Libya

No intention to allow return of Parthenon Marbles, UK says

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No intention to allow return of Parthenon Marbles, UK says

The Greek delegation presented the history of the Parthenon Marbles case, emphasizing the violent removal of the sculptures and the poor conditions of their preservation at the British Museum. Efforts to engage in dialogue with the UK have been fruitless, and the Marbles are considered an integral part of Greek cultural heritage. The UK reiterated that existing laws do not allow for the return of the Marbles to Greece, despite strong support from numerous countries for their repatriation.

Charges dropped against nine men over 2023 migrant shipwreck off Greece

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Charges dropped against nine men over 2023 migrant shipwreck off Greece

Nine Egyptian men accused of causing a deadly shipwreck off Greece had charges dropped because the Greek court had no jurisdiction to hear the case as the disaster occurred in international waters.

Greece rescues 42 migrants off Crete, searches for three missing

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Greece rescues 42 migrants off Crete, searches for three missing

Greece rescued 42 migrants off the island of Crete and was searching for three missing after their boat sent a distress signal. The migrants were rescued by commercial vessels and a Greek navy helicopter, and a search operation was underway. Crete and Gavdos have seen an increase in migrant arrivals from Libya. Greece has provided support to the islands to handle the situation. Greece has been a popular entry point to the EU for migrants and refugees since 2015, with many arriving on its islands and thousands dying at sea.

Over 63,000 people dead or missing while migrating over last decade

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Over 63,000 people dead or missing while migrating over last decade

Fact: At least 63,285 people have perished or disappeared on migration routes around the world between 2014 and 2023, with most deaths caused by drowning.

More than 63,000 people dead or missing while migrating over last decade, IOM says

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More than 63,000 people dead or missing while migrating over last decade, IOM says

At least 63,285 people have perished or disappeared on migration routes around the world between 2014 and 2023, with most deaths caused by drowning.

Statement by the President at the Summit for a Strategic and Comprehensive Partnership between EU and Egypt

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Statement by the President at the Summit for a Strategic and Comprehensive Partnership between EU and Egypt

The text announces the launch of the Strategic and Comprehensive Partnership between the European Union and the Arab Republic of Egypt, highlighting the significant role of Egypt in regional stability and its indispensable role in Europe’s southeastern flank. It mentions the signing of a Joint Declaration that marks a new era in EU-Egypt relations, covering a wide range of sectors. The text also acknowledges Egypt’s efforts in addressing crises in Libya, Sudan, Palestine, and the Red Sea, particularly emphasizing President Sisi’s efforts towards achieving a ceasefire in Gaza and providing humanitarian relief. Additionally, it mentions Cyprus’s initiative, supported by the European Union, to establish a safe humanitarian maritime corridor to deliver aid to Gaza, complementing existing routes and mechanisms. The text concludes with Cyprus’s commitment to working with EU partners to ensure the success of the strategic partnership, aiming for peace, stability, and economic prosperity in the Mediterranean, the Middle East, the Red Sea, and the Horn of Africa.

Sixty migrants feared drowned crossing Mediterranean from Libya

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Sixty migrants feared drowned crossing Mediterranean from Libya

– Up to 60 people are feared drowned in a migrant vessel crossing from Libya to Italy or Malta.
– SOS Mediterranee rescued 25 people in coordination with the Italian Coast Guard, and two unconscious individuals were airlifted to Sicily.
– The central Mediterranean is a deadly migration route, with almost 2,500 migrants dying or going missing last year, and 226 since the start of 2024.
– Survivors, who departed from Zawiya, Libya, reported their engine broke three days into their journey, leaving them adrift without food or water for days, and at least 60 people died, including women and a child.
– The IOM expressed deep concern over the incident and called for urgent action to strengthen maritime patrols.
– SOS Mediterranee conducted additional rescues, saving a total of 226 people over two days, and requested a closer port than Ancona for disembarkation due to the poor condition of the migrants.
– Italy’s government is accused of obstructing rescue activities by charity groups, forcing them to distant ports and sometimes impounding their ships.
– Italy and other EU governments are attempting to reduce migrant crossings from North Africa by offering support to Libya and Tunisia.
– Italian Interior Ministry data shows a decrease in sea migrant arrivals this year compared to the same period in 2023.