Italy has extended for another 15 days the checks at its air and maritime borders with Spain due to the continuing situation in Ceuta, local media reported Wednesday.
According to Corriere della Sera, Italian Interior Minister Matteo Piantedosi decided to extend the checks after a meeting of the Committee for the Analysis of Immigration and Border Security.
The decision was prompted by the current situation in Ceuta, a Spanish enclave on the North African coast, and the persistence of previously identified security and migration concerns, the report said.
The Italian Interior Ministry has notified the European Commission and interior ministers of other European Union members of the measure, according to the report.
It is the third extension introduced by the Italian Interior Ministry since the migrant emergency emerged in Ceuta, Corriere della Sera said. The temporary suspension of Schengen rules means checks remain in place at Italy's air and maritime borders with Spain.
Following a massive influx of migrants into Ceuta, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni announced on July 31 that Italy would maintain temporary checks on third-country nationals arriving from Spain until at least Aug 15, citing national security and border-management concerns.
In response, Spain announced later on the same day that it would temporarily restore internal border checks for travelers arriving from Italy until Sept 27 unless circumstances change.
Italy extends border checks with Spain for another 15 days
China's Macao Special Administrative Region (SAR) held a flag-raising ceremony at the Golden Lotus Square on Thursday morning to mark the 77th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China.
At 08:00, a flag-bearing contingent composed of members of the Police Tactical Intervention Unit, a subordinate of the Public Security Forces Affairs Bureau of Macao, escorted the national flag and the Macao SAR flag into the square in a Chinese-style marching step.
This marks the first time members of the Public Security Forces Affairs Bureau have participated in a flag-raising ceremony using Chinese-style drill formations. To match the style, the contingent members wore brand-new uniforms and were equipped with brand-new gear.
Macao SAR Chief Executive Sam Hou Fai attended the ceremony, along with heads of central government agencies in Macao and representatives of people from all walks of life in the region.
Young representatives from Macao who had previously traveled to Beijing to participate in the "Salute to the National Flag" event also attended the ceremony.
"As a youth from Macao, I feel particularly honored and proud to be able to participate in this flag-raising ceremony. After watching the ceremony, I feel extremely moved and excited," said Tai U Fei, a student from the Macao SAR.
"This is the first time this year to witness the change from the Portuguese-style to the Chinese-style drill formations. I had seen their training before, and this time I was able to witness this historic moment with my own eyes at the Golden Lotus Square. I feel very honored. We had just returned from our visit to Beijing, where we also watched the same flag-raising ceremony from the viewing stand at Tian'anmen Square. When those familiar steps came to our land in Macao, I felt a strong sense of familiarity and honor. My feelings today are as warm as the sunshine," said another young student named Che Hang Kok.
Following the flag-raising ceremony, the Macao SAR government held a reception to celebrate the 77th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China. Sam said the motherland's vigorous development and constant progress have always been the strongest support and warmest haven for the Macao SAR.
Looking ahead, Macao will demonstrate greater resolve and adopt a more forward-looking approach to push the SAR to make greater contribution to the great cause of building China into a powerful country and realizing national rejuvenation, he said, adding that the SAR will write a new chapter in the successful practice of "one country, two systems" with Macao characteristics.
Flag-raising ceremony held in Macao to mark 77th founding anniversary of PRC
