Migrants: Rome's hard line is a message to Europe, says Italian Foreign Minister

Italy's new hard line on migration policy is a message urging other European Union countries to play their part, the Italian Foreign Minister said in an interview published on Wednesday (November 9th).

For Antonio Tajani, the reception by France of a humanitarian ship from SOS Méditerranée which had wanted to disembark in Italy proves that this strategy works, even if Paris has not confirmed such an offer and condemned an

of the 'Italy.

Giorgia Meloni's new far-right government allowed two aid ships to dock in Sicily over the weekend, but only the most vulnerable migrants were allowed to disembark initially, mostly women and minors.

Faced with pressure from NGOs warning about the hygiene conditions on board, the other passengers were finally disembarked on Tuesday evening.

Questioned by journalists, Antonio Tajani confirmed that this selective approach was a signal.

"

," he said.

”.

Read alsoFamily, immigration, Europe… Giorgia Meloni's conservative program in Italy

Italy wants to talk about immigration with the EU

Tuesday evening, the services of Giorgia Meloni made it known that she thanked France, which, according to her, agreed to welcome the

in one of its ports with 234 migrants on board.

But on Wednesday, the spokesperson for the French government, Olivier Véran, called on Italy to "

" and "

" by welcoming the

, still in Italian territorial waters.

Assuring that Italy respected international law, Antonio Tajani said the government would raise the issue of immigration at an EU Council of Ministers next week.

Rome wants "

", he said.

Italy is also pushing for the EU to reach agreements with North African countries to prevent migrants from leaving and to "

".