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New Standoff Expected With Italy Over Vessel With Hundreds of Migrants

Sabina Castelfranco

   In what risks becoming the latest migrant standoff with Italy, the
   Norwegian-flagged Ocean Viking, carrying 356 migrants, including more
   than 100 minors, mainly from Sudan, has been stranded at sea awaiting
   port access for nearly two weeks.
   After 13 days at sea, the plight of the migrants on board the NGO
   rescue ship remains unclear. France has said it is prepared to take 40
   of the 356 migrants. Charity officials say the migrants are
   increasingly concerned about what will happen to them and fearful they
   may be returned to Libya. But Paris also has said the principle of
   sailing to the nearest port is solid.

   ROME - Malta already has denied the ship access to its port, and Italy
   has not responded to the requests made by the NGO vessel. Italy, which
   at present is focused on resolving a political crisis, has been taking
   a hard line with its closed ports policy, implemented by far-right
   Interior Minister Matteo Salvini.

   The Ocean Viking is a vessel run by two French charities: Doctors
   Without Borders (MSF) and SOS Mediterranee. The migrants on board were
   rescued in four different missions off the coast of Libya. They include
   about 90 unaccompanied minors.

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