The new government in Rome is currently waging a power struggle against aid organizations that want to bring hundreds of castaways to mainland Italy. Following a partial concession from Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, who landed emergencies, and following the commitment of several EU countries to host refugees from the Ocean Viking, Italy has now jointly appealed to the refugee NGOs. The Mediterranean states call on them to respect the “international legal framework for search and rescue operations”.
“Each state must exercise its jurisdiction and control over ships flying its flag,” the letter said on Saturday. In addition, the four countries consider a discussion about the coordination of NGOs in line with international conventions “urgent”. “All flag states must take responsibility for the rescue vessels in accordance with their international obligations,” the statement said. The four countries called on the EU to take steps to initiate discussion on the situation of the aid organisations.
“We bear the greatest burden”
The non-compliance with migrant resettlement agreements was described as “deplorable and disappointing”. “Unfortunately, the number of relocations pledged by participating Member States represents only a very small fraction of the actual number of irregular immigrants,” the letter said. The mechanism has proved “sluggish” when it comes to easing pressure on Mediterranean countries. “Italy, Greece, Malta and Cyprus bear the greatest burden in managing migratory flows in the Mediterranean”, it was stressed.
“We cannot reconcile the idea that the countries of first entry are the only possible European disembarkation points for illegal immigrants, especially if this is done in an uncoordinated manner, based on a choice made by private vessels that are completely independent of the competent government authorities. ,” it said.
Source: Krone
I’m Wayne Wickman, a professional journalist and author for Today Times Live. My specialty is covering global news and current events, offering readers a unique perspective on the world’s most pressing issues. I’m passionate about storytelling and helping people stay informed on the goings-on of our planet.
