Moroccan Government Approves Plan to Promote Youths

Moroccan Prime Minister Saadeddine Othmani delivers his first speech presenting the government's program at the Moroccan Parliament in Rabat, Morocco April 19, 2017. REUTERS/Youssef Boudlal
Moroccan Prime Minister Saadeddine Othmani delivers his first speech presenting the government's program at the Moroccan Parliament in Rabat, Morocco April 19, 2017. REUTERS/Youssef Boudlal
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Moroccan Government Approves Plan to Promote Youths

Moroccan Prime Minister Saadeddine Othmani delivers his first speech presenting the government's program at the Moroccan Parliament in Rabat, Morocco April 19, 2017. REUTERS/Youssef Boudlal
Moroccan Prime Minister Saadeddine Othmani delivers his first speech presenting the government's program at the Moroccan Parliament in Rabat, Morocco April 19, 2017. REUTERS/Youssef Boudlal

The Moroccan government has approved a plan to promote youths and enable them to play an effective role in developing the country.

Government spokesperson Mustapha Khalfi said in a press conference on Thursday that the roadmap set by the Ministry of Youth and Sport would provide opportunities that qualify youths to move to adulthood through high-quality education and access to respectful jobs, adequate health services and active participation in social, political and cultural life.

The new policy’s objectives include increasing economic opportunities available for youths, enhancing services presented to them, reducing geographical gaps, reinforcing their effective participation in social life, and advancing the respect for human rights.

Khalfi said Moroccan Prime Minister Saadeddine Othmani tackled during the cabinet session the importance of monitoring prices during the month of Ramadan.

In another context, the Moroccan PM prepares to brief the parliament on Monday on his government's achievements in the first half of its term in line with article 101 of the constitution. 

Moreover, Othmani chaired in Rabat on Wednesday the second meeting of the Inter-Ministerial Committee to follow up and facilitate the government program.

During the meeting, Othmani lauded the joint efforts of public sector institutions in implementing the government program. He also noted that several achievements have been made.

The PM added that workshops and programs are in progress while taking into consideration the aspirations of citizens.

The Inter-Ministerial Committee was established in August 2017. It consists of all cabinet members.



Saudi Pavilion Highlights Cultural Exchange at Sarajevo Book Fair

The fair is held under the theme "Book Path" and features 200 exhibitors. SPA
The fair is held under the theme "Book Path" and features 200 exhibitors. SPA
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Saudi Pavilion Highlights Cultural Exchange at Sarajevo Book Fair

The fair is held under the theme "Book Path" and features 200 exhibitors. SPA
The fair is held under the theme "Book Path" and features 200 exhibitors. SPA

The Ministry of Islamic Affairs, Dawah and Guidance, represented by the King Fahd Cultural Center in Bosnia and Herzegovina, is participating in Saudi Arabia’s pavilion at the 37th Sarajevo International Book Fair held from April 22 to 27 at the Skenderija Center.

The fair is held under the theme "Book Path" and features 200 exhibitors from Bosnia and Herzegovina and around the world presenting their publications across an exhibition area of more than 10,000 square meters.

The pavilion, inaugurated in the presence of Saudi Ambassador to Bosnia and Herzegovina Anas Al-Wusaidi, showcases the center’s cultural programs, publications, and activities.

It includes a documentary highlighting the Kingdom’s civilizational progress and the achievements of Saudi Vision 2030, as well as films introducing Saudi cities and tourist landmarks.

The pavilion also features educational and training programs, a Saudi culture corner, a workshop on Saudi coffee preparation, an Arabic calligraphy corner, and a children’s area.

The ministry’s participation in the fair reflects Saudi Arabia’s leading role in serving Islam and Muslims inside and outside the Kingdom, its message of moderation and tolerance, and its commitment to strengthening cultural exchange.


Mass Poisoning Suspected as 18 Wolves Die in Italian National Park

FILE PHOTO: Ten wolves were released in a wolf wildlife park in Saint Martin Vesubie, southern France, December 16, 2004. REUTERS/Eric Gaillard/File Photo
FILE PHOTO: Ten wolves were released in a wolf wildlife park in Saint Martin Vesubie, southern France, December 16, 2004. REUTERS/Eric Gaillard/File Photo
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Mass Poisoning Suspected as 18 Wolves Die in Italian National Park

FILE PHOTO: Ten wolves were released in a wolf wildlife park in Saint Martin Vesubie, southern France, December 16, 2004. REUTERS/Eric Gaillard/File Photo
FILE PHOTO: Ten wolves were released in a wolf wildlife park in Saint Martin Vesubie, southern France, December 16, 2004. REUTERS/Eric Gaillard/File Photo

Italian authorities are investigating the deaths of at least 18 wolves and several other wild animals found in recent days in a national park, in what conservation groups say is one of the worst attacks on wildlife in Italy.

The carcasses were discovered across several locations in and around the Abruzzo, Lazio and Molise National Park, a mountainous area in the center of the country long regarded as a stronghold for Italy's recovering wolf ⁠population.

The national park's ⁠authorities said the animals were most likely killed by poisoned bait, raising concerns for public safety as well as biodiversity, Reuters reported.

"The scale of what is happening is devastating," it said in a statement, expressing its "deep grief and disbelief".

Environment Minister Gilberto Pichetto Fratin described the killings as "horrendous", adding that he had ordered ⁠Italy's forestry police to intensify inspections in an effort to identify those responsible.

"The ministry is particularly attentive and sensitive to the protection of a species that is so important for the balance of our ecosystem," he said in a statement.

Italy's protected wolf population has rebounded in recent decades after being driven close to extinction in the 20th century. A 2020-21 census suggested there were around 3,300 wolves nationwide.

However, in some rural areas, farmers complain of attacks on livestock.

Angelo Bonelli, a lawmaker with the ⁠opposition Greens ⁠and Left Alliance party, accused the government of failing to stand up to the hunting lobby, seen as close to right-wing parties in the ruling coalition.

"Swift investigations, tighter controls and exemplary sanctions are needed," he said.

Environment group Legambiente said three foxes and a buzzard had also been found dead in the same region, reinforcing fears of widespread, illegal poisoning.

"This is... an unprecedented attack on protected wildlife," it said in a statement.

Prosecutors in the nearby city of Sulmona have opened an investigation. Authorities have also urged local communities to report suspicious activity as tests continue to determine the exact cause of death.


Lebanon-Israel Ceasefire Extended by 3 Weeks after White House Meeting

US President Donald Trump speaks to the media in the Oval Office of the White House in Washington, DC, USA, 23 April 2026. President Trump met with Lebanese and Israeli envoys at the White House for a new round of peace talks.  EPA/WILL OLIVER / POOL
US President Donald Trump speaks to the media in the Oval Office of the White House in Washington, DC, USA, 23 April 2026. President Trump met with Lebanese and Israeli envoys at the White House for a new round of peace talks. EPA/WILL OLIVER / POOL
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Lebanon-Israel Ceasefire Extended by 3 Weeks after White House Meeting

US President Donald Trump speaks to the media in the Oval Office of the White House in Washington, DC, USA, 23 April 2026. President Trump met with Lebanese and Israeli envoys at the White House for a new round of peace talks.  EPA/WILL OLIVER / POOL
US President Donald Trump speaks to the media in the Oval Office of the White House in Washington, DC, USA, 23 April 2026. President Trump met with Lebanese and Israeli envoys at the White House for a new round of peace talks. EPA/WILL OLIVER / POOL

Lebanon and Israel extended their ceasefire for three weeks after a high-level meeting at the White House, US President Donald Trump said on Thursday.

Trump hosted Israel's ambassador to Washington Yechiel Leiter and Lebanese ambassador to the US Nada Moawad in the Oval Office for a second round of US-facilitated talks.

"The Meeting went very well! The United States is going to work with Lebanon in order to help it protect itself from Hezbollah," Trump wrote on Truth Social.

Trump added that he looked forward to hosting Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Lebanese President Joseph Aoun in the near future.

Trump also spoke to reporters in the Oval Office alongside the participants in the meeting, saying he hoped the leaders would meet during the three-week cessation of hostilities. He said there was "a great chance" the two countries would reach a peace agreement this year.

Vice President JD Vance, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, US Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee and U.S. Ambassador to Lebanon Michel Issa also attended the meeting.

The ceasefire, reached after talks between the two nations' ambassadors ⁠to Washington ⁠last week, was set to expire on Sunday. It has yielded a significant reduction in violence, but attacks have continued in southern Lebanon, where Israeli troops have seized a self-declared buffer zone.

The Lebanese president said a day earlier that during the talks Moawad would ask for an end to Israeli home demolitions in villages and towns occupied by Israel after the latest war broke out on March 2.

Moawad thanked Trump for hosting the talks. "I think with your help, with your support, we can make Lebanon great again," she said.

Asked how the US would help Lebanon to fight Hezbollah, Trump did not provide details but said Washington had "a great relationship with Lebanon."

Trump said Israel had to be able to defend itself against attacks from Hezbollah.

He also called for Lebanon to abolish laws against engagement with Israel.

"Well, I'm pretty sure that that will be ended very quickly. I'll make sure of that," Trump said.