European Parliament President
Antonio Tajani said Tuesday that the Italian-drafted code of
conduct for NGOs conducting migrant rescues in the Mediterranean
was necessary.
"The code is indispensable because things were happening that
created worry and suspicion," Tajani told State broadcaster RAI.
"Rules are needed and it is indispensable that they are
respected".
Some people in Italy have expressed fears that NGO migrant
rescues may actually be helping human traffickers and a ship run
by a German charity was seized last week in relation to a probe
into alleged aiding of illegal immigration.
"The Commission was clear, but it is important that Italy
speaks with only one voice," Tajani said.
"There cannot be changing policies and the message of the
Italian president was important in this regard".
On Monday President Sergio Mattarella issued a statement of
support of Interior Minister Marco Minniti, whose ministry was
behind the code, amid reported friction about its application
within the government.
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