AS Monaco’s Under 19 soccer team passed over the doomed Morandi bridge in Genoa just 90 minutes before the tragedy that cost 39 lives on the morning of Tuesday, August 14.
Pic: Google Maps
The youngsters were on their way to play a friendly against Sampdoria Genoa, according to a news report in local French daily Monaco Matin.
It was only after the game that the players learned the shocking news. A friendly game for the two clubs’ Under 17 players, due to be held next week, has been cancelled as a mark of respect for those who lost their lives.
The Monaco club published a tweet, saying: “All our thoughts are with our Genoese neighbours.”
National Council calls for traffic police, more building controls
Monaco’s elected body, the National Council, has written to the Minister of State with proposals that would improve the lives of the local population, according to its president, Stephane Valeri.
Top of the list are concerns over traffic and construction nuisance. The Council said that conditions are serious enough for some residents to consider leaving the Principality, or deciding not to move here. The letter said that the Council has specific proposals.
One of these is the introduction of a traffic brigade, which would function in addition to the public security service. The brigade would help optimise traffic flow and intervene in the event of traffic jams. The Council also proposes a better and less expensive bus service, with more frequent schedules.
The letter also takes issue with the disruption caused by major events, including the Monaco Yacht Show, the Grand Prix, and Top Marques. In particular, the super car show should not coincide with the Tennis Open, to alleviate traffic and congestion, the Council says.
Beyond such relatively minor adjustments, and with the unreliable train service in mind, the Council also proposes the establishment of a boat service linking Menton, Monaco and Nice.
The nuisance caused by the many building sites in the Principality could be reduced by installing double glazing in homes near the sites, the Council says, adding that more inspectors should be recruited to check that existing regulations are being respected.
Lead investigator in Unaoil case removed for gross misconduct
The long-running British investigation of Monaco-based Unaoil took a dramatic turn on Tuesday, August 14, when news emerged that the senior lawyer in the case has been suspended from his post at the UK’s Serious Fraud Office for “gross misconduct.”
Tom Martin had been a case controller and senior lawyer at the law enforcement agency since 2014.
The case against the oil consultancy company and Unaoil has been one of the highest profile investigations ever brought by the SFO and centres on alleged payments to individuals involving a pipeline project in Iraq.
The Serious Fraud Office instigated the investigation with dawn raids on members of Unaoil in Monaco in 2016. An announcement of criminal proceedings was made in June this year.
Photo; Facebook Unaoil Group
The Government of Monaco has made a number of statements in recent months – including using its @Gov.Monaco Twitter account – not connected to the Unaoil case, in which it has restated its case that the Principality complies with international laws.
Prince Albert expresses condolences for victims of bridge tragedy
HSH Prince Albert and Princess Charlene reacted quickly to the terrible tragedy in Genoa and the loss of life when the Morandi viaduct collapsed on the morning of Tuesday, August 14.
In a message to the President of Italy, the Sovereign said: “The Princess and I have learned with deep emotion of the tragic collapse of the viaduct in the city of Genoa.
“The people of Monaco join with us to assure you of our solidarity and our prayers for the victims of this disaster.
Pic: Google Maps
“Our thoughts also go to those injured, and we wish them a speedy and complete recovery.”
The bridge collapse, during a violent storm, is being urgently investigated. More than 30 people lost their lives in the port city that lies just two hours by car from the Principality.
“Alps of the Mediterranean” enters final phase for UNESCO approval
France, Monaco and Italy jointly committed themselves some time ago to applying for membership of UNESCO’s World Heritage sites for the cross-border “Alps of the Mediterranean.” The application is now in its final phase.
The area includes protected natural areas such as the Alpi Marittime/Mercantour European Park and the Alpi Liguri Park. The project involves nearly 80 cross-border municipalities, including 42 in the Alpes-Maritimes. The Principality is, for its part, involved because of its marine heritage.
The file was officially submitted by Italy, in January 2018, to the offices of the Secretariat of the UNESCO World Heritage Centre, after the nomination was jointly signed by HE Mr Bernard Fautrier, Minister Plenipotentiary, in charge of missions to the Minister of State and Managing Director of the Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation, and Mr Paolo Salsotto, President of the EGTC European Park Alpi Marittime-Mercantour.
HSH the Sovereign Prince said: “This exceptional territory is located on the border of three countries, it associates three cultures and it gathers three populations with a common objective: its protection. Together, we bring this UNESCO World Heritage nomination, which will be the recognition of all our efforts to protect the Mediterranean Alps, which deserve so much international recognition.”
The final decision on the application will be made during the 43rd session of the World Heritage Committee to be held in Baku, Azerbaijan, from June 30 to July 10, 2019.
A 32-year-old French businessman has escaped with a suspended sentence after his arrest for drunk-driving and criminal damage.
The holidaymaker, who was staying in neighbouring Beausoleil, was apprehended after trying to force the barrier at the Larvotto underground car park shortly after 05:00 on Monday, August 6, local French-language daily Monaco Matin reported.
He was stopped at Place du Casino and found to have a blood alcohol level of 1.43 grammes per litre of blood.
The court was told that the accused had 13 previous convictions in France, for a range of offences including falsifications of checks, theft, narcotics, scams, and driving without a licence.
The criminal court sentenced him to a two-month suspended prison sentence, a fine of 1,500 euros, a further 500 euros fine, and payment of 210 euros for damage, as proposed by the prosecuting counsel.
All the headlines and highlights from Monaco, direct to you every morning
