‘A symbol of EU FAILURE’ Brussels policy blamed after Italy turns migrant boat away
A RESCUE ship carrying 629 migrants, which was turned away by Italy and Malta, has been branded a “symbol of the failure of the European Union” by the boss of a charity which helps operate the vessel.
By HARVEY GAVIN
Express.co.uk
Fri, Jun 15, 2018
The Aquarius, which is run by SOS Mediterranee and Doctors without Borders (MSF), is now on its way to Spain.
The ship had previously tried to dock in Italy, but the country’s new anti-migrant Minister of the Interior, Matteo Salvini, refused to accept it.
Officials in Malta also turned the boat away, claiming the vessel was Italy’s responsibility.
The head of MSF Spain, David Noguera, blamed the EU and the “contradictory policies” of member states for the situation.
And he warned the 10-day trip to Spain and back would inevitably lead to more deaths as migrant boats continue to make the perilous journey to Europe across the Mediterranean from northern Africa.
He said: “The detour of the Aquarius is clearly a symbol of the failure of the European Union and European governments with their contradictory policies.
“It is a very negative precedent. The truth is there is a question on the table as to whether this is a single event which is resolved quickly, or if we will no longer be allowed to dock in Italy and the blockage continues which would completely change rescue operations.”
The Aquarius is carrying 629 migrants from Libya, including seven pregnant women and 123 unaccompanied children.
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