The Maltese government said
Thursday that it has closed its ports to NGO-run migrant-rescue
ships after the case of the Lifeline.
"Following recent events that brought to the fore information
that was previously unknown, Malta needs to ascertain that
operations being conducted by entities using its port services
and operating within the area of Maltese responsibility are in
accordance with national and international rules," a statement
said.
"This includes, but is not solely limited to, the
certification or registration of vessels involved.
"Given that there are investigations being carried out by
independent authorities, and until these issues are clarified,
Malta cannot allow entities, whose structure might be similar to
that being subject to investigations, to make use of Malta as
their port of operations, and to enter or leave the said port.
"This is also in view of judicial processes that might ensue,
and in order for the Maltese authorities not to be considered to
be approving of systems of operations that might eventually be
found to be carried out in breach of their own and international
rules".
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