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PMs of Spain, Italy focus on areas of agreement

Spain is preparing to take over the rotating six-month Presidency of the Council of the EU on July 1…reports Asian Lite News

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez and his Italian counterpart Giorgia Meloni met here on Wednesday for talks that covered migration, energy supply and the European Union’s (EU) rules on public debt.

Sanchez stopped over in Italy’s capital on the last leg of his international tour that took him to China last week and to Cyprus and Malta earlier this week.

Spain is preparing to take over the rotating six-month Presidency of the Council of the EU on July 1.

Sanchez’s talks with Meloni at Rome’s Palazzo Chigi are notable because the two leaders come from opposite sides of the political spectrum. However, the two leaders found common ground as their countries are two of the EU’s most common landing spots for asylum seekers from Africa and the Middle East.

Talking to journalists, Sanchez praised the EU’s recent decision to make the development of a common policy on migration a priority. “It is a step forward that illegal migration has been recognized as a European problem and not just one for Italy or Spain.”

“Italy and Spain are in sync on the fact that Europe has the necessity to deal with certain delicate topics that need an immediate and effective solution … which, particularly for Italy but also for Spain, is the topic of migration,” Meloni said.

Spain and Italy already collaborate on energy supply under the leadership of Meloni’s predecessor, Mario Draghi. On Wednesday, Sanchez and Meloni called for reforming Europe’s energy markets to cushion the blow from supply problems, such as the one caused by the cut-off of Russian natural gas and petroleum.

The leaders also called for EU policy on financial stability to be reformed.

Sanchez said Spain will focus on the “reindustrialization” of Europe’s economies during its EU Council Presidency in order to make the bloc more competitive globally.

ALSO READ-Spain passes Europe’s first paid ‘menstrual leave’ law

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Spanish Foreign Minister hails India’s effort  

Speaking further about the meeting, Jose said that he addressed issues like terrorism, cyber security, and climate change and also mentions the economic and global effects that the ongoing conflict had on the World…reports Asian Lite News

Hailing India’s effort in calling for peace amidst the Russia-Ukraine war, Spanish Foreign Minister Jose Manuel Albares Bueno said that India is doing a great job when it comes to bridging the gap between the West and Russia and he hoped that peace will be maintained within the principles of United Nations Charter.

“India is doing a great effort to bring us together, to do the most, to allow us to express all points of view and I hope that we will all be united around peace and peace within the principles of the United Nations charter”, said the Minister in response to ANI. When asked about his expectations of the joint statement post the meeting, the minister said that he doesn’t think that Russians are in the mood of doing it.

“The speech that I have heard and seen from the Russian Foreign Minister, I don’t think that Russia is ready to accept an acceptable statement. A statement that calls for peace and justice, for peace within the principles of the UN Charter. So, it is up to them but I don’t think that they are in the mood of doing it”, he said.

Speaking further about the meeting, Jose said that he addressed issues like terrorism, cyber security, and climate change and also mentions the economic and global effects that the ongoing conflict had on the World.

“We have also claimed that this war has an economic, social, and global effect and of course. Spain is eager to help all countries that are suffering from the security and energy crisis. We have large development funds to make sure that all that we are doing for Ukraine, as long as it’s needed is not to the detriment of Africa or Latin America”, said the Minister.

“I have addressed some of the global phenomena like Terrorism and cyber security, climate change. We need multilateralism, we need G20. Right now the war in Ukraine is not only a threat to Ukraine but it’s also a threat to multilateralism and to the basic principles of the multilateral world”, he added. (ANI)

ALSO READ-Spain passes Europe’s first paid ‘menstrual leave’ law

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Spain passes Europe’s first paid ‘menstrual leave’ law

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez speaks during a televised address in Madrid, Spain, Oct. 23, 2020. (La moncloa/Handout via Xinhua)

The legislation entitles employees experiencing period pain to as much time off as they need, with the state social security system — not employers — picking up the tab for the sick leave…reports Asian Lite News

Spain’s parliament has approved a law granting paid medical leave to women suffering severe period pain, becoming the first European country to advance such legislation.

The law, which passed by 185 votes in favour to 154 against, is aimed at breaking a taboo on the subject, Spain’s left-wing government has said.

Menstrual leave is currently offered only in a small number of countries across the globe, such as Japan, Indonesia and Zambia.

“It is a historic day for feminist progress,” tweeted Equality Minister Irene Montero, who says the move is a step toward addressing a health problem that has been largely swept under the carpet.

The legislation entitles employees experiencing period pain to as much time off as they need, with the state social security system — not employers — picking up the tab for the sick leave.

As with paid leave for other health reasons, it requires a doctor’s approval, though the length of sick leave is not specified in the law.

About a third of women suffer from severe menstrual pain, according to the Spanish Gynaecology and Obstetrics Society.

“Periods will no longer be taboo,” Montero said after the law was initially approved by the cabinet in May 2022.

“No more going to work with pain, no more taking pills before arriving at work and having to hide the fact we’re in pain that makes us unable to work.”

But the legislation created divisions among both politicians and unions. The CCOO, one of Spain’s main trade unions, welcomed the move as a major “legislative advance” to recognise a problem that has been “ignored” until now.

But the UGT, Spain’s other main union, warned it could stigmatise women in the workplace and indirectly hinder their “access to the labour market”, a stance echoed by the main right-wing opposition Popular Party (PP).

Menstrual leave was part of a broader law that also bolsters access to abortion services in public hospitals, a right that remains fraught with difficulties in a country with a strong Catholic tradition.

Less than 15 percent of abortions performed in the country take place in public hospitals, mainly because of conscientious objections by doctors.

The new legislation also allows minors aged 16 and 17 to have an abortion without parental permission, reversing a requirement introduced by a previous conservative government in 2015.

Spain, a European leader in women’s rights, decriminalised abortion in 1985, and in 2010, it passed a law that allows women to opt freely for abortion during the first 14 weeks of pregnancy in most cases.

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Modi briefs Spanish PM on India’s G20 priorities

Prime Minister Sanchez extended full support to India’s initiatives under its G20 Presidency and the two leaders agreed to remain in contact…reports Asian Lite News

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday had a telephone conversation with his Spanish counterpart Pedro Sanchez wherein he briefed him about India’s priorities for G20 Presidency.

“Glad to speak with Prime Minister of Spain @sanchezcastejon. We discussed ways to further strengthen our growing bilateral relationship. Look forward to continuing our close cooperation as part of India’s G20 Presidency,” tweeted PM Modi. Briefing his Spanish counterpart he said that India’s priorities for G20 Presidency are oriented towards working to promote oneness based on the theme of Vasudhaiva Kutumbkam (One Earth, One Family, One Future), read Prime Minister’s Office press release.

Responding to it, Prime Minister Sanchez extended full support to India’s initiatives under its G20 Presidency and the two leaders agreed to remain in contact.

Earlier Sanchez tweeted, “I have just had a fruitful conversation with the Prime Minister of India,

@narendramodi. I have reiterated Spain’s support for the Indian #G20 presidency and we have agreed to continue strengthening our bilateral relations, especially in the areas of economy and trade.”

The leaders discussed a number of bilateral and international issues of mutual interest. They reviewed ongoing bilateral initiatives and expressed satisfaction at the recent high-level exchanges and growing cooperation in defence, economic and commercial sectors. They agreed to collaborate on issues such as digital infrastructure, climate action, clean energy transition and sustainable development, added the release.

Earlier, Jose Manuel Albares, Spain’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, European Union and Cooperation, visited India on June 15, 2022. This was his first official visit to India. It was one of the first high-level visits to India from Spain.

During his visit, Albares held talks with his Indian counterpart Dr S Jaishankar. Both foreign ministers reviewed the bilateral relations. At the same time, both also committed to add new depth and content to the relationship.

Spain remains one of those countries with which India’s relations are still in the process of development. While India has close engagements with the European Union (EU), France, Germany and the United Kingdom, its relations with Spain are yet to reach that level.

It is important to consider the reasons for the relatively underdeveloped nature of the India-Spain relations as also how India and Spain could find common ground to strengthen their ties.

To strengthen their relations, India and Spain would need to find common ground at the bilateral level and also at multilateral levels as the emerging world order is a unique mix of continuation of the old order and emergence of the new simultaneously.

China’s actions are directed at creating a China-centric order challenging the United States and other democratic nations. At the same time, the Russia-Ukraine war is pushing Europe towards becoming a theatre for conflict between major world powers.

Recently, India and the EU have resumed talks for a free trade agreement (FTA). India also concluded a trade pact with Australia in April and with the UAE in February. India and Spain could consider similar agreement to boost their bilateral trade. (ANI)

Khajuraho to host G20 Culture Working Group meet

The first Culture Working Group meet, under India’s G-20 Presidency, will be held in Madhya Pradesh’s temple town Khajuraho from February 22.

Officials of the Ministry of Culture said that India’s G20 Culture Track is predicated on the idea of ‘Culture for LiFE’ – an environmentally conscious lifestyle as a campaign for sustainable living.

The CWG will evolve through four meetings in four historic cities of India and steer the G20 discourse on four priority areas. India’s CWG will reflect the emergence of culture as a prominent theme on the global stage, it will adopt culture to renew multilateral and multicultural cooperation at all levels, and will aim to forward this ideal and inform future global cultural policies and initiatives.

An ancient city, Khajuraho is known for its majestic temples and elaborate sculptures. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Khajuraho’s monuments were constructed by the Chandela Dynasty between 950-1050 AD. The aesthetic of the Nagara-style architecture, ornamented with the intricate and detailed sculptures, acts like a window into the socio-cultural practices of the time. According to historical records, there were 85 temples in the temple site in Khujaraho, covering 20 square km, in the 12th Century AD. However, today, only 25 of these temples – scattered throughout a 6 square km area – have survived.

Officials said that as a part of the meeting, there will be an exhibition titled “Re(ad)dress : Return of Treasures” at the Maharaja Chhatrasal Convention Centre (MCCC), which will be inaugurated by Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan and Union Culture and Tourism Minister G. Kishan Reddy.

The delegates from the G20 countries will get to experience cultural programmes including the Khajuraho Dance Festival. They will also get to visit the Western Group of Temples along with a tiger safari at the Panna Tiger Reserve.

India assumed the G20 presidency on 1 December 2022, articulating the theme of ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam’ – One Earth. One Family. One Future’, which aims to foster, celebrate, and incorporate the diversity of cultural traditions amongst the member states while striving towards holistic living and creating a pro-people planet.

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Spain drops sedition charges against Catalan leader

Carles Puigdemont. (Photo: Twitter/@KRLS)

Spain has repeatedly tried to get Puigdemont extradited during his stays in Germany, Belgium and Italy, though they have failed each time…reports Asian Lite News

Spain dropped sedition charges against the leader of Catalonia’s failed bid for independence on Thursday, following a legal reform.

The Spanish Supreme Court said it would no longer pursue charges against Carles Puigdemont for inciting people to rebel against Spain’s central government.

Catalonia is a wealthy region in northeastern Spain, which has long sought independence.

In 2017, Puigdemont led a controversial independence referendum that was banned by central authorities and met with a heavy police crackdown.  It led to a constitutional crisis.

Puigdemont, who is currently in self-imposed exile in Belgium, still faces charges of disobedience and embezzlement in Spain, which could land him with a jail term of up to eight years.

Sedition carried a maximum jail term of 15 years under Spanish law. But the crime was abolished, after a reform to Spain’s legal code.

Spain has repeatedly tried to get Puigdemont extradited during his stays in Germany, Belgium and Italy, though they have failed each time.

On Thursday, Spanish Supreme Court judge Pablo Llarena said he would submit a new extradition request to Belgian authorities so that the Catalan leader can be tried in Spain for lesser charges.

Catalan independence: Five years on from referendum, is there any hope for separatists?

But whether this will happen depends on rulings by EU courts, which need to decide if Puigdemont has immunity and if multiple extraditions can be requested.

Puigdemont’s lawyer, Gonzalo Boye, said Llarena had a “fundamental rights and political persecution problem”.

Spain amended its penal code late last year to remove the historic sedition law, which took effect on Thursday.

The Supreme Court also dropped sedition charges against other Catalan exiled separatist politicians Antonio Comin, Lluis Puig, Clara Ponsati and Marta Rovira. All the exiled Catalan leaders fled Spain in 2017 after the botched attempt to break away from Spain.

Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez, who has pardoned those convicted over the events, said the move should reduce political conflict between Madrid and Catalonia.

Opposition parties said it was designed to assure Sanchez’s socialist-led coalition of the continued support of independence parties in contentious parliamentary votes.

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LaLiga well represented in FIFA World Cup final

No Spain, but La Liga well represented in World Cup final. (CREDIT: Xinhua)

FC Barcelona were the team that sent most players to the World Cup, (17), but now only Ousmane Dembele and Jules Kounde remain….reports Asian Lite News

The Spanish football team may have flown home after losing to Morocco in a penalty shootout in the last 16 but the Spanish football league is still going to be well-represented in Sunday’s World Cup final between France and Argentina.

Fifteen of the 52 players in the France and Argentina squads currently ply their trade in La Liga, with that rising to 16 if we count Real Madrid striker Karim Benzema, who flew back to Spain with a muscle injury but was never replaced in the French squad by coach Didier Deschamps.

Atletico Madrid may not be having the best of seasons, but they are the most represented club with Antoine Griezmann, Rodrigo de Paul, Angel Correa and Nahuel Molina all at Atletico, reports Xinhua.

Bayern Munich also have four players involved in the final, with: Pavard, Upamecano, Coman and Lucas Hernandez all in the French squad although Lucas is now recovering after damaging his cruciate knee ligament.

FC Barcelona were the team that sent most players to the World Cup, (17), but now only Ousmane Dembele and Jules Kounde remain.

The Premier League is also well-represented in the final, with 10 players who are currently playing in England, including Argentine forward Julian Alvarez and goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez, eight players are in France, seven each in Germany and Italy and two in Portugal, with just one each in the U.S. and Argentina — showing perhaps how many top Argentinian players seek their fortune abroad.

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Morocco celebrates historic win over Spain

Spain, the 2010 champions became another major European casualty after Belgium and Germany crashed out, with the former succumbing to Morocco in a Group stage match…reports Asian Lite News

A resilient Morocco shocked a bungling Spain 3-0 in a FIFA World Cup Round of 16 match decided via a penalty shootout here on Tuesday.

With the surprising victory, Morocco became the only African and Arab nation to reach the quarterfinals in Qatar.

Spanish team members and fans were devastated at the end of the shootout at the Education City Stadium in the Qatari capital when their team failed to convert even one shot from the spot — Morocco goalkeeper Yassine Bounou saved efforts by Carlos Soler and Sergio Busquets while Pablo Sarabia struck the post.

In contrast, Abdelhamid Sabiri and Hakim Ziyech scored theirs and though Badr Benoun was thwarted by Unai Simon, Achraf Hakimi sealed a maiden entry in the World Cup quarterfinals for Morocco when he sent Spain’s keeper the wrong way.

Spain, the 2010 champions became another major European casualty after Belgium and Germany crashed out, with the former succumbing to Morocco in a Group stage match.

Both teams took several shots at the goal during regulation time but were unable to make a dent in the scoreboard.

The Spaniards raised the pressure to a peak on the Moroccan defence around the 80th minute when two attempts closely missed the net.

Both halves of extra time show Spain dominating Morocco but they were unable to breach the latter’s red defence wall.

Morocco coach Walid Regragui’s men have been on a nine-game unbeaten run including this match and have received accolades for their team spirit.

Morocco will take on the winner of the Portugal-Switzerland game being played tonight. It will be the last Round of 16 match at the tournament.

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Japan, Spain advance as Germany knocked out of FIFA World Cup 2022

Spain on the other hand started with 7-0 drubbing of Costa Rica and followed it up with a one-all draw with Germany…reports Armstrong Vaz

Japan rallied from a goal down to shock European giants Spain 2-1 in the concluding match of Group E to emerge as group winners while booking a place in the knockouts of the FIFA World Cup.

In material of losing the last league match of the group Spain qualified along with Japan to the knockout stage of the tournament.

In a night of chaotic pair of games, at the Khalifa International Stadium, Japan trailing by a 11th minute goal scored by Alvaro Morata to go into the half time break trailing 1-0.

The Samurai Blue however stormed back with full gusto in the second half to score two goals within a span of three minutes.

Coach Hajime Moriyasu drew level through Ritsu Doan in the 48th minute and went into the lead with a goal from Ao Tanaka three minutes later.

Japan, who have set a target of qualifying for the last-eight stage of the tournament, had opened their campaign with a 2-1 win over four-time winners Germany but lost to Costa Rica.

Spain on the other hand started with 7-0 drubbing of Costa Rica and followed it up with a one-all draw with Germany.

In the other match at Al Bayt Stadium in Al Khor, Germany defeat Costa Rica 4-2 in a six-goal thriller which was officiated by a first all-female on-field refereeing team at men’s World Cup.

The winning effort fell short and was not enough as they finished with just four points from three matches the same as Spain but La Roja qualified on a better goal difference.

Japan’s 2-1 win over Spain meant Japan and Spain were through, Japan finished with six points from two wins and loss.

This is the second tournament in a row, Germany go out in the group stages. It’s one of those nights where it just hasn’t been enough.

Germany’s failure to advance for the second straight World Cup is a remarkable fall for a national team that won the event in 2014, finished third in 2010 and 2006 and was the runner-up in 2002.

On Thursday, both Group E and Group F had surprising group winners. Group E champion Japan will face Croatia in the round of 16 on Monday. Group F winner Morocco will face Spain on Tuesday.

The World Cup continues Friday, when the round of 16 will be set after the finales in Group G and Group H.

Moriyassu’s last-eight target, set at the start of the tournament, is now a step away.

Moriyasu has had some bitter memories of Qatar, as a player as he was part of the Japan team which missed out on the chance to qualify for the 1994 World Cup Finals as they were within seconds of reaching their first finals only to concede a stoppage-time equalizer to Iraq which sent arch-rivals South Korea through instead.

That crushing moment is known as the “Agony of Doha” but while Japan’s biggest football setback may never be forgotten, the Samurai Blue are determined to reverse their fortunes and make Qatar the stage for their best World Cup performance.

Japan have since then put the 1994 set behind them and since debuting in 1998 have qualified for seven successive World Cup tournaments and a last-eight finish is finally within Japan’s reach despite featuring in a tough group feels Moriyasu, which he has reiterated time to time ahead of their opening match.

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Spain thrash Costa Rica 7-0 in World Cup opener

Spain end Italy's unbeaten run, reach Nations League final.

The Costa Ricans were unable to put up any resistance against a rampaging attack by the men in red since Dani Olmo’s 11th minute goal that put Spain ahead 1-0…reports Mukhesh Sharma

Spain virtually steamrolled a feeble Costa Rica 7-0 in the FIFA Group E match at the Al Thumama Stadium in Doha on Wednesday.

Spanish fans could not have it better on a pleasant evening in Doha as Costa Rica failed to even take a shot at the goal, suffering a humiliating defeat at the hands of the Europeans.

Teenage star Gavi, who also plays for Barcelona, became the youngest player since Brazil’s Pele to score a World Cup goal as he confidently steered home the ball in the 74th minute, taking his side ahead by four goals to nil.

The Costa Ricans were unable to put up any resistance against a rampaging attack by the men in red since Dani Olmo’s 11th minute goal that put Spain ahead 1-0.

Costa Rica players were found fumbling with just 18 per cent ball possession and 12 fouls out of 20 in the match.

Ferran Torres scored twice — in the 31st minute and 54th minute, the first with a penalty. The other scorers were Asensio (21′), Soler (90′) and Morata (90+2′).

Spain meets Germany while Costa Rica take on Japan on Sunday at the Al Bay Stadium and Ahmad Bin Ali Stadium, respectively.

ALSO READ-Japan stun 4-time champions Germany 2-1 in group E

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Over 4,000 hectares of land destroyed in wildfires in Spain

Los Angeles, Aug. 23, 2020 (Xinhua) -- A wildfire is seen in Riverside County of Southern California, the United States, Aug. 23, 2020. (Xinhua/IANS)

The fire in the province of Ourense has burned 600 hectares after starting simultaneously in 10 different places, but has been brought under control…reports Asian Lite News

Over 4,000 hectares of land have been destroyed in seven wildfires that are still burning in the autonomous community of Galicia in northwestern Spain, according to local firefighting services.

At least 2,000 hectares have so far been ravaged by the largest fire close to the city of A Coruna. There have not been any casualties, but the flames have forced the evacuation of 700 people from a campsite in the A Pobra do Caraminal.

The fire in the province of Ourense has burned 600 hectares after starting simultaneously in 10 different places, but has been brought under control.

Most of the fires were thought to be started intentionally, according to local media reports.

The leader of the main opposition party (PP) Alberto Nunez Feijoo, who is also the former president of the Regional Government of Galicia, called for the “full weight of the law” to be brought on those responsible for the fires.

According to data collected by the Copernicus satellite on Saturday, around 230,000 hectares of land have been burned in wildfires in the driest summer on record in Spain this year.

The central government on Monday approved a new law to help prevent future fires, which includes measures such as increasing all-year-round vigilance and removing undergrowth to prevent flames to spread rapidly.

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