France summoned Italy’s ambassador after the Italian deputy prime minister accused Paris of exploiting its former African colonies and fuelling dangerous migration across the Mediterranean.
French sources speaking to Italy's ANSA news agency, described Luigi Di Maio's remarks as “hostile and without cause”. AFP reported a source in France’s Europe ministry calling his comments “unacceptable and groundless”.
Mr Di Maio, leader of Italy's anti-establishment Five Star Movement, said: "If people are leaving today it's because European countries, France above all, have never stopped colonising dozens of African countries."
“The EU should sanction France and all countries like France that impoverish Africa and make these people leave, because Africans should be in Africa, not at the bottom of the Mediterranean.”
Mr Di Maio refused to back down on Monday, saying the CFA Franc, a colonial-era currency used by 14 African countries and guaranteed by the French Treasury, was an exploitative tool.
"France is one of those countries that, by printing money for 14 African states, prevents their economic development and contributes to the fact that the refugees leave and then die in the sea or arrive on our coasts," he told an Italian radio station.
"If Europe wants to be brave, it must have the courage to confront the issue of decolonisation in Africa."
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Read more:
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US extends troop deployment at Mexico border
Migrants disembark after three weeks at sea in rescue boats
Italy seeks populist alliance in Poland ahead of EU parliamentary elections
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Relations between Italy's coalition government, which includes right-wing Interior Minister Matteo Salvini, and France, have been strained over clashes about migration and Europe.
Both sides accused the other of failing to take their fair share of people rescued from the Mediterranean Sea ever since Italy's anti-migration government came into power last June.
The two Italian leaders have also shown support for the French Yellow Vest movement, which has held months of protests against President Emmanuel Macron’s government.
Italy has closed its ports to rescue boats carrying migrants. About 170 migrants are still missing after two shipwrecks at the weekend.
German intelligence warnings
- 2002: "Hezbollah supporters feared becoming a target of security services because of the effects of [9/11] ... discussions on Hezbollah policy moved from mosques into smaller circles in private homes." Supporters in Germany: 800
- 2013: "Financial and logistical support from Germany for Hezbollah in Lebanon supports the armed struggle against Israel ... Hezbollah supporters in Germany hold back from actions that would gain publicity." Supporters in Germany: 950
- 2023: "It must be reckoned with that Hezbollah will continue to plan terrorist actions outside the Middle East against Israel or Israeli interests." Supporters in Germany: 1,250
Source: Federal Office for the Protection of the Constitution
Andor
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RESULTS
2.15pm: Al Marwan Group Holding – Handicap (PA) Dh40,000 (Dirt) 1,200m
Winner: SS Jalmod, Antonio Fresu (jockey), Ibrahim Al Hadhrami (trainer)
2.45pm: Sharjah Equine Hospital – Maiden (PA) Dh40,000 (D) 1,000m
Winner: Ghallieah, Sebastien Martino, Jean-Claude Pecout
3.15pm: Al Marwan Group Holding – Handicap (PA) Dh40,000 (D) 1,700m
Winner: Inthar, Saif Al Balushi, Khalifa Al Neyadi
3.45pm: Al Ain Stud Emirates Breeders Trophy – Conditions (PA) Dh50,000 (D) 1,700m
Winner: MH Rahal, Richard Mullen, Elise Jeanne
4.25pm: Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan Cup – Prestige Handicap (PA) Dh100,000 (D) 1,200m
Winner: JAP Aneed, Ray Dawson, Irfan Ellahi
4.45pm: Sharjah Equine Hospital – Handicap (TB) Dh40,000 (D) 1,200m
Winner: Edaraat, Antonio Fresu, Musabah Al Muhairi
Killing of Qassem Suleimani
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The%20BaaS%20ecosystem
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Paatal Lok season two
Directors: Avinash Arun, Prosit Roy
Stars: Jaideep Ahlawat, Ishwak Singh, Lc Sekhose, Merenla Imsong
Rating: 4.5/5
How to protect yourself when air quality drops
Install an air filter in your home.
Close your windows and turn on the AC.
Shower or bath after being outside.
Wear a face mask.
Stay indoors when conditions are particularly poor.
If driving, turn your engine off when stationary.
Formula Middle East Calendar (Formula Regional and Formula 4)
Round 1: January 17-19, Yas Marina Circuit – Abu Dhabi
Round 2: January 22-23, Yas Marina Circuit – Abu Dhabi
Round 3: February 7-9, Dubai Autodrome – Dubai
Round 4: February 14-16, Yas Marina Circuit – Abu Dhabi
Round 5: February 25-27, Jeddah Corniche Circuit – Saudi Arabia
Awar Qalb
Director: Jamal Salem
Starring: Abdulla Zaid, Joma Ali, Neven Madi and Khadija Sleiman
Two stars
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