Doctors Without Borders (MSF) has
said it is being involved less in migrant rescue operations
after refusing to sign an Italian-drafted code of conduct for
NGOs operating in the Mediterranean.
"We are not the first to be called for rescue operations as
occurred in the past", said Michele Trainiti, the head of the
NGO's search-and-rescue project.
"We know we will be working less but we are always at the
disposal of the Coast Guard. We are here and we are ready to
cooperate.
"Our position has not changed we are working as usual
respecting the law. We adapt to the Coast Guard, we do what we
are asked to do. This doesn't mean avoiding the code, we don't
want to cause controversy. As usual, we are working in the
respect of international, maritime and Italian laws".
The official added that the Coast Guard "gives indications on
rescue operations and coordinates operations. We have always
cooperated and we will continue to do it. We are at sea to save
human lives and we will continue until we are allowed. All we
want is to work in peace".
Trainiti also spoke about an operation on Saturday night in
which 127 migrants aboard its vessel Vos Prudence were
transferred aboard two Coast Guard cutters, rather than being
taken to an Italian port:
"The operation took place in a calm and regular manner. Such
a procedure is not unusual. Perhaps, before the code we could
have sailed closer to Lampedusa. But such transfers at sea are
not unusual. The Vos Prudence actually has a deep draft so we
could not have reached the port".
He also expressed the hope that "this political moment can be
solved to work in peace. The pressure on the work of NGOs -
concluded Trainiti - could limit their ability to rescue people,
to save human lives".
ALL RIGHTS RESERVED © Copyright ANSA
