Migrants from German rescue ship disembark in Valletta

Migrants on board a German rescue ship arrived in Valletta on Sunday on an Armed Forces of Malta vessel. The German-flagged Alan Kurdi, which had 65 migrants on board, decided on Saturday to change course for Malta after a standoff with the Italian government. Maltese Prime Minister Joseph Muscat said that following talks with the European Commission and Germany the 65 migrants on the ship would be transferred to one of its boats and brought to a Maltese port.

Italy's migration policy has led to clashes between NGOs and Italian authorities over rules that effectively close off the country's ports to their boats. last month, new rules were adopted threatening NGO ships entering Italian waters without permission with a fine of up to 50,000 euros and the impounding of their vessels.