Italy’s new rightwing government has closed its ports to the migrants rescued by a German vessel in Libyan waters.

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The UNHCR says migrants aboard the rescue ship Aquarius are in distress, running out of provision and urgently in need of help.

Italy’s closed its ports to the ship and said it should dock in Malta where prime minister Joseph Muscat insists international law determines Italy is responsible for them.

Mayors across southern Italy say they’re prepared to admit the migrants.

But they need the cooperation of the Italian coastguard. 

This afternoon Spain’s Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez says the rescue ship can dock in Valencia,

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