EU urges Italy not to close ports to migrants

The EU has pleaded with Italy not to make good on a threat to close its ports to boats carrying migrants rescued in the Mediterranean.

More than 73,000 asylum seekers have been rescued off the coast of Libya and brought to Italy this year, on top of 181,000 who arrived in 2016.

Paolo Gentiloni, the prime minister, said his country could no longer deal with the flow of migrants unless it gets more help from the rest of the EU.

In response, the EU yesterday pledged more financial support and urged Italy not to act hastily.