The measure would be taken against Malta’s migrant crisis management
Italy will close its ports, if Malta does not provide assistance to an ONG ship with over six hundred castaways on board coming from North Africa. The decision has been taken by the new Interior Minister, the Northern League leader Matteo Salvini.
This drastic move followed the political attacks of the last few days against Malta. The Maltese government is accused by Salvini of not helping Rome with the migration flows, an insinuation that La Valletta has always denied.
The ship flying the flag of Giblartar and named ‘Acquarius’, will transit in Maltese waters in a matter of hours. Salvini has already warned the authorities of the island about the measure the Italian government intends to take.