and the Maltese nation in 50 years”, against a backdrop of growing interest in the country’s rapid demographic changes.

The survey, conducted among 1,064 people aged 16 and over, found a progressive weakening of political loyalty. While 60.2% of respondents said they had always voted for the same political party, 44.6% said they would consider voting for a different party in the future. The figure rises to 74% among those aged 26 to 35, while 65.1% of respondents with tertiary education would be willing to change their political allegiance. Political participation nevertheless remains high: 79.5% said they intend to vote in the next elections.

At the same time, satisfaction with one’s life has declined, falling from 72.1% to 67.9% over the past year. Some 52.5% of respondents said they live from day to day, without planning their lives.

The survey also highlights Malta’s growing dependence on foreign labour. Some 53.2% are in favour of foreign workers entering the country to perform jobs that Maltese people are unwilling to do, although among young people there is a stronger perception of foreign workers as a threat. Religious faith remains widespread: 90.5% of respondents say they believe in God. However, only 57% consider religion very important in their lives, the lowest percentage recorded over the past six years. Social media are also confirmed as one of the main sources of information. News links shared on Facebook are used by 50.1% of respondents, followed by Instagram at 15.4% and TikTok at 10.8%.

Among the values presented to respondents, justice was considered the most important, ahead of freedom, equality and solidarity. As for Maltese culture, traditional food and village feasts remain the most highly appreciated elements. Finally, confidence in government incentives aimed at encouraging couples to have children has declined. Some 47.6% of respondents believe that such measures are not sufficient to persuade couples to have more children, compared with 36% last year.

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(ITALPRESS).

LONDON (ENGLAND) (ITALPRESS) – The striker ultimately did not arrive, but that is no problem. Mikel Arteta and his Arsenal are ready to move forward after the end of the transfer window, having collected six points from their first two games.

“I love the players we have,” the coach assured. “Some of them are really, really very good. We have to trust them and make sure we are completely behind them, and I will do everything I can to bring out the incredible talent we have.”

Arteta had called for Arsenal to be ambitious, quick and smart ahead of the transfer window, and now that it is over, he guarantees that “the objective has been achieved.”

There is confidence that Bruno Guimaraes will recover in time for the match against Chelsea. Konsa is available, but Arteta has not yet made a final decision on whether to start him.

Inevitably, there was also a comment on Xabi Alonso, a childhood friend and now rival in charge of the Blues: “We have been in touch, and I’m really happy for him. It’s incredible to face each other at this level now, coaching two of the best teams in England. It’s a wonderful experience.”

– Photo Ipa Agency –

(ITALPRESS)

BEIRUT (LEBANON) (ITALPRESS/MNA) – Lebanese President Joseph Aoun expressed his gratitude for all the efforts made, particularly by the United States under President Donald Trump, and by international organizations, especially the International Committee of the Red Cross, which led to the release of the first group of Lebanese detainees by Israeli authorities today. The Lebanese presidency reported this on X.

“This first step reaffirms the strength of the Lebanese position, in all its aspects, and underscores the need to complete the steps envisaged in the tripartite agreement (with Israel and the United States). This will lead to the full restoration of Lebanese sovereignty, without surrendering a single inch of our territory or compromising the lives of our people,” Aoun said.

The Lebanese head of state “reaffirmed his commitment to continue the struggle to achieve all national demands and objectives, so that all Lebanese can live with dignity in a free homeland, where there are no weapons on its soil other than those of its legitimate security forces, and where sovereignty over its citizens belongs solely to the state.”

Yesterday, Israel released a Lebanese civilian arrested in October 2025, while today four more were handed over to the Red Cross, in what Tel Aviv considers a “gesture of goodwill” toward Beirut in exchange for the return of the remains of Lebanese Jews killed in the 1980s.

-Photo IPA Agency-
(ITALPRESS).

ROME (ITALPRESS) – They hosted the 2012 European Championships together and could attempt to host a World Cup together, “but from the 1940s onward.” Matvii Bidnyi, Ukraine’s Minister of Sport, announced in an interview with “Politico” that discussions are underway with Poland regarding a possible joint bid. The next World Cup, in 2030, will be played between Morocco, Portugal, and Spain, while Saudi Arabia will host the tournament four years later.

The two countries are therefore looking further ahead, and although there is time, “we must start planning for this now.” The successful experience of Euro 2012 would provide a foundation from which to build, even though the context is very different, as Ukraine is now a country in need of reconstruction. But the very prospect of hosting a World Cup could “attract the attention of investors.”

“We will work on it; we continue to be a country oriented toward the greatest sporting achievements. It’s part of our national culture, and we want to develop it despite all these difficulties.” “A joint Ukrainian-Polish bid for the World Cup would be much more than a major sporting event,” Vasyl Mokan, member of the Ukrainian Parliament and vice-chairman of the Committee on Youth and Sport, told Politico. “It’s an idea full of potential.”

-Photo IPA Agency-
(ITALPRESS).

TRIPOLI (LIBYA) (ITALPRESS/MNA) – The Al-Qubbah branch of the Department for Combating Illegal Migration in eastern Libya has stepped up security patrols along the desert road, stopping 38 irregular migrants of Sudanese nationality as part of control operations in the region.

According to the Department in a statement posted on Facebook, the migrants were subjected to legal procedures by the competent authorities.

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(ITALPRESS)

MADRID (SPAIN) (ITALPRESS) – Marcos Llorente will no longer wear the Spain shirt. A world champion last July, the 31-year-old Atletico Madrid midfielder announced his retirement from the national team on social media.

He explained that the decision had been made even before the tournament.

“It was an honour to represent my country and be part of this history,” Llorente said. He made his debut for La Roja in 2020 and has since made 27 appearances, including three at the most recent World Cup.

– Photo Ipa Agency –

(ITALPRESS).

VALLETTA (MALTA) (ITALPRSS/MNA) – The Maltese Parliament convened an emergency session on Thursday following the acquittal of Maltese businessman Yorgen Fenech on charges of commissioning the assassination of journalist Daphne Caruana Galizia.

Prime Minister Robert Abela urged caution and respect for the ongoing legal proceedings, emphasizing that investigators must be able to carry out their work without political pressure.

Opposition leader Alex Borg accused Abela of calling for early elections in anticipation of the political repercussions of the verdict.

Abela responded to Borg’s “hasty” statements, accusing the opposition leader of turning the affair into a partisan political exercise.

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(ITALPRESS).

ROME (ITALPRESS) – Alessio Romagnoli’s spell at Lazio has officially come to an end. The 31-year-old defender will continue his career in Qatar, with Al Sadd announcing in a statement that he has signed a contract until 2029.

“Romagnoli’s arrival is part of the project to strengthen the squad and, in particular, the defensive line, ahead of the club’s upcoming domestic and continental commitments,” the Asian club said in its statement.

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(ITALPRESS)

LIVERPOOL (ENGLAND) (ITALPRESS) – Good news for Liverpool on the injury front. Giovanni Leoni and Federico Chiesa are close to returning to the squad: both, according to Andoni Iraola’s explanation in a press conference, are expected to return to training with their teammates during the upcoming international break.

Leoni has been sidelined for almost a year after rupturing his anterior cruciate ligament (he’s on the Champions League list), while Chiesa (not on the Champions League list) is struggling with a muscle problem he picked up last month.

“Giovanni Leoni should be next to return. The plan is to start training with the group during the international break,” Iraola explained. Regarding Chiesa’s return, he added: “I think Fede will also be ready around that time.” Joe Gomez, who has yet to play a match this season due to a muscle problem he sustained during the summer tour of the United States, is closest to a return. “Joe will likely start training with us next week. His recovery has proceeded normally and is as expected for this type of injury. I hope to have him available before the break,” the coach said. The timing of Conor Bradley and Hugo Ekitike’s return, both of whom are dealing with longer-term injuries, remains more uncertain. “Conor will probably return later, but Hugo, especially, will need more time,” Iraola concluded.

-Photo IPA Agency-
(ITALPRESS).

VALLETTA (MALTA) (ITALPRESS/MNA) – The Maltese Criminal Court has ordered police to review testimonies from the murder trial of Daphne Caruana Galizia. The goal is to investigate the criminal liability of other individuals. The order was issued by Judge Edwina Grima alongside the acquittal of Yorgen Fenech, former CEO of the Tumas Group. The businessman was found not guilty by a popular jury in an eight-to-one vote. Fenech was accused of complicity in murder and criminal association. The prosecution had sought a life sentence.

Despite the acquittal, trial transcripts will be forwarded to the police commissioner and integrated into two ongoing investigations. The first involves leaks of confidential information by public officials. The second focuses on the dynamics of the car bomb attack on October 16, 2017, in Bidnija.The verdict triggered immediate political reactions. Nationalist Party leader Alex Borg called for an urgent reconvention of Parliament. In a letter to the Speaker of the House, Borg stressed that the acquittal does not relieve the State of its responsibilities. The opposition demands an urgent parliamentary debate to fully implement the recommendations of the public inquiry into the journalist’s assassination.

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(ITALPRESS).

CAIRO (EGYPT) (ITALPRESS/MNA) – Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi met today in Cairo with Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani, handing him a letter of invitation for Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni to visit Egypt. This was announced in a statement by Ambassador Mohamed al-Shenawi, spokesperson for the Egyptian presidency.

According to the statement, Tajani conveyed greetings from the Prime Minister to al-Sisi. The Egyptian President expressed appreciation for the significant development of bilateral relations and asked Tajani to convey his own greetings to the Italian Premier, handing him a letter addressed to Meloni in which he congratulated her on her government’s tenure and invited her to visit Egypt to continue coordination and consultations on matters of mutual interest.

The statement also noted that al-Sisi emphasized “the importance of implementing the outcomes of the Italian-Egyptian Joint Commission” to strengthen trade cooperation and investment, and to expand collaboration in the sectors of energy, education, maritime transport, agriculture, and tourism. According to the Egyptian presidency spokesperson, Tajani confirmed Italy’s commitment to deepening cooperation with Egypt and taking it to new levels, including through continued coordination on combating irregular migration.

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(ITALPRESS).

ROME (ITALPRESS/MNA) – Following Lionel Messi’s farewell to the Albiceleste, Argentina is responding to the champion this week by paying a fitting tribute to “its” star. The Argentine Football Association has decreed that all men’s and women’s teams—across 11-a-side, futsal, and beach soccer—must pause play at the 10th minute of every match to dedicate a minute of applause to Messi. The first game to feature this tribute to the Argentine star was the Velez vs. Boca Juniors match (held overnight Italian time). Footage of the applause from both the pitch and the stands has gone viral online.

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(ITALPRESS).

TRIPOLI (LIBYA) (ITALPRESS/MNA) – Libyan Presidential Council Chairman Mohamed Menfi has lashed out at the Government of National Unity, saying that a minister’s statement that the government has lost its legitimacy and has turned into a de facto authority raises a fundamental question about the government’s actual position.

According to a statement posted by Menfi on his X account, “when the Minister of State for Communication and Political Affairs of the Government of National Unity admits that the government has lost its legitimacy and has turned into a de facto authority, the issue goes beyond a personal opinion, raising a fundamental question about his actual position within the government and the basis on which it exercises its powers.”

Menfi stressed that “it is unacceptable for an entity to derive its existence from a political reference and then reject it, nor is it acceptable for the unified executive authority to be reduced to one of its parts, or for the state to be run according to a logic of dominance and the imposition of a fait accompli.”

Menfi added that “the Prime Minister of the Government of National Unity is required to clarify his official position, and we will refer the matter to the relevant national forces.”

He concluded by saying that “the current phase has reached a turning point in which the state cannot tolerate contradictory positions or ambiguity in commitments, and we will act according to our responsibilities when required by the interests of the country, keeping all national and institutional options open, since the mandate cannot be left in a vacuum and legitimacy is not created by a fait accompli.”

The statement reflects growing political tensions in Libya and the fragmentation among state institutions.

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(ITALPRESS)

ROME (ITALPRESS/MNA) – Matteo Guendouzi and Mason Greenwood were at the center of a negative incident following the Lyon vs. Fenerbahçe match—a Champions League playoff tie won by the Turkish side. UEFA has opened disciplinary proceedings regarding the conduct of the former Lazio player and the player long pursued by Roma— both currently playing for Fenerbahçe. The two face accusations of sparking a mass brawl after the final whistle.

The Turkish club was quick to respond: “Following the Champions League playoff return leg, UEFA has initiated disciplinary proceedings against our players Guendouzi and Greenwood, as well as against our club. Our club will present its defense to the competent UEFA bodies to protect the rights and interests of our players and Fenerbahçe. All necessary information, documents, and arguments will be submitted to UEFA.”

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(ITALPRESS).

VALLETTA (MALTA) (ITALPRESS/MNA) – Maltese businessman Yorgen Fenech was acquitted by a jury by 8 votes to 1 of instigating the murder of journalist Daphne Caruana Galizia, killed by a car bomb in 2017. Fenech defended himself by claiming he merely acted as a messenger between the intermediary and Keith Schembri, former chief of staff to then-Prime Minister Muscat. The verdict sparked anger among family members, the opposition, and civil society, who spoke of “justice denied” and called for the true perpetrators to be identified. Opposition leader Alex Borg led a protest in Valletta, denouncing a “culture of impunity” and serious investigative shortcomings, including unseized evidence and leaks. The NGOs Repubblika and Occupy Justice, together with the Malta Journalists Institute, are now calling for an investigation into the alleged links between the crime and the cases of political corruption the journalist was exposing. While the government declares it respects the verdict and upholds rule of law reforms, the Public Prosecutor’s Office is preparing to appeal.

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(ITALPRESS).

ROME (ITALPRESS) – On October 2, against Sweden, Edin Dzeko will play his final match for the Bosnia national team. His long love affair with his country’s national side is therefore set to come to an end soon.

The news was announced by the 40-year-old “Swan of Sarajevo” himself in a lengthy letter published on his Instagram profile. The Bosnia captain is widely regarded as the greatest footballer in the country’s history and holds numerous records, including “most appearances in the history of the national team, with 151 caps” and “the national team’s all-time leading goalscorer, with 73 goals.”

“Sometimes I wondered when this moment would come… But I never imagined how emotional I would be writing these words. On October 2, against Sweden, I will play my final match for our national team. Nothing in my career has ever matched the pride I felt every time I wore that shirt. Nothing. It was my childhood dream, a dream I carried with me on each of the 151 occasions when I had the honour of representing my country on a football pitch. I was always proud to do it, just as I was the first time,” Dzeko wrote.

“Almost twenty years have passed since that match against Turkey. So many things have changed, and I have changed too, but my love for this shirt never has. Now I feel that the time has come to take a step back. If I have made it to the age of 40 with the national team, it is because I truly gave everything I had. Every time. Everything.

“Playing for my country has been the most emotional opportunity that football has ever given me. The feeling I experienced that evening against Wales, and then in Zenica against Italy in March, will remain in my heart forever,” added the former Roma striker.

“Seeing my people celebrating in the streets of our cities was another incredible gift that football gave me. There is a time to thank everyone who stood by me and supported me throughout this wonderful journey. For now, I hope they will be there that evening against Sweden, so that we can share one more emotion… Because each of these incredible experiences was something we lived through together.

“And this is how I want to experience my final night representing my country: with all of you by my side, wearing the shirt I have loved since I was a boy, the shirt I will love for the rest of my life,” Dzeko concluded.

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(ITALPRESS)

ROME (ITALPRESS) – “Madrid is my home, but I’m happy in Milan.” Luka Modric said this in an interview with Marca.

The 40-year-old Croatian has settled in well at AC Milan and in Italy. “I was welcomed with open arms from the very first day, and I’m very happy. The proof is that I’m still here, for a second consecutive year. So, even though I miss Madrid a lot, I’m in Milan now and I’m doing well.”

“AC Milan are one of the best clubs in the world, a historic club that perhaps have not achieved the results everyone was accustomed to seeing in recent years, but they remain a great team, one of the most loved in the world. The pressure is also extremely high. When you arrive here, you can feel it. You can breathe in the club’s history even at the training ground. So many legends and great players have played here. That was certainly one of the reasons why I chose Milan. When this opportunity came up after Real Madrid, I didn’t have many doubts,” Modric added.

“Now we want to do better than last year. For a long time, we did very well and were in the title race practically until March. Then, in the final matches, we threw everything away and failed to qualify for the Champions League. It was a major blow for Milan because, at the very least, Milan should play in the Champions League every year, given its history. It is the second-most successful club in the competition, behind Real Madrid,” the Croatian concluded.

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(ITALPRESS)

TURIN (ITALPRESS) – “Yildiz is the strongest player we have at our disposal. We’re waiting for him with open arms. We’re happy that everything went well.” Luciano Spalletti told Sky Sport this while discussing Turkish playmaker Kenan Yildiz’s recent injury and ahead of Sunday’s Serie A home match against AC Milan.

“The injury to Thuram caught us by surprise. He has qualities that are difficult to find elsewhere,” Spalletti said regarding the French midfielder’s injury. Thuram is now expected to be replaced by new signing Sarr.

– Photo Ipa Agency –

(ITALPRESS)

VALLETTA (MALTA) (ITALPRESS/MNA) – Maltese businessman Yorgen Fenech has been acquitted of all charges over the assassination of journalist Daphne Caruana Galizia, after a jury found him not guilty by an 8-1 majority on both counts.

The verdict was delivered on Wednesday evening following around eight hours of deliberations by the nine jurors. Fenech had been facing charges of complicity in the voluntary homicide of Caruana Galizia and association with one or more persons for the purpose of committing a crime in Malta.

The jury retired shortly after 11am, following a three-day address by Judge Edwina Grima. Caruana Galizia was killed on 16 October 2017 when a bomb planted in her car exploded in Bidnija. The prosecution had argued that Fenech was the mastermind behind the assassination, alleging that he ordered the killing.

-Photo IPA Agency-
(ITALPRESS).

BEIRUT (LEBANON) (ITALPRESS/MNA) – The next round of talks between Lebanon and Israel could take place in Rome on September 15 and 16, Lebanese broadcaster Mtv reports.

The US Embassy in Rome has already hosted two rounds of talks between delegations from Beirut and Tel Aviv, on July 14-15 and from August 4 to 6, following the framework agreement signed in Washington on June 26.

The agreement reached in the United States provides for the disarmament of the Lebanese militia Hezbollah and the gradual transfer of control over some areas in southern Lebanon from the Israeli army to the Lebanese army, starting with several pilot areas.

– Photo Ipa Agency –

(ITALPRESS)