Italy

After 4 days, the Italian Government authorises ‘Alexander Maersk’ to dock at Ragusa harbour

ANSA: The Italian Ministry of the Interior authorised the cargo ship Alexander Maersk to dock at the port of Ragusa. This was announced by the mayor Roberto Ammatuna, underlining that "this…

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Italy is ready to provide Libya with support to guarantee security in the Mediterranean – Salvini

Italy is ready to provide Libya with "technical and economic support to guarantee security in the Mediterranean together and to strengthen investigative cooperation and security cooperation". This was stated by Matteo Salvini,…

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Salvini visiting Libya

The Italian Interior Minister Matteo Salvini is on his way to Libya. Salvini announced this on his twitter account by posting a series of photos. The visit takes place against…

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EU Migration Mini-Summit underway

Politico reports that Italian Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte said he would put forward a “completely new proposal” for managing Europe’s most divisive political issue. Conte said the proposal, the “European Multilevel Strategy…

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Insight: Salvini’s domination of Italian politics

Matteo Salvini’s responsibilities are technically limited to oversight of immigration, elections and domestic security. But the head of the League – or Lega Nord as it was known in Italy – has…

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Cargo ship Alexander Maersk with 110 rescued migrants on board waiting for instructions in front of Pozzallo

The cargo ship Alexander Maersk, which the Danish flag, and which is carrying more than 110 migrants rescued in the Mediterranean, has been waiting for instructions infront of the port…

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MV Lifeline Media reports update

History repeats itself as a second vessel is rejected from docking - just days after the Aquarius was stranded for a week. We try to present you a status update…

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Fresh controversy for Matteo Salvini as he claims that 10 mandatory vaccines are useless, in many cases dangerous, if not harmful

Corriere Della Sera Italian Minister of the Interior, Matteo Salvini, opens a new front. This time, interviewed by Radio Studio 54, he said that " 10 mandatory vaccines are useless, in many cases dangerous…

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Malta should open its ports for Lifeline – Matteo Salvini

Times of Malta : Malta should open its ports to a sea rescue ship carrying 239 migrants, Italy's far-right deputy prime minister threatened on Friday morning. The Lifeline is now in…

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Italy’s government in fresh rows with France and Spain

A new day, a new controversy. Italy said it will seize two migrant rescue ships in the Mediterranean, amid a deepening row over migrants. Two German NGO ships carrying migrants…

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Breaking News – Draft for Sunday’s Migration Summit conclusion shelved after Conte informs Merkel that it was unacceptable for him to attend for Migration summit with a ‘pre-packaged’ text

The Italian Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte, through a Facebook post announced that he had a call from Chancellor Angela Merkel, where she expressed her concern about the possibility that he…

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New migrant issue in the Mediterranean Sea

ANSA: A new situation is developing in the Mediterranean Sea in relation to the roles of NGOs operating rescue missions in the region. A ship belonging to the German NGO Lifeline…

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Italy’s Guardia di Finanza crack down on tax evasion

Ansa/TgCom/Rai Italy's financial crimes force has identified around a thousand tax evaders accused of dodging more than €2 million a piece in 18 months. Collectively the fraudsters deprived the state of…

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Italian coastguard ship Diciotti carrying 522 people arrive in Pozzallo on Tuesday night

Ansa/The Local An Italian coastguard ship carrying more than 500 migrants, including dozens rescued by the US Navy off Libya last week, arrived on Tuesday night at the Pozzallo Port…

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Prime Minister Conte calls out Salvini on Roma register

Italian Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte on Tuesday criticized Interior Minister Matteo Salvini's plans to create a Roma "register." "No one is planning to create files or conduct a census on…

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In Italy, two Malian refugees shot with compressed-air pistols by three Italians who shouted “Salvini, Salvini”

Two non-EU citizens have been injured, albeit not seriously, in Caserta when three young Italian men shot them with a compressed-air pistol while shouting "Salvini, Salvini". According to the story reported…

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Salvini plans to register ‘ROMA’ people in Italy as he declares to close all ethnic group’s camps

Matteo Salvini plans to order "a survey of Roma in Italy to find out who, how, how many", he told a northern Italian TV station on Monday, saying the information…

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Matteo Salvini meets Cardinal Raymond Burke, the Pope’s fiercest critic in the Vatican

The Guardian: Matteo Salvini, the far-right Italian interior minister who once questioned Pope Francis’s legitimacy, has met Raymond Burke, the Argentinian pontiff’s fiercest critic in the Vatican, signalling an unprecedented…

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Catania’s prosecutor accuses Malta ‘of systematically refusing the use of its ports for the migrant landings”

La Sicilia: The prosecutor of Catania Zuccaro "gave his blessing" to the setup of international hotspots and warned that if the "traffic dimensions" of desperate people are conditioned by the answers…

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Monica Bellucci back on the catwalk for Dolce & Gabbana, 26 years later

Monica Bellucci, at the age of 54, acted as an exceptional model for Dolce & Gabbana fashion show. Her entrance on stage left everyone speechless as the Bellucci, emerged on…

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Italian Interior Minister Salvini rejects 2 more migrant boats

TgCom Italy's Interior Minister Matteo Salvini on Saturday warned another migrant rescue mission off the Libyan coast that it would not be allowed to land its "human cargo" at an Italian…

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Italian and Maltese Foreign Affairs Ministers meet following migration clash

The Malta Independent: The Italian and Maltese foreign ministers met following a clash over a migrant rescue boat that escalated into a European-wide showdown. The Italian foreign ministry said that Italy's…

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Italy and France declare it is possible to agree several issues

ANSA: French President Emmanuel Macron said Friday that he agreed with Italian Premier Giuseppe Conte over issues including migrants and the euro after the leaders met for talks in Paris.…

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Conte to meet Macron

The Local: French President Emmanuel Macron attempted to resolve tensions with Italy on Thursday, saying he never meant to cause offense by criticising its rejection of a migrant ship in…

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Nine arrested over involvement in corruption related to the AS Roma proposed new stadium

The Local: Nine people involved in the construction project for Serie A club AS Roma's proposed new stadium were arrested on Wednesday, including the owner of the company contracted to…

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Pep Guardiola pays for release of migrant rescue boat

The Manchester City coach reached deep into his own pockets to pay the fees to release Spanish NGO Proactive Open Arms rescue boat after it was impounded by Italian authorities,…

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Maltese Government to Italian Minister Toninelli: “Baseless and frivolous attempt to try to impinge on the sovereignty of a neighbouring country”

MaltaToday: The Maltese government described a statement by Italian Infrastructure Minister Danilo Toninelli, who hails from the Movimento Cinque Stelle as 'a baseless and frivolous attempt to try to impinge on the…

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Diplomatic rift between Italy and France deepens

Italy postponed high-level talks with France Wednesday after Paris blasted Rome for its "nauseating" refusal to take in a migrant rescue ship, in a major diplomatic spat. Italy's new economy…

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German Interior Minister forms ‘axis’ with Austria, Italy against Merkel

Reuters: Germany should ally itself with Austria and Italy on migration and security policies, Interior Minister Horst Seehofer said on Wednesday, a shift that could prove uncomfortable for Chancellor Angela Merkel.…

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The “Diciotti” arrives in Catania with 932 people on board after being rescued off Libya

TGCOM: The Coast Guard ship Diciotti, arrived in the port of Catania, with 932 migrants on board. They were rescued during 7 rescue operations off Libya. Five of the refugees,…

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Italy threatens to cancel summit with France after Macron’s comments on Aquarius saga

Politico: Italy on Tuesday threatened to cancel a summit with France after Paris strongly criticized an Italian decision to close its ports to a vessel carrying more than 600 migrants, according…

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Weather conditions postpones arrival of 937 people on board the “Diciotti” Coast Guard in Catania (Italy), after being saved in the Mediterranean

TgCom: Fifty-three migrants have landed on a beach in Noto, in the province of Syracuse (Sicily). Over 900 are scheduled for the evening of Wednesday June 13 in Catania. According to the…

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Aquarius starts journey to Spain

According to Euronews Aquarius has started its journey to Spain. It is accompanied by two Italian vessels that took many of the 629 rescued migrants to ensure their safe passage.…

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Aquarius received Italian supplies. MSF says people should be disembarked in nearest port and transferred to Valencia

MSF Twitter Feed: The Aquarius received supplies, coordinated by #Italian Rescue authorities. The intention of the Italian MRCC is to transfer some people from the #Aquarius to Italian ships &…

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Aquarius remains stranded in the Mediterranean despite offer from Valencia. Trip deemed too risky

EURONEWS: An NGO ship with more than 600 rescued migrants aboard remains stranded in the Mediterranean despite an offer of safe harbour in the Spanish port of Valencia. The crew of…

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Mattarella : “Let the face of this Republic be a human one”

ANSA The Italian President in a strong appeal said, "You, elected by the people, gathered in this sovereign assembly, must feel the immense dignity of your mission. It is up…

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Aquarius – Update from MSF Twitter Feed

UPDATE: MSF Twitter Channel: Spanish MRCC in contact with Aquarius to offer Valencia as a safe port of disembarkation. MSF welcomes this gesture of humanity but it would require four…

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Qualiano (Italy): €10 in drinks for vote

TgCom: A candidate for a seat at the Qualiano local council was surprised by the Italian police (Carabinieri) while delivering tickets for free drinks at a nearby bar worth 10 euros,…

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Italy’s Prime Minister says that ‘Spain’s decision is a turning point. From today Italy is no longer alone’

In a Facebook Post, Italian Prime Minister said that "Spain decided to welcome the Aquarius ship, which had been temporarily assisted by two Italian patrol boats. Italy's requests begin to be heard.…

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Maltese Prime Minister thanks Spain after ‘Italy broke international rules’, argues this is a European issue.

Malta's Prime Minister Joseph Muscat thanked Spain's Prime Minister for allowing the Aquarius to dock in Valencia. He also said that Malta will be sending fresh supplies to the vessel,…

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Hungary’s Orbán, offers help to Italy, to expel migrants

La Repubblica: Viktor Orbán, the Hungarian Prime Minister, in an interview broadcast by the Hungarian public radio said "I understand that the Italians through a free vote said that they…

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Malta’s President: Malta and Italy have to work together and challenge divisive tactics and populist theories that stimulate hate.

TGCOM: The President of the Republic of Malta, Marie Louise Coleiro Preca, said that "Italy and Malta are two neighbouring states of Europe and have to work together on migratory flows rather…

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Salvini’s Lega helps centre-right make a strong showing in local and administrative elections

AP: Italy's LEGA has helped the center-right post a strong showing in local and administrative elections, while its partner at national level, the 5-Star Movement, suffered setbacks. This was confirmed by…

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Palermo’s Mayor says he would allow Aquarius in his city and adds Salvini “is violating international law”

The Guardian: Leoluca Orlando, the mayor of Palermo, said he would allow a rescue boat with 629 on board to dock in the Sicilian capital. Orlando said: “Palermo in ancient…

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Maltese Prime Minister insists Malta is acting in full conformity with its international obligations. Italy’s Prime Minister accuses Malta of its ‘umpteenth unavailability’.

The Prime Minister of Malta, Joseph Muscat, and the Prime Minister of Italy, Giuseppe Conte, had a telephone conversation on the developing situation of the vessel Aquarius on Sunday evening.…

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“If a heartless minister lets pregnant women, children, the elderly, human beings die at sea, the port of Naples is ready to welcome them, we are human.” – The mayor of Naples

TGCOM - "If a heartless minister lets pregnant women, children, the elderly, human beings die at sea, the port of Naples is ready to welcome them, We are human, with…

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Malta should stick to its position on immigration – Dr Tonio Borg

The Sunday Times of Malta Migrants should be taken to the closest port of call, even if they were saved in the search and rescue zone of a neighbouring country,…

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Italy closes its ports to migrants, insists Malta should take them despite being rescued closer to Lampedusa

The Malta Independent: The Italian government is insisting that Malta takes in 629 migrants that were rescued near Libya on Sunday morning, saying that its ports were closed. The migrants…

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10th June 1981 – Alfredino Rampi disappearance after tragically falling in a well. The day Italian Live News Coverage was born.

It was the evening of June 10, 1981 when the father of little Alfredo, 6, called the police alarmed because his son had not returned home. Then, the tragic discovery:…

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€15-20 million worth of cannabis resin seized in the Mediterranean Sea in what the Guardia di Finanza link to a dangerous Maltese criminal organisation

Italian police agents seized over 10 tonnes of cannabis resin worth up to €20 million in a dramatic high-seas operation, police said on Thursday. Italy's Guardia di Finanza (GDF) finance…

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Venice issues three-year ban on new takeaways and restrictions for existing ones

In an attempt to remove the “blots on the Venice copybook” noted by UNESCO, which had threatened to include Venice in its “black list” of World Heritage Sites at risk, and…

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Conte’s first speech in Parliament

Italy's new prime minister vowed to bring radical change to the country, including more generous welfare and a crackdown on immigration, as the two party bosses who hold the keys…

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Italy – 22 year old died after being hit by a funeral car, carrying a corpse, whose driver died of a heart-attack before the impact.

A 22-year-old woman died in Galliate, in the province of Novara, after a freak traffic accident while she was jogging. The woman died after being hit by a funeral-hearse, whose…

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Salvini pledges to press EU for asylum law reform

The new Italian interior minister Matteo Salvini pledged on Sunday to press EU officials for asylum law reform that allows stricter controls on illegal immigration. During a visit to one…

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Juncker invites ‘German-speaking’ countries not to repeat the Greek mistake with Italy and avoid giving lessons to Rome

Deutsche Welle and The Guardian reported that since the new Italian government assumed power, EU President Jean-Claude Juncker seems to have taken a position of respectful distance. In a stark warning to 'Germany'…

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158 persons (amongst which 9 children, 26 women and 36 unaccompanied minors) rescued in the Mediterranean and taken to Sicily

Almost 160 migrants disembarked a rescue ship Friday evening in Sicily, the NGO SOS Mediterranee said, days before hardline anti-immigrant League leader Matteo Salvini is to visit the island as…

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Donald Tusk emphasises on unity and solidarity in congratulatory letters to Conte and Sanchez

The President of the European Council congratulated Professor Giuseppe Conte on his appointment as President of the Council of Ministers of the Italian Republic. "Your appointment comes at a crucial time for…

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