Italy says operations of navy, coast guard obstructed by NGOs amid refugee influx

‘Immigration to Italy cannot be regulated by private bodies funded by foreign countries,’ says deputy prime minister

By Ahmet Gencturk

ATHENS (AA) – Italy said the operations of its navy and coast guard in the Mediterranean are obstructed by NGOs as the flow of migrants to the country grows, local media reported on Monday.

Deputy Prime Minister Matteo Salvini said these concerns should be taken seriously.

Rescue ship Louise Michel was detained over the weekend in the Mediterranean port city of Lampedusa by Greek authorities.

"It is Italy that is under attack, not the NGOs,” said Salvini, adding that “immigration to Italy cannot be regulated by private bodies funded by foreign countries.”

Similarly, Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani said: "If there are rules they must be respected,” in relation to the measures introduced by the government to regulate the activities of NGOs conducting search and rescue operations in the central Mediterranean.

Furthermore, the agency underscored that some 650 more refugees arrived in the Calabrian port of Roccella Ionica on Sunday night.

Kaynak:

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