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Spain's Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez dismisses concerns over potential US move to suspend Spain from NATO
via SeneNews2 min read
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez stated on Friday that he is not concerned by a Reuters article suggesting the United States is considering suspending Spain from NATO due to its opposition to the war against Iran. Sánchez, attending a European Union leaders' summit in Nicosia, Cyprus, responded to reports that Washington might suspend Spain's participation in leadership roles within the Alliance. He affirmed, "Spain is a reliable partner within NATO and we fulfill our obligations," adding, "So, no worries." He further clarified that his government operates on official documents and US government positions, not emails. Sánchez reiterated that the Spanish government's stance is clear: "absolute cooperation with our allies, but always within the framework of international legality." The founding treaty of NATO, signed in 1949, does not include provisions for the suspension or exclusion of a member. Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni called for NATO to "remain united," describing it as one of its "assets." Since late February, Sánchez has opposed the war led by the United States and Israel against Iran, becoming a leading voice in the West against the hostilities. This firm position has reportedly angered US President Donald Trump, who criticized Madrid for refusing to allow the US to use military bases in Andalusia for air attacks, even threatening to "cease all trade" between the two countries. Trump has also criticized the Spanish government for not committing to increa
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Must ReadThe Pastef party has initiated a national campaign to recruit one million active members across Senegal by the end of 2026. This announcement was made by Muhamed Ndiaye of Pastef Touba, shortly after Ousmane Sonko's inauguration as the party leader. The operation will involve all 46 departments of Senegal, utilizing departmental coordination, communal sections, and grassroots cells. Specific targets have been set for each department based on its adult population, with Dakar aiming for 83,417 active members, followed by Mbacké 70,404, Rufisque 53,395, Mbour 53,096, Keur Massar 50,261, Thiès 49,910, and Pikine 49,888. This strategy aims to strengthen the party's presence in both urban and rural areas and increase member mobilization nationwide. The campaign's organizers state that this recruitment and organizational effort will consolidate Pastef's national presence in preparation for the upcoming political events scheduled for 2027 and 2029. The party is relying on its local structures to achieve the goal of one million active members before the end of 2026.
Must ReadMichel Platini has filed a complaint against FIFA President Gianni Infantino for "malicious denunciation" and "influence peddling," according to a statement. This action, which also targets two former FIFA officials, includes a civil party constitution, which will lead to the appointment of an investigating judge. Platini had previously filed two complaints in 2018 and 2021 concerning the same matter; the first was deemed time-barred, and the second was dismissed last October. The former football star will also initiate civil proceedings against the global football body to seek compensation for damages related to "maneuvers used to prevent him from being elected FIFA president in 2015." Platini believes that Infantino, his former number two at UEFA, along with former FIFA legal director Marco Villiger and former chairman of its audit committee Domenico Scala, "worked to remove him from the presidential race" through "totally unfounded accusations." The revelation in autumn 2015 of a payment of two million Swiss francs made to Platini by FIFA four years earlier led to disciplinary and criminal proceedings, just as he was well-positioned to lead FIFA. Platini's removal paved the way for the unexpected election of his UEFA secretary general, Gianni Infantino, in February 2016. Infantino was re-elected unopposed in 2019 and 2023 and will seek another term next March.
Must ReadSomali referee Omar Abdulkadir Artan, selected by FIFA to officiate at the 2026 World Cup, was denied entry to the United States upon his arrival in Miami, according to several international media outlets. Reports indicate that the Somali official possessed a valid US visa. After arriving in the United States, he was forced to return to Istanbul, Turkey. The precise reasons for this decision have not been officially detailed by US authorities. Prior to his trip, Omar Artan had faced administrative difficulties in obtaining his visa. With the support of the Somali embassy in Nairobi, he had obtained a diplomatic passport, and FIFA had indicated a few days earlier that his situation was regularized. The 34-year-old referee was set to become the first Somali official in history to participate in a World Cup final phase. He is among the referees chosen by FIFA for the tournament co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico. Omar Artan is considered one of Africa's most prominent referees. He notably officiated the CAF Champions League final won by Pyramids FC against Mamelodi Sundowns and was named CAF's best African referee of 2025, according to several media sources.