Italy will seize migrant rescue ships if they break rules: Premier

By Senhan Bolelli

MADRID (AA) - Italy will seize NGO rescue ships who do not have permission to enter international waters or have been found to violate the rules, said the country's prime minister on Tuesday.

In a video statement on Twitter, Giorgia Meloni said that if they break the rules or enter international waters without permission, NGO ships will be impounded.

The right-wing coalition government led by Meloni, who took office in October, last month started to implement a "closed port" policy to prevent NGO ships from docking in Italy.

Relations between Italy and France have been strained over the policy. France criticized Italy's refusal to open its ports to NGO ships.

Accusing NGO ships as serving as a shuttle for human smugglers, Meloni stated that Italy will no longer ignore those who systematically violate the rules.

Citing international rules on rescuing migrants at sea, Meloni criticized NGO ships for keeping rescuing immigrants at sea until the ship is full.

There is a need for strict rules that allow everyone to respect international law, she added.

Meloni also defended Italy's decision to fine NGO ship captains who break the rules up to €50,000 euros (over $52,000).

According to figures, more than 100,000 migrants arrived in Italy last year.