Words to clarify. To remove doubts. To defend the protocol on migrants between Italy and Albania. In Montecitorio it’s up to the Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani lining up things already said and things still to be understood. Point one: «The migrants who can be hosted in the Albanian centers are of two categories: asylum seekers subject to accelerated border procedures, therefore not vulnerable, and people awaiting repatriation. Under no circumstances will vulnerable subjects such as minors and pregnant women be admitted». Point two: «In the Only Italian staff will operate the centers and the costs are entirely borne by Italy. And the Albanian centers they will not be able to host more than 3 thousand migrants at the same timewhich can only arrive with ships of Italian authorities, not boats of smugglers or NGOs». Point three: «Albania will grant Italy two areas free of charge, an arrival point at the port of Shengjin, on the northern coast of the country, and a military base in Gjader about 30 kilometers from the port. The two centers will operate according to Italian, European and international legislation on the matter. The procedures will be the Italian ones and will be carried out exclusively by the Italian administrative and judicial authorities.” And again: «In the port there will be a structure dedicated to rescue activities, first assistance and the detection of signs and fingerprints. In the second structure, located in the inland area, the application for international protection will be examined and, for those who do not meet the requirements, the repatriation procedures will be carried out”.
Tajani defends the Italy-Albania agreement. «It does not violate Union law», he repeats in front of Parliament. And quoting the European Commissioner for Home Affairs, Ylva Johansson and replying to «those in the opposition who feared a violation of international and European law, to those who described the project as a Italian-style Guantanamo and those who spoke of deportation or evoked the precedent of the agreement between the United Kingdom and Rwanda”. This is not the case, she is struggling to clarify the government. However, the opposition does not back down. The agreement is not convincing, but Tajani goes straight: the protocol is not a panacea but an additional tool to manage mass arrivals. «The agreement signed on November 6 is one important component of an overall strategy. And a possible model, not only for Italy, for future collaborations with friendly countries”, insists the minister who does not deny a confrontation with the opposition: today’s debate and the vote that will conclude it demonstrate, “if there were any need, that the Our government has never shied away – especially on issues of such importance – from dialogue and scrutiny by Parliament». Here then is the other news: the government – explains Tajani – «intends to quickly submit to the Chambers a ratification bill which also contains the rules and appropriations necessary for the implementation of the protocol».
