馃嚬馃嚦TunisiaNorth Africa
Giorgia Meloni refutes Donald Trump's claims, escalating tensions between Washington and Rome
via Business News2 min read
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni strongly reacted on Friday, June 19, 2026, to statements attributed to US President Donald Trump, who reportedly claimed she "begged" him for a photo at the G7 summit in 脡vian. These remarks, reported by the Italian channel La7, led to the cancellation of an official visit by Italian Minister of Foreign Affairs Antonio Tajani to the United States. According to Reuters and Associated Press, Donald Trump stated in a phone interview with La7 that Giorgia Meloni had insisted so much on getting a photo with him that he eventually accepted "out of pity." Meloni categorically denied Trump's statements in a video on social media, calling them "totally invented." She expressed her astonishment at the US President's behavior towards allies and regretted that he does not show the same determination towards "enemies of the West and the United States," suggesting he is "much more conciliatory" with some of them. Meloni concluded by stating, "Let him remember: neither I nor Italy ever beg anyone." Italian Minister of Foreign Affairs Antonio Tajani announced the cancellation of his trip to the United States on June 21 and 22, denouncing the remarks as "serious and offensive" towards Meloni and Italy. Several Italian political leaders, including Minister of Defense Guido Crosetto and Minister of Justice Carlo Nordio, supported Meloni, with Nordio stating the controversy severely impacted relations between Rome and Washington. This incident follows a peri
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This summary was AI-generated from a story originally published by Business News.
Several civil society organizations, including the Tunisian Human Rights League LTDH, the Tunisian Association of Democratic Women ATFD, and Amnesty International Tunisia, are calling for a march against racism and hate speech in Tunis on Saturday, June 20, 2026. This mobilization comes in response to an increase in racist discourse, discriminatory remarks, and stigmatization campaigns targeting Black Tunisians and people of sub-Saharan African origin. Organizers highlight a rise in racist aggressions and xenophobic gatherings, often fueled by conspiracy theories. They emphasize that racism is a crime and a social construct, not an opinion, and denounce the conflation of migration, skin color, and criminality. The march will begin at 5:30 PM from Nelson Mandela Square in the Lafayette district of Tunis. Participants aim to condemn racism and all forms of discrimination, while reaffirming human dignity, equal rights, and solidarity. The associations hope this initiative will counter the normalization of previously marginal but now widespread hateful rhetoric, urging citizens to join in defending a Tunisia based on human rights and inclusivity.
Must ReadOn Friday, June 19, 2026, the criminal chamber specializing in financial corruption cases at the Tunis Court of First Instance delivered its verdict in a corruption case involving the Gafsa Phosphate Company CPG. A total of 23 defendants received prison sentences ranging from five to twelve years, along with fines. Among those convicted were a former CEO of CPG and a former Minister of Energy and Mines. The accused were prosecuted for abuse of office to obtain undue advantage for themselves or others, causing prejudice to the administration, violating current regulations, complicity in these acts, and money laundering. Following deliberations, the court imposed prison sentences between five and twelve years, in addition to financial penalties, against the convicted individuals.
Must ReadNegotiations between Iran and the United States, aimed at resolving the conflict in the Middle East, have been postponed indefinitely, according to the Swiss government. The talks, which were scheduled to begin on June 19, 2026, in Switzerland, were called off hours after the cancellation of US Vice President JD Vance's trip to Europe. The Swiss Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed the postponement of discussions involving the United States, Iran, Qatar, and Pakistan, stating that preparatory work continues and Switzerland remains ready to facilitate future talks. The uncertainty surrounding the discussions arose after the framework agreement to end the conflict, initiated on February 28 by the United States and Israel, was signed electronically by Iranian President Massoud Pezeshkian and US President Donald Trump. Iranian Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei approved the agreement despite reservations, emphasizing that future face-to-face negotiations do not imply acceptance of the "enemy's point of view." The negotiations were expected to focus on Iran's nuclear program and were planned for a luxury hotel in B眉rgenstock. The White House announced that logistical challenges prevented Vice President Vance from departing, and Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, a key mediator, also postponed his arrival. Following the agreement, traffic resumed in the Strait of Hormuz, a critical global oil trade route, after the US blockade was lifted. Iranian state television reported that