Conflict sparks between Italy and Malta over illegal immigrants.

The Italian coast guards based in the region of Palermo (southern Italy) intercepted emergency calls from illegal immigrants stranded in the international waters between Malta and Lampedusa.

• The event sparked controversy between both the Italian and Maltese authorities as to the obligation rescue the 140 people including women and minors.
• Media sources reported that the Maltese PM Lorence Gonzi called on the Italian authorities to assume their responsibilities and take care of the immigrants, laying the blame on them for failing to fulfil their humane obligation towards helpless people.
• He justified the Maltese position in this issue by the fact that the SOS was launched from a distance of 65 KMS far from his country’s shores while Lampedusa is located 45 KMS far from the emergency’s call place.
• The Italian authorities have two weeks ago recovered 154 illegal immigrants who were rescued by a Turkish vessel near the Maltese shores. The European Union’s representative and the Italian PM Roberto Marroni have staunchly criticized the Maltese authorities for not intervening to help the immigrants.
• The immigrants used two boats, one carrying 75 people and the second 65 others. They were transferred to makeshift center on Lampedusa Island for the identification process, Italian media reported.