(ANSA) - Rome, May 17 - Deputy Premier and Interior Minister Matteo Salvini reiterated on Friday that his government will not allow NGO-run search-and-rescue ships to dock in Italy after a vessel run by Sea-Watch picked up 65 migrants off the Libyan coast this week. "First they were in Libyan waters, then in Maltese waters," Salvini said.
"Putting the lives of the migrants on board at risk, (now) they want to reach Italy at all costs.
"These people are not rescuers, they are human traffickers and they will be treated as such.
"Italy's ports are closed and will remain closed for traffickers of human beings".
Sea Watch are human traffickers says Salvini
Interior minister says NGO's ship won't be allowed to dock in Italy