“NGOs respect international laws” Italy, Malta, Cyprus and Greece ask NGOs to “respect” the international legal framework for search and rescue operations. “Each country – reads a joint memorandum – will effectively exercise jurisdiction and control over the ships that fly its flag.” In addition, the four countries consider having an “urgent and necessary” discussion on the coordination of NGOs in accordance with international conventions. The note concludes: “All flag states assume their responsibilities in accordance with their international obligations”, and asks the European Union to take measures to start the discussion.
French Minister: “Meloni’s unacceptable methods” – According to France, the migration crisis is “a very strong disappointment, and Italy does not respect international law or maritime law”. This was confirmed by the French Minister of Foreign Affairs, Catherine Colonna, and added that the statement “in which Giorgia Meloni, our spokeswoman, affirms that it is up to France to receive immigrants, is totally contrary to what we have said. These methods are unacceptable.”
Tajani: ‘Disproportionate reaction from France’ – For the Italian foreign minister, Antonio Tajani, the French reaction was disproportionate. “We raised a political problem on the issue of immigrants, we did not want to create any controversy – he said in an interview with Corriere della Sera -. On the part of France there was a disproportionate reaction, as well as internal political issues. A stronger European movement, because the seven thousand kilometers of the Italian coast is the southern border of Europe. Even Manfred Weber, president of the European People’s Party, agreed with us.”
“It is Europe that must make a plan, not Italy; we need a common choice on relocation. We will approach the issue of immigration with great calm and determination, because the problem has been going on for years and we have to ask about the agreement that the Italian ports have,” added Tajani. They are the ports where all immigrants must disembark. I don’t know they exist.
An informal Meloni-Macron meeting is possible at the G20 in Bali – Meanwhile, work is underway on the Palazzo Chigi-Farnesina-Colle axis in an effort to bridge the diplomatic gap. The goal is to reach a face-to-face clarification between Meloni and Macron in the coming days at the G-20 in Bali. An informal meeting instead of a real one seems like the most likely solution at this point. “In the corridors we meet and talk,” says one minister, who does not want to emphasize Bali’s default appointment. Meloni will depart for Indonesia on Sunday, as at COP27 in Sharm El-Sheikh, and will also use the Indonesia Summit as an opportunity to meet and learn from world leaders.
The European Union is working on the meeting of ministers at the end of November – Meanwhile, Brussels explained how the migrant file is a priority for the European Union, which, after the confrontation between Italy and France over resettlement, is working on an ad hoc summit, with the aim of bringing Europe closer to the rest of the interior. Technical Ministers. The meeting could take place in the last days of November and would have to be hosted by the Czech Presidency of the European Council. An official decision is expected next week.
Migrants, Italy and the Mediterranean: frustration over deportations