Italy considers closing its ports to boats carrying migrants
(The Guardian Italy)

Government reportedly seeking EU approval of drastic changes to asylum procedures after surge in refugee arrivalsThe Italian government is considering blocking boats carrying migrants from landing at its ports after nearly 11,000 refugees arrived on its shores in five days.It has been reported that the government has given its ambassador to the EU, Maurizio Massari, a mandate to raise the issue formally with the European commission to seek permission for a drastic revision of EU asylum procedures. One idea being discussed is denying docking privileges to boats not carrying Italian flags that seek to land in Italian ports, mainly in Sicily or Calabria. Related: Angela Merkel and Donald Trump head for clash at G20 summit Continue reading...