France Retaliates Against Italy for Refusing Entry to Refugee Rescue Ship

'Italy to Not Implement Agreement to Host 3,500 Refugees'... Controversial Refugee Rescue Ship Arrives at French Toulon Port

Refugees on the Ocean Viking ship denied entry by Italy [Photo by AFP Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Park Byung-hee] France, which is in conflict with Italy over whether to accept refugee rescue ships, has reportedly halted its plan to accommodate 3,500 refugees from Italy, according to the British BBC on the 10th (local time). This was a retaliatory measure taken after Italy refused the entry of the refugee rescue ship 'Ocean Viking,' leased by the French maritime relief organization SOS Mediterranee.

G?rald Darmanin, France's Minister of the Interior, announced at a press conference that the Ocean Viking would be allowed to dock at the port of Toulon in southern France on the 11th. The Ocean Viking rescued 234 migrants in the central Mediterranean, but Italy and Malta did not grant entry permission, which triggered the conflict between France and Italy.

Minister Darmanin harshly criticized Italy for refusing entry despite multiple rescue requests near the Italian territory of Sicily. He pointed out that since the Ocean Viking was in Italy's search and rescue zone, Italy should have immediately designated a port to accept the rescue ship but failed to do so, expressing regret that Italy did not fulfill its humanitarian responsibilities.

Minister Darmanin warned that this incident would have serious consequences for bilateral relations. As a retaliatory measure, France decided to suspend its plan to receive 3,500 migrants from Italy under the agreement made in June, which proposed sharing refugees among some European Union (EU) member states. Darmanin also warned that France would strengthen border controls with Italy.

Minister Darmanin stated that one-third of the Ocean Viking's passengers would migrate to France. Another third would migrate to Germany, and the remaining third would be accommodated by other EU member states.

Italy's Minister of the Interior Matteo Piantedosi also issued a rebuttal statement. Minister Piantedosi said, "Italy has accepted 90,000 migrants this year alone, but France has taken only 234," adding, "I cannot understand France's reaction when it outwardly talks about European solidarity." He questioned, "What is even less understandable is why Italy alone should willingly accept what other countries refuse."

The far-right Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni had already warned of a tough response, pledging to block illegal immigrants even by maritime blockade before taking office.

Minister Piantedosi pointed out that although 13 EU countries promised to accommodate 8,000 migrants who landed in Italy this year, only 117 migrants have been dispersed so far, with France taking only 38. He criticized other EU countries for "forcing the principle that Italy is the only port allowed for illegal migrants."

Reports also suggested that one reason France strongly criticized Italy this time was Prime Minister Meloni's hasty announcement.

The Italian daily La Stampa reported that Meloni angered French President Emmanuel Macron by ignoring the diplomatic talks and agreements exchanged behind the scenes between the two countries and prematurely announcing that France would accept the Ocean Viking. Since the refugee issue is sensitive in France, they wanted to handle it quietly, but Meloni's triumphant attitude as if winning a diplomatic battle provoked anger.

On the 8th, when the Italian news agency ANSA reported that France would accept the Ocean Viking, Meloni expressed gratitude to France before the French government officially confirmed it.

Two hours after the Italian Prime Minister's office announcement, a French government official told AFP news agency, "The French government cannot tolerate Italy's actions in this matter." The next day, on the 9th, Olivier V?ran, the French government spokesperson, strongly criticized the Italian government.

The British daily The Telegraph also reported, "The French government was outraged that Italy treated the acceptance of the refugee rescue ship as a fait accompli before France made an official announcement."