Complaints that search and rescue
operations by the coast guard and navy are being obstructed by
non-governmental organizations (NGOs) need to be listened to,
Deputy Premier and Transport and Infrastructure Minister Matteo
Salvini said on Monday.
"It is Italy that is under attack, not the NGOs," said Salvini.
"If there are statements from the Coast Guard or from the Navy,
which are proud state corps, complaining that their work is
being hindered, they should be taken into consideration," said
the Deputy Premier in reference to a statement issued by the
Italian Coast Guard on Sunday in relation to the detention in
Lampedusa of the NGO rescue ship Louise Michel.
In it, the authorities claimed the behaviour of the NGO at sea
on Saturday had complicated the coordination of rescue
operations underway.
"Immigration cannot be regulated by private bodies funded by
foreign countries. That's for sure," Salvini added.
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