Italy Sends 49 Refugees To Albania In Bid To Resume Disputed Scheme

Latest push to process migrants in Balkan country despite court challenge comes amid increase in boat arrivals Italy has transported 49 people to Albania, in the latest push by Giorgia Melonis government to enforce a legally disputed plan to have asylum claims processed in the Balkan country as part of a hardline policy critics have called disgraceful. The Italian navy ship Cassiopeia arrived at Shngjin port on Tuesday morning carrying passengers intercepted on Saturday in the Mediterranean south of the island of Lampedusa. They will be identified and have a health check before being transferred to a detention centre in Gjadr, about 12 miles away.