Now two rival political parties have reached a deal to form a new coalition by Wednesday’s deadline and avoid elections.

Italy’s 5-Star makes deal with PD to avoid elections

A volcano on the Italian island of Stromboli erupted on Wednesday (August 28), unleashing a dramatic plume of smoke in its second explosion in less than two months.

Spectacular eruptions from Stromboli volcano after explosion

Migrants from Spanish charity ship Open Arms finally disembarked in the Italian island of Lampedusa on Tuesday evening after nearly three weeks at sea. Watch this video to know more.

WION Dispatch: Migrants finally disembark Open Arms ship in Italy

Migrants finally disembark Open Arms ship in Italy

Spain&nbsp;ordered a naval vessel on Tuesday to the Italian island of Lampedusa to bring&nbsp;migrants&nbsp;stranded there on a rescue boat to Mallorca after some of them jumped overboard, amid a prolonged stand-off&nbsp;with&nbsp;Italy's&nbsp;government over their fate.

Italian Transport Minister Danilo Toninelli welcomed&nbsp;Spain's move to take the&nbsp;migrants.

The <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/tensions-build-on-migrant-ship-off-italy-10-jump-overboard-244377">Open Arms rescue ship</a> is run by a Spanish charity of the same name and has been at sea for 19 days with almost 100&nbsp;migrants&nbsp;onboard.

It has been waiting just&nbsp;off&nbsp;the port of Lampedusa, asking to bring the mostly African&nbsp;migrants&nbsp;ashore despite an Italian ban on private rescue ships docking.

The navy ship Audaz "will depart this afternoon at 5 p.m. and will sail for three days to Lampedusa, where it will take charge of the people hosted by the Open Arms and escort the boat" to the Spanish port of Palma in Mallorca, the Socialist government said in a statement.

"The government ... considers this to be the most adequate solution that will allow a resolution of the humanitarian emergency taking place aboard the Open Arms this week," it said.

The plan is to transfer most of the&nbsp;migrants&nbsp;to the Audaz and escort the Open Arms with the remaining&nbsp;migrants, a government&nbsp;official clarified later.

The Open Arms said it had not yet been informed of the Spanish decision.

It earlier tweeted that "the situation is out of control" aboard the ship and that nine people had thrown themselves into the water.

It says the situation on board is desperate and some migrants are suicidal.

The passengers are sleeping jammed together on deck and sharing two toilets.

After the charity said nine had tried to swim ashore, Reuters footage showed another five people jump, although it was not immediately clear if some were lifeguards.

Italian&nbsp;coastguards went to the rescue of those who jumped, Reuters reporters saw. Reuters footage showed a few people being brought to the Open Arms on a small dinghy but it was not clear if they were among the rescued&nbsp;migrants.

Italy has taken a tough line on migrant entry, saying it has borne too much responsibility for handling African migration to Europe. Interior Minister<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/in-a-new-migrant-standoff-italys-salvini-blocks-two-ngo-boats-242803"> Matteo Salvini</a> says the charity-run ships have become "taxis" for people smugglers.

"NO LONGER THE REFUGEE CAMP OF EUROPE"

Dozens of&nbsp;migrants&nbsp;have been taken ashore since the ship entered Italian waters because they were said to be minors or ill.

Salvini suggested on Tuesday that the charity was exaggerating the problems on board. Of eight&nbsp;migrants&nbsp;taken ashore on Monday night for urgent medical attention, he said, only two had health problems.

"Spanish NGO, Spanish ship, Spanish port: The coherence and strength of Italy has paid&nbsp;off. We are no longer the refugee camp of Europe," he said in a statement.

The standoff&nbsp;has fuelled Salvini's campaign against migrant boats from Africa&nbsp;and comes as he is trying to force Italy into snap elections.&nbsp;Italy's&nbsp;Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte announced his resignation on Tuesday accusing Salvini of sinking the ruling coalition for personal and political gain.

While welcoming&nbsp;Spain's latest move, Salvini's political rival Toninelli said he hoped that Madrid would now commit to stop Open Arms' activity in the future, meeting&nbsp;Italy's&nbsp;wishes.

Toninelli, who controls the&nbsp;Coast&nbsp;Guard but not port access, had earlier&nbsp;offered to take the&nbsp;migrants&nbsp;on a&nbsp;Coast&nbsp;Guard vessel to&nbsp;Spain&nbsp;under the condition that Madrid de-register the Open Arms ship by removing its Spanish flag.

"I hope that&nbsp;Spain&nbsp;answers our appeal and commits to stopping Open Arms in the future with the means and in the ways it deems right," the Italian minister said in a statement.

Without a flag, it would be difficult for the ship to continue running rescue missions.

Spain&nbsp;and five other European Union nations have&nbsp;offered to take the&nbsp;migrants. The details of the&nbsp;offers from&nbsp;Spain, France, Germany, Romania, Portugal and Luxembourg have yet to be finalised.

Spain ordered a naval vessel on Tuesday to the Italian island of Lampedusa to bring migrants stranded there on a rescue boat to Mallorca after some of them jumped overboard, amid a prolonged stand-off with Italy's government over their fate.

Spain ordered a naval vessel on Tuesday to the Italian island of Lampedusa to bring migrants stranded there on a rescue boat to Mallorca after some of them jumped overboard, amid a prolonged stand-off with Italy's government over their fate. Italian Transport Minister Danilo Toninelli welcomed Spain's move to take the migrants. The Open Arms rescue ship is run by a Spanish charity of the same name and has been at sea for 19 days with almost 100 migrants onboard. It has been waiting just off the port of Lampedusa, asking to bring the mostly African migrants ashore despite an Italian ban on private rescue ships docking. The navy ship Audaz "will depart this afternoon at 5 p.m. and will sail for three days to Lampedusa, where it will take charge of the people hosted by the Open Arms and escort the boat" to the Spanish port of Palma in Mallorca, the Socialist government said in a statement. "The government ... considers this to be the most adequate solution that will allow a resolution of the humanitarian emergency taking place aboard the Open Arms this week," it said. The plan is to transfer most of the migrants to the Audaz and escort the Open Arms with the remaining migrants, a government official clarified later. The Open Arms said it had not yet been informed of the Spanish decision. It earlier tweeted that "the situation is out of control" aboard the ship and that nine people had thrown themselves into the water. It says the situation on board is desperate and some migrants are suicidal. The passengers are sleeping jammed together on deck and sharing two toilets. After the charity said nine had tried to swim ashore, Reuters footage showed another five people jump, although it was not immediately clear if some were lifeguards. Italian coastguards went to the rescue of those who jumped, Reuters reporters saw. Reuters footage showed a few people being brought to the Open Arms on a small dinghy but it was not clear if they were among the rescued migrants. Italy has taken a tough line on migrant entry, saying it has borne too much responsibility for handling African migration to Europe. Interior Minister Matteo Salvini says the charity-run ships have become "taxis" for people smugglers. "NO LONGER THE REFUGEE CAMP OF EUROPE" Dozens of migrants have been taken ashore since the ship entered Italian waters because they were said to be minors or ill. Salvini suggested on Tuesday that the charity was exaggerating the problems on board. Of eight migrants taken ashore on Monday night for urgent medical attention, he said, only two had health problems. "Spanish NGO, Spanish ship, Spanish port: The coherence and strength of Italy has paid off. We are no longer the refugee camp of Europe," he said in a statement. The standoff has fuelled Salvini's campaign against migrant boats from Africa and comes as he is trying to force Italy into snap elections. Italy's Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte announced his resignation on Tuesday accusing Salvini of sinking the ruling coalition for personal and political gain. While welcoming Spain's latest move, Salvini's political rival Toninelli said he hoped that Madrid would now commit to stop Open Arms' activity in the future, meeting Italy's wishes. Toninelli, who controls the Coast Guard but not port access, had earlier offered to take the migrants on a Coast Guard vessel to Spain under the condition that Madrid de-register the Open Arms ship by removing its Spanish flag. "I hope that Spain answers our appeal and commits to stopping Open Arms in the future with the means and in the ways it deems right," the Italian minister said in a statement. Without a flag, it would be difficult for the ship to continue running rescue missions. Spain and five other European Union nations have offered to take the migrants. The details of the offers from Spain, France, Germany, Romania, Portugal and Luxembourg have yet to be finalised.

Spain sends naval ship to pick up migrants off Italy's coast

Italian Prime Minister&nbsp;Giuseppe&nbsp;Conte&nbsp;said Tuesday he would resign, lashing out at far-right Interior Minister <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/explosive-situation-on-migrant-rescue-boat-in-limbo-off-italy-243498">Matteo Salvini</a> for pursuing his own interests by pulling the plug on the government coalition.

"I'm ending this government experience here... I will go to the president of the republic (Sergio Mattarella) to inform him of my resignation", after a Senate debate,&nbsp;Conte&nbsp;said after an almost hour-long speech to the chamber.

"It is irresponsible to initiate a government crisis,"&nbsp;Conte&nbsp;said after Salvini began his efforts to bring down the government in the hope of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/italys-deputy-prime-minister-salvinis-quest-for-snap-election-faces-hurdles-242302">snap elections</a> he hoped would make him premier.

"It shows personal and party interests,"&nbsp;Conte&nbsp;said of the end of the alliance between the anti-migrant League and the anti-establishment Five Star Movement.

Conte&nbsp;was speaking following a week of fallout from Salvini's decision to back out of the alliance on August 8, plunging the eurozone's third-largest economy into political turmoil.

Afer&nbsp;Conte&nbsp;announced his intention to resign, Salvini hit back saying: "Thank you, finally, I would do it all again."

Salvini "violated the solemn promise he took when the government began that if there were differences they should be discussed in good faith and with loyal collaboration,"&nbsp;Conte&nbsp;said as League senators booed and hissed.

"Making citizens vote is the essence of democracy, asking them to vote every year is irresponsible,"&nbsp;Conte&nbsp;added.

"I heard you calling for 'full powers' and invoke (demonstrations in) the piazzas to support you, which worries me,"&nbsp;Conte said.

Italian dictator Benito Mussolini in 1922 assumed so-called full powers to govern the country at his whim.

"We don't need full powers but leaders who have a sense of institutions,"&nbsp;Conte&nbsp;said.

A small group of protesters heckled League senators as they arrived at the Senate.

"Get out, buffoons, get out mafia," the protesters shouted, prompting a League senator to wave his middle finger at them.

Other protesters held banners reading "I'm with Salvini".

The likely end of the 14-month-old government would open the way for Mattarella to begin consultations with political parties, with a range of options available.&nbsp;

A snap election, the forming of a new coalition without holding a new vote and, although unlikely, the continuation of the current government, would all be considered.

Ahead of the premier's speech, protesters unfurled a banner near parliament that read: "Conte,<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/tensions-build-on-migrant-ship-off-italy-10-jump-overboard-244377"> Italy</a> loves you".

But Salvini told Radio 24 that the other parties feared new elections: "What is the point of a government with everyone 'against Salvini'? A government must be strong to be able to act."

Debt laden economy

The political crisis has raised concerns about the Italian economy, whose debt ratio at 132 per cent of gross domestic product is the second-biggest in the eurozone after Greece.

Since the unwieldy government was formed in June 2018, uncertainty under the coalition has cost the country an extra five billion euros ($5.54 billion) in interest on its debt, the Il Sole 24 Ore financial newspaper reported.

Salvini's plan for a snap election -- more than three years early -- had envisioned a vote in October followed by him being crowned as prime minister.

According to opinion polls, the League could form a coalition with the anti-immigration, anti-LGBT Brothers of Italy, and possibly Silvio Berlusconi's centre-right Forza Italia.&nbsp;

But a bid by his rivals to put aside their differences and forge an alliance could derail Salvini's plan, with a coalition between M5S and the opposition centre-left Democratic Party (PD) being discussed.

While there is bad blood between the two parties, M5S is languishing in the polls and wants to avoid an early election.

A PD-M5S coalition could lead to the opposite of what Salvini intended -- with him out of government altogether instead of being its sole leader.

Untrustworthy Traitor

According to some analysts,&nbsp;Conte&nbsp;could also stay on as premier while trying to form an alliance with PD.

M5S leader Luigi Di Maio sent an open letter on Tuesday calling for&nbsp;Conte&nbsp;to take this option, describing him as a "rare pearl, a servant of the nation that Italy cannot lose".

Caught on the back foot, Salvini has sought to re-establish some coalition ties and said he would be willing to back an M5S proposal to cut the number of lawmakers from 950 to 605, but only if new elections were then swiftly held.

Salvini has been furious at the idea of being squeezed out by an M5S-PD alliance, saying he would get his supporters to "peacefully take to the streets" if it came about.

Salvini has also softened his tone regarding the premier, saying: "Conte&nbsp;remains my prime minister and my phone is always on."

But M5S founder, the comedian Beppe Grillo, has rejected talk of reconciliation with Salvini, whom he reportedly described as an "untrustworthy traitor".

Italian Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte said Tuesday he would resign, lashing out at far-right Interior Minister Matteo Salvini for pursuing his own interests by pulling the plug on the government coalition.

Italian Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte said Tuesday he would resign, lashing out at far-right Interior Minister Matteo Salvini for pursuing his own interests by pulling the plug on the government coalition. "I'm ending this government experience here... I will go to the president of the republic (Sergio Mattarella) to inform him of my resignation", after a Senate debate, Conte said after an almost hour-long speech to the chamber. "It is irresponsible to initiate a government crisis," Conte said after Salvini began his efforts to bring down the government in the hope of snap elections he hoped would make him premier. "It shows personal and party interests," Conte said of the end of the alliance between the anti-migrant League and the anti-establishment Five Star Movement. Conte was speaking following a week of fallout from Salvini's decision to back out of the alliance on August 8, plunging the eurozone's third-largest economy into political turmoil. Afer Conte announced his intention to resign, Salvini hit back saying: "Thank you, finally, I would do it all again." Salvini "violated the solemn promise he took when the government began that if there were differences they should be discussed in good faith and with loyal collaboration," Conte said as League senators booed and hissed. "Making citizens vote is the essence of democracy, asking them to vote every year is irresponsible," Conte added. "I heard you calling for 'full powers' and invoke (demonstrations in) the piazzas to support you, which worries me," Conte said. Italian dictator Benito Mussolini in 1922 assumed so-called full powers to govern the country at his whim. "We don't need full powers but leaders who have a sense of institutions," Conte said. A small group of protesters heckled League senators as they arrived at the Senate. "Get out, buffoons, get out mafia," the protesters shouted, prompting a League senator to wave his middle finger at them. Other protesters held banners reading "I'm with Salvini". The likely end of the 14-month-old government would open the way for Mattarella to begin consultations with political parties, with a range of options available. A snap election, the forming of a new coalition without holding a new vote and, although unlikely, the continuation of the current government, would all be considered. Ahead of the premier's speech, protesters unfurled a banner near parliament that read: "Conte, Italy loves you". But Salvini told Radio 24 that the other parties feared new elections: "What is the point of a government with everyone 'against Salvini'? A government must be strong to be able to act." Debt laden economy The political crisis has raised concerns about the Italian economy, whose debt ratio at 132 per cent of gross domestic product is the second-biggest in the eurozone after Greece. Since the unwieldy government was formed in June 2018, uncertainty under the coalition has cost the country an extra five billion euros ($5.54 billion) in interest on its debt, the Il Sole 24 Ore financial newspaper reported. Salvini's plan for a snap election -- more than three years early -- had envisioned a vote in October followed by him being crowned as prime minister. According to opinion polls, the League could form a coalition with the anti-immigration, anti-LGBT Brothers of Italy, and possibly Silvio Berlusconi's centre-right Forza Italia. But a bid by his rivals to put aside their differences and forge an alliance could derail Salvini's plan, with a coalition between M5S and the opposition centre-left Democratic Party (PD) being discussed. While there is bad blood between the two parties, M5S is languishing in the polls and wants to avoid an early election. A PD-M5S coalition could lead to the opposite of what Salvini intended -- with him out of government altogether instead of being its sole leader. Untrustworthy Traitor According to some analysts, Conte could also stay on as premier while trying to form an alliance with PD. M5S leader Luigi Di Maio sent an open letter on Tuesday calling for Conte to take this option, describing him as a "rare pearl, a servant of the nation that Italy cannot lose". Caught on the back foot, Salvini has sought to re-establish some coalition ties and said he would be willing to back an M5S proposal to cut the number of lawmakers from 950 to 605, but only if new elections were then swiftly held. Salvini has been furious at the idea of being squeezed out by an M5S-PD alliance, saying he would get his supporters to "peacefully take to the streets" if it came about. Salvini has also softened his tone regarding the premier, saying: "Conte remains my prime minister and my phone is always on." But M5S founder, the comedian Beppe Grillo, has rejected talk of reconciliation with Salvini, whom he reportedly described as an "untrustworthy traitor".

Italy Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte set to resign

Tensions&nbsp;rose on a<a href="https://www.wionews.com/.../explosive-situation-on-migrant-rescue-boat-in- limbo-off-italy-243498"> rescue&nbsp;ship</a>&nbsp;stranded&nbsp;off&nbsp;southern&nbsp;Italy&nbsp;on Tuesday, as&nbsp;10&nbsp;of the&nbsp;migrants aboard&nbsp;jumped into the sea and tried to swim ashore, according to the Spanish charity that operates the vessel.

The&nbsp;ship&nbsp;Open Arms, at sea for 19 days with almost&nbsp;100&nbsp;migrants onboard, has been waiting just&nbsp;off&nbsp;the port of Lampedusa, asking permission to bring the mostly African&nbsp;migrants ashore, despite an<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/in-a-new-migrant-standoff-italys-salvini-blocks-two-ngo-boats-242803"> Italian ban</a> on private rescue&nbsp;ships docking.

Italy&nbsp;says it has borne too much responsibility for handling African migration to Europe.

It's interior minister says the charity-run&nbsp;ships have become "taxis" for people smugglers.

"Nine people have thrown themselves into the water trying desperately to reach the coast of Lampedusa. Our lifeguards and Italian coastguards are trying to rescue them. The situation is out of control," the Open Arms tweeted.

It had earlier tweeted that one other&nbsp;migrant&nbsp;had&nbsp;jumped in the water and posted a video of the&nbsp;migrant&nbsp;swimming toward the shore, his way blocked by an Italian Coast Guard boat.

"Day 19: a night of panic and a man in the water," the charity tweeted. "The night began with an urgent medical evacuation, and this morning a man has&nbsp;jumped into the water trying to reach the land before his eyes ... The situation is desperate."

The man&nbsp;overboard, a Syrian, was rescued by Italian authorities, who are caring for him, an Open Arms spokeswoman said.

Dozens of&nbsp;migrants have been taken ashore since the&nbsp;ship&nbsp;entered Italian waters because they were said to be minors or ill.

The remaining&nbsp;migrants still sleep jammed together on deck and share two toilets.

Open Arms says some are suicidal.

Interior Minister Matteo Salvini suggested on Tuesday that the charity was exaggerating the problems on board. Of eight&nbsp;migrants taken ashore on Monday night for urgent medical attention, he said, only two had health problems.

"I will never go back (on the ban)," he told Radio 24.

The standoff&nbsp;has fuelled Salvini's campaign against&nbsp;migrant&nbsp;boats from Africa and comes as he is trying to drag&nbsp;Italy&nbsp;into snap elections.

The ruling coalition, in danger of collapse later on Tuesday, has split over the issue.

Salvini's political rival, Transport Minister Danilo Toninelli, who controls the Coast Guard but not port access, has&nbsp;offered to take the migrants on a Coast Guard vessel to Spain, which has&nbsp;offered them safe harbour.

But Toninelli has set a condition -- that Madrid de-register the Open Arms&nbsp;ship&nbsp;by removing its Spanish flag. Without a flag, it would be difficult for the&nbsp;ship&nbsp;to continue running rescue missions; its insurance would be invalid and it could be intercepted at any time by a navy or coast guard force.

Separate talks are also underway between&nbsp;Italy&nbsp;and Spain to find a diplomatic solution, said a source in Rome familiar with the matter. She did not elaborate.

"They want to take the flag away from us. The price is very high," Open Arms' director and founder, Oscar Camps, said in remarks published by El Mundo newspaper on Tuesday.

Camps has ruled out the option of taking the&nbsp;migrants to Spain on the Open Arms&nbsp;ship, saying conditions on board were too miserable for them to endure such a journey.

If a solution is not found, Open Arms has not ruled out the option of defying&nbsp;Italy's ban and attempting to dock.

Asked if the&nbsp;ship&nbsp;would try and enter the port without permission, the Open Arms head of mission in Lampedusa, Riccardo Gatti, said on Monday, "Yes, it is an option".

Spain's left-wing government&nbsp;offered on Monday to allow the&nbsp;ship&nbsp;to dock at a Spanish port, and it and five other European Union nations have&nbsp;offered to take the&nbsp;migrants.

The details of the&nbsp;offers from France, Germany, Romania, Portugal, Spain and Luxembourg have yet to be finalised.

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Tensions rose on a rescue ship stranded off southern Italy on Tuesday, as 10 of the migrants aboard jumped into the sea and tried to swim ashore, according to the Spanish charity that operates the vessel.

Tensions rose on a rescue ship stranded off southern Italy on Tuesday, as 10 of the migrants aboard jumped into the sea and tried to swim ashore, according to the Spanish charity that operates the vessel. The ship Open Arms, at sea for 19 days with almost 100 migrants onboard, has been waiting just off the port of Lampedusa, asking permission to bring the mostly African migrants ashore, despite an Italian ban on private rescue ships docking. Italy says it has borne too much responsibility for handling African migration to Europe. It's interior minister says the charity-run ships have become "taxis" for people smugglers. "Nine people have thrown themselves into the water trying desperately to reach the coast of Lampedusa. Our lifeguards and Italian coastguards are trying to rescue them. The situation is out of control," the Open Arms tweeted. It had earlier tweeted that one other migrant had jumped in the water and posted a video of the migrant swimming toward the shore, his way blocked by an Italian Coast Guard boat. "Day 19: a night of panic and a man in the water," the charity tweeted. "The night began with an urgent medical evacuation, and this morning a man has jumped into the water trying to reach the land before his eyes ... The situation is desperate." The man overboard, a Syrian, was rescued by Italian authorities, who are caring for him, an Open Arms spokeswoman said. Dozens of migrants have been taken ashore since the ship entered Italian waters because they were said to be minors or ill. The remaining migrants still sleep jammed together on deck and share two toilets. Open Arms says some are suicidal. Interior Minister Matteo Salvini suggested on Tuesday that the charity was exaggerating the problems on board. Of eight migrants taken ashore on Monday night for urgent medical attention, he said, only two had health problems. "I will never go back (on the ban)," he told Radio 24. The standoff has fuelled Salvini's campaign against migrant boats from Africa and comes as he is trying to drag Italy into snap elections. The ruling coalition, in danger of collapse later on Tuesday, has split over the issue. Salvini's political rival, Transport Minister Danilo Toninelli, who controls the Coast Guard but not port access, has offered to take the migrants on a Coast Guard vessel to Spain, which has offered them safe harbour. But Toninelli has set a condition -- that Madrid de-register the Open Arms ship by removing its Spanish flag. Without a flag, it would be difficult for the ship to continue running rescue missions; its insurance would be invalid and it could be intercepted at any time by a navy or coast guard force. Separate talks are also underway between Italy and Spain to find a diplomatic solution, said a source in Rome familiar with the matter. She did not elaborate. "They want to take the flag away from us. The price is very high," Open Arms' director and founder, Oscar Camps, said in remarks published by El Mundo newspaper on Tuesday. Camps has ruled out the option of taking the migrants to Spain on the Open Arms ship, saying conditions on board were too miserable for them to endure such a journey. If a solution is not found, Open Arms has not ruled out the option of defying Italy's ban and attempting to dock. Asked if the ship would try and enter the port without permission, the Open Arms head of mission in Lampedusa, Riccardo Gatti, said on Monday, "Yes, it is an option". Spain's left-wing government offered on Monday to allow the ship to dock at a Spanish port, and it and five other European Union nations have offered to take the migrants. The details of the offers from France, Germany, Romania, Portugal, Spain and Luxembourg have yet to be finalised.

Tensions rise on migrant ship off Italy; 10 jump overboard

The captain of a Spanish charity ship carrying 134 rescued migrants warned Friday of the "explosive" situation on board the vessel anchored within swimming distance of Italy's Lampedusa island but forbidden to approach.

Italy has evacuated a handful of medical cases from the Open Arms but far-right<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/in-a-new-migrant-standoff-italys-salvini-blocks-two-ngo-boats-242803"> Interior Minister Matteo Salvini has been refusing to allow the vessel</a> to dock despite a European deal to take in those remaining.

The captain of the ship operated by Proactiva Open Arms, Marc Reig, said that those on board, rescued after leaving chaos-stricken Libya, were "broken psychologically".

"Every second that passes, the bomb ticks a second closer. Either someone cuts the red cable and defuses this bomb now, or the Open Arms will explode," he told Spain's TVE television.

"This is inhuman. We're close to land and people could swim there. They want to throw themselves in the water. It's untenable. They can't take it anymore."

This is the umpteenth standoff between a charity vessel rescuing migrants making the perilous journey across the Mediterranean and Salvini, but this time set against the background of a political crisis in Rome.

Thursday saw sparring between Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte and Salvini, who last week pulled his party out of the ruling coalition in the hope of toppling the 14-month-old government.

Salvini's anti-immigrant League party has been<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/italys-deputy-prime-minister-salvinis-quest-for-snap-election-faces-hurdles-242302"> squabbling with coalition partner </a>the anti-establishment Five Star Movement (M5S) over a host of issues.

"France, Germany, Romania, Portugal, Spain and Luxembourg have told me that they are ready to welcome the migrants," Conte said in an open letter to Salvini, who has sought to bar all NGO rescue vessels from entering Italian waters.

In a distinct change of tone since the coalition disintegrated last week, Conte slammed what he called Salvini's "obsessive focus" on an immigration policy reduced to the phrase "closed ports".

Salvini says that Italy bears an unfair burden as the first port of call for refugees crossing the Mediterranean.

Responding to Conte, Salvini wrote on Facebook: "It is clear that without (my) resolve, the European Union would never have lifted a finger, leaving Italy and the Italians on their own like (previous governments) did for years."

The UN refugee agency welcomed the news of a deal to distribute the migrants but regretted it took so long.

"People cannot be left at sea for days on end. Predictable, regional and fair approach urgently needed so no rescued person is again left at sea for so long," the UNHCR tweeted.&nbsp;

Listening to my conscience&nbsp;

After Salvini pulled the plug on his coalition with M5S last week, he had hoped for an immediate no-confidence vote but his gambit failed.

The fate of the migrants aboard the Open Arms vessel is now at the centre of Italy's political crisis.

Earlier this month, Salvini signed a decree banning the Open Arms from Italian waters, saying it was to protect public order.&nbsp;

But Proactiva appealed to an administrative court which on Wednesday suspended his decree.

Salvini then signed a new one blocking the ship, but in a demonstration of his diminished power, Italy's defence minister blocked it on Thursday.

Elisabetta Trenta, an M5S party member with the authority to sign off on Salvini's decree, announced that she decided not to do so after "listening to my conscience".

It is estimated Salvini enjoys up to 38 per cent support among the electorate, thanks largely to his hard-line against immigrants.

Spokeswoman Vanessa Mock said the European Commission welcomed the willingness of member states to help relocate the migrants.

The Commission is ready to help "once a solution has been found for the disembarkation of the persons rescued at sea. The situation where persons are stranded at sea for days and weeks on end is untenable."

The mainly African migrants aboard Open Arms had been plucked from boats in the Mediterranean this month, with weather conditions encouraging more departures from Libya.

Another rescue ship, the Ocean Viking, operated by SOS Mediterranee and Doctors without Borders (MSF), is also looking for a port to dock with more than 350 migrants on board.

&nbsp;

The captain of a Spanish charity ship carrying 134 rescued migrants warned Friday of the "explosive" situation on board the vessel anchored within swimming distance of Italy's Lampedusa island but forbidden to approach.

The captain of a Spanish charity ship carrying 134 rescued migrants warned Friday of the "explosive" situation on board the vessel anchored within swimming distance of Italy's Lampedusa island but forbidden to approach. Italy has evacuated a handful of medical cases from the Open Arms but far-right Interior Minister Matteo Salvini has been refusing to allow the vessel to dock despite a European deal to take in those remaining. The captain of the ship operated by Proactiva Open Arms, Marc Reig, said that those on board, rescued after leaving chaos-stricken Libya, were "broken psychologically". "Every second that passes, the bomb ticks a second closer. Either someone cuts the red cable and defuses this bomb now, or the Open Arms will explode," he told Spain's TVE television. "This is inhuman. We're close to land and people could swim there. They want to throw themselves in the water. It's untenable. They can't take it anymore." This is the umpteenth standoff between a charity vessel rescuing migrants making the perilous journey across the Mediterranean and Salvini, but this time set against the background of a political crisis in Rome. Thursday saw sparring between Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte and Salvini, who last week pulled his party out of the ruling coalition in the hope of toppling the 14-month-old government. Salvini's anti-immigrant League party has been squabbling with coalition partner the anti-establishment Five Star Movement (M5S) over a host of issues. "France, Germany, Romania, Portugal, Spain and Luxembourg have told me that they are ready to welcome the migrants," Conte said in an open letter to Salvini, who has sought to bar all NGO rescue vessels from entering Italian waters. In a distinct change of tone since the coalition disintegrated last week, Conte slammed what he called Salvini's "obsessive focus" on an immigration policy reduced to the phrase "closed ports". Salvini says that Italy bears an unfair burden as the first port of call for refugees crossing the Mediterranean. Responding to Conte, Salvini wrote on Facebook: "It is clear that without (my) resolve, the European Union would never have lifted a finger, leaving Italy and the Italians on their own like (previous governments) did for years." The UN refugee agency welcomed the news of a deal to distribute the migrants but regretted it took so long. "People cannot be left at sea for days on end. Predictable, regional and fair approach urgently needed so no rescued person is again left at sea for so long," the UNHCR tweeted. Listening to my conscience After Salvini pulled the plug on his coalition with M5S last week, he had hoped for an immediate no-confidence vote but his gambit failed. The fate of the migrants aboard the Open Arms vessel is now at the centre of Italy's political crisis. Earlier this month, Salvini signed a decree banning the Open Arms from Italian waters, saying it was to protect public order. But Proactiva appealed to an administrative court which on Wednesday suspended his decree. Salvini then signed a new one blocking the ship, but in a demonstration of his diminished power, Italy's defence minister blocked it on Thursday. Elisabetta Trenta, an M5S party member with the authority to sign off on Salvini's decree, announced that she decided not to do so after "listening to my conscience". It is estimated Salvini enjoys up to 38 per cent support among the electorate, thanks largely to his hard-line against immigrants. Spokeswoman Vanessa Mock said the European Commission welcomed the willingness of member states to help relocate the migrants. The Commission is ready to help "once a solution has been found for the disembarkation of the persons rescued at sea. The situation where persons are stranded at sea for days and weeks on end is untenable." The mainly African migrants aboard Open Arms had been plucked from boats in the Mediterranean this month, with weather conditions encouraging more departures from Libya. Another rescue ship, the Ocean Viking, operated by SOS Mediterranee and Doctors without Borders (MSF), is also looking for a port to dock with more than 350 migrants on board.

'Explosive' situation on migrant rescue boat in limbo off Italy

Firefighters in Greece on Friday made progress against a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/fire-rages-on-greeces-evia-threat-to-people-averted-242955">four-day wildfire on the island of Evia</a> that has burned through a pine forest and threatened villages, officials said.

"The situation looks better today, there is no active front, but our forces remain in place," a fire department spokesman told AFP, adding that there were still "pockets of fire" smouldering in a ravine.

A massive force of nearly 400 firefighters backed by more than 100 vehicles, nine planes and four helicopters remains in the area.

Two water bombers from Italy and one from Spain are assisting the effort, the spokesman said.

"It's quite a large perimeter that needs to be monitored," civil protection spokesman Spyros Georgiou told AFP.

But as the situation was improving, the Italian and Spanish crews would be withdrawn from the operation by the evening, he said. They are to be decorated by the agency for their assistance on Saturday.

Rain is expected in the area on Saturday.

State agency ANA said the fire, which broke out Tuesday, has burned some 2,400 hectares (5,600 acres) including more than 1,000 hectares of dense pine forest.

"We should be able to have a clearer picture of the exact damage on Monday," Georgiou said.

After touring the area earlier in the week, he said that there was confirmed damage to animal pens and beehives.

EU Humanitarian Commissioner Christos Stylianides on Wednesday called the mobilisation of Greek forces "exemplary" after emergency crews managed to save inhabited areas.

A firefighter was hospitalised with burns on Tuesday, and at least four cars have been burned.

Authorities suspect arson was involved as the fire broke out in three separate locations near the village of Makrymalli.

Two Greek men were arrested Thursday on suspicion of setting fires in the Peloponnese peninsula.

A third Greek man was arrested in the same area on Friday.

Greece has been hit by a spate of wildfires since the weekend, fanned by gale-force winds and temperatures of 40 degrees Celsius (104 Fahrenheit).

Firefighters in Greece on Friday made progress against a four-day wildfire on the island of Evia that has burned through a pine forest and threatened villages, officials said.

Firefighters in Greece on Friday made progress against a four-day wildfire on the island of Evia that has burned through a pine forest and threatened villages, officials said. "The situation looks better today, there is no active front, but our forces remain in place," a fire department spokesman told AFP, adding that there were still "pockets of fire" smouldering in a ravine. A massive force of nearly 400 firefighters backed by more than 100 vehicles, nine planes and four helicopters remains in the area. Two water bombers from Italy and one from Spain are assisting the effort, the spokesman said. "It's quite a large perimeter that needs to be monitored," civil protection spokesman Spyros Georgiou told AFP. But as the situation was improving, the Italian and Spanish crews would be withdrawn from the operation by the evening, he said. They are to be decorated by the agency for their assistance on Saturday. Rain is expected in the area on Saturday. State agency ANA said the fire, which broke out Tuesday, has burned some 2,400 hectares (5,600 acres) including more than 1,000 hectares of dense pine forest. "We should be able to have a clearer picture of the exact damage on Monday," Georgiou said. After touring the area earlier in the week, he said that there was confirmed damage to animal pens and beehives. EU Humanitarian Commissioner Christos Stylianides on Wednesday called the mobilisation of Greek forces "exemplary" after emergency crews managed to save inhabited areas. A firefighter was hospitalised with burns on Tuesday, and at least four cars have been burned. Authorities suspect arson was involved as the fire broke out in three separate locations near the village of Makrymalli. Two Greek men were arrested Thursday on suspicion of setting fires in the Peloponnese peninsula. A third Greek man was arrested in the same area on Friday. Greece has been hit by a spate of wildfires since the weekend, fanned by gale-force winds and temperatures of 40 degrees Celsius (104 Fahrenheit).

Greek fire crews make progress on island blaze

Aircraft dumped water early on Wednesday to douse the flames of a wildfire&nbsp;on the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/global-measles-cases-triple-year-on-year-who-242798">Greek island of&nbsp;Evia</a>&nbsp;that had prompted the evacuation of villages and spurred an appeal for help from elsewhere in Europe.

A state of emergency has been declared in regions of the densely-forested island east of Athens, after the blaze broke out on Tuesday, fanned by strong winds and high temperatures.

Italy was sending two aircraft after an appeal for airborne&nbsp;firefighting equipment from Greek authorities.

&nbsp;Officials said the conditions were improving by the morning after&nbsp;firefighters spent the night battling flames.

"The situation appears better. There was a huge effort (to contain the&nbsp;fire), superhuman efforts," Kostas Bakoyannis, the<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/boko-haram-attacks-military-bases-in-nigeria-steal-arms-sources-223918"> regional governor for central Greece,</a> told Skai TV.

Water dumping by specially equipped aircraft started at first light. "It is a difficult&nbsp;fire, that's the reality, there is no danger to human life and that is what is important," Bakoyannis said.

Fire&nbsp;officials said four villages and hundreds of&nbsp;people&nbsp;were evacuated as a precaution on Tuesday.

"The situation in&nbsp;Evia&nbsp;was very difficult and remains difficult," said Christos Stylianides, the European Union's aid commissioner.

Drawing upon his experience from other forest&nbsp;fires around Europe, Stylianides said he was impressed at the coordination shown among authorities dealing with the emergency, calling firefighters 'heroes'.

"We managed to protect lives and to save&nbsp;people's property," Civil Protection Minister Michalis Chrysohoidis said.

Greece has bitter memories of a horrific blaze that tore through the seaside town of Mati near Athens on July 2018, killing 102&nbsp;people&nbsp;in a matter of hours. Authorities were accused then of poor coordination and slow response.

Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis, a conservative elected last month, interrupted his holiday on Crete to return to Athens where he was briefed on the situation.

Television images showed flames and plumes of black smoke on mountainsides carpeted in pine. Parts of&nbsp;Evia's forests are a Natura 2000 site, which the European Union designates as a nature reserve.

Greece often faces wildfires during its dry summer months, and authorities have warned of the high risk of blazes this week.&nbsp;

Environmental campaigners see an increasing number of wildfires around the world as a symptom of climate change. 
"Prevention and preparedness are essential," Stylianides said.

Aircraft dumped water early on Wednesday to douse the flames of a wildfire on the Greek island of Evia that had prompted the evacuation of villages and spurred an appeal for help from elsewhere in Europe.

Aircraft dumped water early on Wednesday to douse the flames of a wildfire on the Greek island of Evia that had prompted the evacuation of villages and spurred an appeal for help from elsewhere in Europe. A state of emergency has been declared in regions of the densely-forested island east of Athens, after the blaze broke out on Tuesday, fanned by strong winds and high temperatures. Italy was sending two aircraft after an appeal for airborne firefighting equipment from Greek authorities. Officials said the conditions were improving by the morning after firefighters spent the night battling flames. "The situation appears better. There was a huge effort (to contain the fire), superhuman efforts," Kostas Bakoyannis, the regional governor for central Greece, told Skai TV. Water dumping by specially equipped aircraft started at first light. "It is a difficult fire, that's the reality, there is no danger to human life and that is what is important," Bakoyannis said. Fire officials said four villages and hundreds of people were evacuated as a precaution on Tuesday. "The situation in Evia was very difficult and remains difficult," said Christos Stylianides, the European Union's aid commissioner. Drawing upon his experience from other forest fires around Europe, Stylianides said he was impressed at the coordination shown among authorities dealing with the emergency, calling firefighters 'heroes'. "We managed to protect lives and to save people's property," Civil Protection Minister Michalis Chrysohoidis said. Greece has bitter memories of a horrific blaze that tore through the seaside town of Mati near Athens on July 2018, killing 102 people in a matter of hours. Authorities were accused then of poor coordination and slow response. Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis, a conservative elected last month, interrupted his holiday on Crete to return to Athens where he was briefed on the situation. Television images showed flames and plumes of black smoke on mountainsides carpeted in pine. Parts of Evia's forests are a Natura 2000 site, which the European Union designates as a nature reserve. Greece often faces wildfires during its dry summer months, and authorities have warned of the high risk of blazes this week. Environmental campaigners see an increasing number of wildfires around the world as a symptom of climate change. "Prevention and preparedness are essential," Stylianides said.

Fire rages on Greece's Evia, threat to people averted

Italian Interior Minister Matteo Salvini said on Tuesday he was working to prevent two rescue ships operated by French and Spanish charities from bringing more than 500 migrants to Italy in the latest Mediterranean stand-off.

Italian Interior Minister Matteo Salvini said on Tuesday he was working to prevent two rescue ships operated by French and Spanish charities from bringing more than 500 migrants to Italy in the latest Mediterranean stand-off. The Ocean Viking, which is run by French non-governmental groups (NGOs) Doctors Without Borders and SOS Mediterranee, has picked up some 356 migrants off the coast of Libya since Friday, while Spanish boat Open Arms has saved some 160 people. Both vessels are in the central Mediterranean, within easy sailing distance of the Italian island of Lampedusa and are seeking a safe port to disembark the mainly African migrants. But Salvini, the leader of the far-right League who has seen his popularity in Italy soar since he took office last year and launched a fierce anti-immigration crackdown, said on Tuesday the boats were not Rome's problem. "I am at work in the ministry this morning to prevent more than 500 migrants from disembarking from two NGO boats, one French and one Spanish," Salvini wrote on Facebook. "I will let you know how this ends. I will not give up." Earlier this month, Salvini introduced a new law hiking fines for ships that enter Italian waters without authorisation to up to 1 million euros ($1.12 million). It also provides for the arrest of captains who ignore orders to stay away and calls on naval authorities to seize their boats automatically. Buoyed by his success in the polls, Salvini is looking to trigger an early election in the autumn by bringing down the Italian government, confident he would emerge as prime minister from any new vote. As such, a high-profile clash with foreign charities will bolster his anti-migrant credentials. UN alarm Salvini said Libya had offered to take back the migrants aboard the Ocean Viking and said Open Arms should go to Spain. Doctors Without Borders has ruled out taking migrants to violence-plagued Libya, saying migrants are routinely tortured and abused there. Open Arms has called for the European Union to coordinate the re-distribution of the migrants around the bloc. The United Nations refugee agency called on European governments to intervene, warning that storms were approaching. "To leave people who have fled war and violence in Libya on the high seas in this weather would be to inflict suffering upon suffering," said Vincent Cochetel, UNHCR Special Envoy for the Central Mediterranean. "They must be immediately allowed to dock, and allowed to receive much-needed humanitarian aid." Spain said Italy should deal with immediate care. "International law states that a rescue takes place in the closest safe port. Without a doubt, right now that means Italy. If it was us, we would do it," Spain's acting development minister Jose Luis Abalos told Telecinco television on Tuesday. However, he also said Europe needed to forge a "wider" policy to handle migrant arrivals from Africa. Italy has taken in more than 600,000 boat migrants since 2014, but new arrivals have fallen sharply over the past two years, with the decline accelerating over the past year. Latest figures say 4,265 migrants have reached Italy so far in 2019, down 78 per cent on the same period in 2018 and down 96 per cent on 2017 levels.

In a new migrant standoff, Italy's Salvini blocks two NGO boats

League chief Matteo Salvini's call for snap Italian elections after he turned on his own coalition partner faced mounting resistance on Sunday, with both his former 5-Star ally and the centre-left opposition seeking to put the brakes on.

Salvini's far-right League on Friday filed a no-confidence motion to bring down the government it formed with the anti-establishment 5-Star Movement, a move that he hopes will trigger new elections as soon as October and install him as Italy's new leader.

But that plan is facing criticism from other parties, whose support the League would need in parliament for the no-confidence vote to succeed.

Former Democratic Party leader Matteo Renzi, who still wields strong influence over his centre-left party, said on Sunday going back to the polls just when the government is due to start preparations for the 2020 budget would be "crazy".

In an interview with Corriere della Sera daily, Renzi called instead for a caretaker government to be installed with the support of parties across the political spectrum.

Such an administration's first task would be to find some 23 billion euros ($25.8 billion) to avert a rise in sales tax which will otherwise kick in from January.

"We will head back to the polls, of course. But the savings of Italians must come first," he said.

He also backed 5-Star's call for legislation cutting the number of MPs and senators in Italy by 345 to be passed before new elections. There are currently 630 members of the lower house and 315 senators.

5-Star leader Luigi Di Maio also said on Sunday that triggering a government crisis now was "foolish and dangerous."

While the PD and 5-Star remain far apart on many issues, commentators sensed a rapprochement between the two sides, united by their desire of foiling Salvini's plans given that he would likely emerge as the winner of a snap election.

The draft bill cutting the number of lawmakers is at an advanced stage, with a final vote due next month, but such a measure would have to follow a lengthy constitutional procedure that would make new elections unlikely for another year.

With parliament closed for the summer holidays, Salvini has been waging an unofficial election campaign on Italian beaches, a perfect venue for his down-market, "man-of-the-people" persona.

"Stitch-up"

5-Star has more parliamentary seats than the League, but Salvini's party now has twice as much voter support, according to opinion polls.

Salvini, who effectively triggered the crisis on Thursday by declaring the ruling coalition unworkable, accused his critics of scheming to save their posts and keep him from power.

"Under-the-table stitch-ups, palace intrigues, technocrat or caretaker administrations will not stop Italians who want a strong government," he said on Facebook on Sunday.

Despite the summer recess, Salvini has summoned all League lawmakers back to Rome on Monday and is pushing for a vote on the no-confidence motion against the government this week, while opposition parties would prefer to wait until Aug. 19-20.

The decision lies with the heads of political groups in the Senate, who will meet on Monday to set a timetable.

Only President Sergio Mattarella has the power to dissolve parliament and he may be unwilling to do so ahead of preparatory work in September for the 2020 budget, which must be presented to parliament and the European Commission the following month.

He could try instead to form a new government from the existing legislature before resorting to an election.

Salvini's shock decision to call time on the 14-month-old government last week threw the euro zone's third-largest economy, whose public debt is the second highest in the single currency bloc, into deeper political uncertainty, sparking a sell-off in Italian bonds and shares.

League chief Matteo Salvini's call for snap Italian elections after he turned on his own coalition partner faced mounting resistance on Sunday, with both his former 5-Star ally and the centre-left opposition seeking to put the brakes on.

League chief Matteo Salvini's call for snap Italian elections after he turned on his own coalition partner faced mounting resistance on Sunday, with both his former 5-Star ally and the centre-left opposition seeking to put the brakes on. Salvini's far-right League on Friday filed a no-confidence motion to bring down the government it formed with the anti-establishment 5-Star Movement, a move that he hopes will trigger new elections as soon as October and install him as Italy's new leader. But that plan is facing criticism from other parties, whose support the League would need in parliament for the no-confidence vote to succeed. Former Democratic Party leader Matteo Renzi, who still wields strong influence over his centre-left party, said on Sunday going back to the polls just when the government is due to start preparations for the 2020 budget would be "crazy". In an interview with Corriere della Sera daily, Renzi called instead for a caretaker government to be installed with the support of parties across the political spectrum. Such an administration's first task would be to find some 23 billion euros ($25.8 billion) to avert a rise in sales tax which will otherwise kick in from January. "We will head back to the polls, of course. But the savings of Italians must come first," he said. He also backed 5-Star's call for legislation cutting the number of MPs and senators in Italy by 345 to be passed before new elections. There are currently 630 members of the lower house and 315 senators. 5-Star leader Luigi Di Maio also said on Sunday that triggering a government crisis now was "foolish and dangerous." While the PD and 5-Star remain far apart on many issues, commentators sensed a rapprochement between the two sides, united by their desire of foiling Salvini's plans given that he would likely emerge as the winner of a snap election. The draft bill cutting the number of lawmakers is at an advanced stage, with a final vote due next month, but such a measure would have to follow a lengthy constitutional procedure that would make new elections unlikely for another year. With parliament closed for the summer holidays, Salvini has been waging an unofficial election campaign on Italian beaches, a perfect venue for his down-market, "man-of-the-people" persona. "Stitch-up" 5-Star has more parliamentary seats than the League, but Salvini's party now has twice as much voter support, according to opinion polls. Salvini, who effectively triggered the crisis on Thursday by declaring the ruling coalition unworkable, accused his critics of scheming to save their posts and keep him from power. "Under-the-table stitch-ups, palace intrigues, technocrat or caretaker administrations will not stop Italians who want a strong government," he said on Facebook on Sunday. Despite the summer recess, Salvini has summoned all League lawmakers back to Rome on Monday and is pushing for a vote on the no-confidence motion against the government this week, while opposition parties would prefer to wait until Aug. 19-20. The decision lies with the heads of political groups in the Senate, who will meet on Monday to set a timetable. Only President Sergio Mattarella has the power to dissolve parliament and he may be unwilling to do so ahead of preparatory work in September for the 2020 budget, which must be presented to parliament and the European Commission the following month. He could try instead to form a new government from the existing legislature before resorting to an election. Salvini's shock decision to call time on the 14-month-old government last week threw the euro zone's third-largest economy, whose public debt is the second highest in the single currency bloc, into deeper political uncertainty, sparking a sell-off in Italian bonds and shares.

Italy Deputy Prime Minister Salvini's quest for snap election faces hurdles

The leader of Italy's ruling League party, Deputy Prime Minister Matteo&nbsp;Salvini, declared the governing coalition to be unworkable on Thursday after months of internal bickering and said the only way forward was to hold fresh elections.

The shock announcement follows a period of intense public feuding between the right-wing League and its coalition partner, the anti-establishment 5-Star Movement, and it throws the euro zone's third-largest economy into deeper political uncertainty.

Salvini&nbsp;said in a statement he had told Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte, who belongs to neither coalition party, that the alliance with 5-Star had collapsed after barely a year in power and "we should quickly give the choice back to the voters".

Parliament, which is now in its summer recess, could reconvene next week to carry out the necessary steps,&nbsp;Salvini&nbsp;said, referring to the need for a no-confidence vote in the government and the resignation of the premier.

Conte said later in a brief televised statement that&nbsp;Salvini&nbsp;must explain to Italians why he wanted to bring down the government and that "the crisis he has unleashed" should be the most transparent "in the history of the republic".

Conte said he would no longer accept&nbsp;Salvini's attacks on his ministers and accused him of relying on "slogans".

Until a few weeks ago&nbsp;Salvini&nbsp;had repeatedly said that the government would last a full five-year term, but he brushed off Conte's criticisms and said 5-Star was holding up the policies the country needed to boost its stagnant economy.

"Italy can no longer put up with the no's, we need yes's, we need to unblock, to build, to work -- enough is enough, we must go to elections," he told reporters after a rally in Pescara, on the Adriatic coast.

Tensions came to a head on Wednesday when 5-Star and the League voted against each other in parliament over the future of a project for a high-speed train link with France.

5-Star has more parliamentary seats than the League, but&nbsp;Salvini's party now has twice as much voter support, according to opinion polls, and it has recently threatened to try to capitalise on that surge in popularity with new elections.

However, it remains to be seen if things will go as&nbsp;Salvini&nbsp;plans. Pushing the nation back into election mode in August, when Italians are on holiday and parliament is closed for the summer recess, is unusual and could be unpopular and risky.

President Sergio Mattarella is the only person with the power to dissolve parliament and may be unwilling to do so ahead of preparatory work in September for the 2020 budget, which must then be presented to parliament the following month.

Italy, which has Europe's second-largest sovereign debt burden after Greece, has already angered the European Union with an expansionary 2019 budget and&nbsp;Salvini&nbsp;wants to make major tax cuts next year, setting up the prospect of another EU clash.

Italy has not held an election in the autumn in all the post-war period.

"WE ARE READY"

If Mattarella decides not to dissolve parliament, he could try to install an unelected "technocrat" administration of which there have been several examples in Italy's recent history, though an alternative parliamentary majority appears elusive.

5-Star Leader Luigi Di Maio said his party did not fear elections.

"We are ready, we don't care in the least about occupying government posts and we never have," he said in a statement. He accused Salvini of "taking the country for a ride" and said sooner or later Italians would turn against him for it.

Speculation of a government crisis mounted late on Wednesday when&nbsp;Salvini, speaking at a rally south of Rome, peppered his speech with hints that he had had enough of 5-Star, accusing it of stalling the League's key policies.

Markets sold off Italian government bonds early on Thursday and the day proceeded with closed-door meetings between&nbsp;Salvini&nbsp;and Conte and between Conte and Mattarella.

The League issued a statement listing a raft of areas in which it had a "different vision" from 5-Star, including infrastructure, taxes, justice and relations with the EU.

The two parties were fierce adversaries ahead of an inconclusive election in March 2018, before forming their unlikely alliance which has often ruffled the feathers of financial markets and the European Commission.

5-Star was the largest party at last year's elections but it has struggled since the government was formed, while&nbsp;Salvini&nbsp;has prospered thanks to his popular hard line on immigration and a charismatic and informal "man of the people" public image.

The leader of Italy's ruling League party, Deputy Prime Minister Matteo Salvini, declared the governing coalition to be unworkable on Thursday after months of internal bickering and said the only way forward was to hold fresh elections.

The leader of Italy's ruling League party, Deputy Prime Minister Matteo Salvini, declared the governing coalition to be unworkable on Thursday after months of internal bickering and said the only way forward was to hold fresh elections. The shock announcement follows a period of intense public feuding between the right-wing League and its coalition partner, the anti-establishment 5-Star Movement, and it throws the euro zone's third-largest economy into deeper political uncertainty. Salvini said in a statement he had told Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte, who belongs to neither coalition party, that the alliance with 5-Star had collapsed after barely a year in power and "we should quickly give the choice back to the voters". Parliament, which is now in its summer recess, could reconvene next week to carry out the necessary steps, Salvini said, referring to the need for a no-confidence vote in the government and the resignation of the premier. Conte said later in a brief televised statement that Salvini must explain to Italians why he wanted to bring down the government and that "the crisis he has unleashed" should be the most transparent "in the history of the republic". Conte said he would no longer accept Salvini's attacks on his ministers and accused him of relying on "slogans". Until a few weeks ago Salvini had repeatedly said that the government would last a full five-year term, but he brushed off Conte's criticisms and said 5-Star was holding up the policies the country needed to boost its stagnant economy. "Italy can no longer put up with the no's, we need yes's, we need to unblock, to build, to work -- enough is enough, we must go to elections," he told reporters after a rally in Pescara, on the Adriatic coast. Tensions came to a head on Wednesday when 5-Star and the League voted against each other in parliament over the future of a project for a high-speed train link with France. 5-Star has more parliamentary seats than the League, but Salvini's party now has twice as much voter support, according to opinion polls, and it has recently threatened to try to capitalise on that surge in popularity with new elections. However, it remains to be seen if things will go as Salvini plans. Pushing the nation back into election mode in August, when Italians are on holiday and parliament is closed for the summer recess, is unusual and could be unpopular and risky. President Sergio Mattarella is the only person with the power to dissolve parliament and may be unwilling to do so ahead of preparatory work in September for the 2020 budget, which must then be presented to parliament the following month. Italy, which has Europe's second-largest sovereign debt burden after Greece, has already angered the European Union with an expansionary 2019 budget and Salvini wants to make major tax cuts next year, setting up the prospect of another EU clash. Italy has not held an election in the autumn in all the post-war period. "WE ARE READY" If Mattarella decides not to dissolve parliament, he could try to install an unelected "technocrat" administration of which there have been several examples in Italy's recent history, though an alternative parliamentary majority appears elusive. 5-Star Leader Luigi Di Maio said his party did not fear elections. "We are ready, we don't care in the least about occupying government posts and we never have," he said in a statement. He accused Salvini of "taking the country for a ride" and said sooner or later Italians would turn against him for it. Speculation of a government crisis mounted late on Wednesday when Salvini, speaking at a rally south of Rome, peppered his speech with hints that he had had enough of 5-Star, accusing it of stalling the League's key policies. Markets sold off Italian government bonds early on Thursday and the day proceeded with closed-door meetings between Salvini and Conte and between Conte and Mattarella. The League issued a statement listing a raft of areas in which it had a "different vision" from 5-Star, including infrastructure, taxes, justice and relations with the EU. The two parties were fierce adversaries ahead of an inconclusive election in March 2018, before forming their unlikely alliance which has often ruffled the feathers of financial markets and the European Commission. 5-Star was the largest party at last year's elections but it has struggled since the government was formed, while Salvini has prospered thanks to his popular hard line on immigration and a charismatic and informal "man of the people" public image.

Italy's Salvini pulls plug on government, calls for elections

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/italys-di-maio-says-government-to-survive-rules-out-alternative-majority-paper-236830">The Italian government</a> on Monday won a confidence vote in the Senate on a decree targeting charities operating migrant rescue ships, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/migrant-rescue-sailboat-defies-italys-salvini-docks-in-italy-233653">in a victory for Interior Minister Matteo Salvini</a> and his far-right League party.

The government of the League and the anti-establishment 5-Star Movement has been riven by internal strife in recent weeks but won the vote by 160 to 57.&nbsp;

It would have had to resign had it lost the motion. 
&nbsp; 
The decree drawn up by Salvini, who also serves as deputy prime minister, toughens sanctions on charity ships that seek to bring migrants rescued in the Mediterranean to Italy.

The decree had already been passed by the lower house and so now becomes law just a couple of days before parliament closes on Wednesday for the summer recess.

Some 5-Star politicians have expressed reservations about the decree, and some of its senators did not back it in Monday's vote.&nbsp;

Their defection was compensated by the fact the centre-right opposition party Forza Italia did not take part in the vote, saying they agreed with the aims of the decree.

Confidence votes are often used by Italian governments as a way of speeding legislation through parliament, truncating debate and sweeping away opposition amendments.

The decree hikes maximum fines for ships that enter Italian waters without authorization to 1 million euros ($1.12 million) from a previous 50,000.&nbsp;

It also provides for the arrest of captains who ignore orders to stay away and calls on naval authorities to seize their boats automatically.

Salvini has clashed repeatedly with humanitarian groups that pick up migrants off the coast of Libya to bring them to Italy, preventing them from docking until other EU countries agree to take in most of them.

In June, the German vessel Sea-Watch, captained by Carola Rackete, was seized when it entered the port of Lampedusa without permission.&nbsp;

Rackete was later freed from house arrest, prompting Salvini to denounce the judge who issued the ruling.&nbsp;

Salvini`s popularity has soared on the back of his uncompromising, anti-migrant position.&nbsp;

A poll by the Winpoll agency published on Friday in business daily Il Sole 24 ore put support for the League at 39 per cent, making it easily the country`s most popular party with more than double its share of the vote at last year's parliamentary election.

The Italian government on Monday won a confidence vote in the Senate on a decree targeting charities operating migrant rescue ships, in a victory for Interior Minister Matteo Salvini and his far-right League party.

The Italian government on Monday won a confidence vote in the Senate on a decree targeting charities operating migrant rescue ships, in a victory for Interior Minister Matteo Salvini and his far-right League party. The government of the League and the anti-establishment 5-Star Movement has been riven by internal strife in recent weeks but won the vote by 160 to 57. It would have had to resign had it lost the motion. The decree drawn up by Salvini, who also serves as deputy prime minister, toughens sanctions on charity ships that seek to bring migrants rescued in the Mediterranean to Italy. The decree had already been passed by the lower house and so now becomes law just a couple of days before parliament closes on Wednesday for the summer recess. Some 5-Star politicians have expressed reservations about the decree, and some of its senators did not back it in Monday's vote. Their defection was compensated by the fact the centre-right opposition party Forza Italia did not take part in the vote, saying they agreed with the aims of the decree. Confidence votes are often used by Italian governments as a way of speeding legislation through parliament, truncating debate and sweeping away opposition amendments. The decree hikes maximum fines for ships that enter Italian waters without authorization to 1 million euros ($1.12 million) from a previous 50,000. It also provides for the arrest of captains who ignore orders to stay away and calls on naval authorities to seize their boats automatically. Salvini has clashed repeatedly with humanitarian groups that pick up migrants off the coast of Libya to bring them to Italy, preventing them from docking until other EU countries agree to take in most of them. In June, the German vessel Sea-Watch, captained by Carola Rackete, was seized when it entered the port of Lampedusa without permission. Rackete was later freed from house arrest, prompting Salvini to denounce the judge who issued the ruling. Salvini`s popularity has soared on the back of his uncompromising, anti-migrant position. A poll by the Winpoll agency published on Friday in business daily Il Sole 24 ore put support for the League at 39 per cent, making it easily the country`s most popular party with more than double its share of the vote at last year's parliamentary election.

Italy government wins a confidence vote on decree targeting migrant rescue ships

Shares in Ferrari went into reverse on Friday as the Italian luxury carmaker failed to lift its guidance for 2019 despite strong results in the first part of the year.

Releasing its second quarter results, the company confirmed that it was on track for the higher end of the guidance range for all relevant figures. However, that left some disappointed that there was no upgrade signalled.

"The market was expecting them to raise their guidance for the year," a Milan-based trader said.

Trading in Milan-listed shares was halted for excessive declines after a 6.9% drop and they were down 3.95% by 1024 GMT.

For&nbsp;2019, Ferrari forecasts its adjusted earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortization (EBITDA) to rise around 10 per cent to between 1.2-1.25 billion euros. Sales are seen growing by more than 3 per cent to more than 3.5 billion euros.

In the second quarter, core earnings rose 8.7% led by robust deliveries of its Portofino and 812 Superfast models.

Adjusted EBITDA came at 314 million euros ($348 million) in the April-June period, in line with analyst expectations, according to a Reuters survey.

Shares in Ferrari went into reverse on Friday as the Italian luxury carmaker failed to lift its guidance for 2019 despite strong results in the first part of the year.

Shares in Ferrari went into reverse on Friday as the Italian luxury carmaker failed to lift its guidance for 2019 despite strong results in the first part of the year. Releasing its second quarter results, the company confirmed that it was on track for the higher end of the guidance range for all relevant figures. However, that left some disappointed that there was no upgrade signalled. "The market was expecting them to raise their guidance for the year," a Milan-based trader said. Trading in Milan-listed shares was halted for excessive declines after a 6.9% drop and they were down 3.95% by 1024 GMT. For 2019, Ferrari forecasts its adjusted earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortization (EBITDA) to rise around 10 per cent to between 1.2-1.25 billion euros. Sales are seen growing by more than 3 per cent to more than 3.5 billion euros. In the second quarter, core earnings rose 8.7% led by robust deliveries of its Portofino and 812 Superfast models. Adjusted EBITDA came at 314 million euros ($348 million) in the April-June period, in line with analyst expectations, according to a Reuters survey.

Ferrari core earnings rise but shares slide after no upgrade to guidance

After winning hearts in India and<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/rani-mukerjis-hichki-is-a-blockbuster-in-china-earns-rs-100-crores-173684"> China</a>, Rani Mukerji starrer 'Hichki' has now bagged the Gryphon Award for the Best Film at the 49th edition of Giffoni Film Festival in Italy. 
 
"'Hichki' is truly a universal film that has resonated with audiences across the world. The fact that children have voted `Hichki` as the Best Film of the festival just goes to show that the film`s story of overcoming odds and finding your own success is relevant to cinema lovers even in this age group," said Maneesh Sharma, the film`s producer. <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/hichki-review-the-film-rests-on-rani-mukerjis-able-shoulders-and-she-doesnt-disappoint-36840">Read the film's review here.&nbsp;</a>

The film festival has a special segment called Elements +10, where jurors range between the ages of 10 to 12 years. Over 1,500 children voted for seven feature films nations like China, Germany, Sweden, Australia and the Netherlands in the Elements + 10 category and 'Hichki' won the top honour.

'Hichki' is a heart-warming story of human triumph against stereotypes. It featured Rani as a determined school teacher who changes the lives of students from the economically backward strata, while dealing with her own nervous system disorder - Tourette Syndrome.&nbsp;

The Yash Raj Films project grossed over Rs 250 crore worldwide. It was directed by Siddharth Malhotra.&nbsp;

After winning hearts in India and China, Rani Mukerji starrer 'Hichki' has now bagged the Gryphon Award for the Best Film at the 49th edition of Giffoni Film Festival in Italy.

After winning hearts in India and China, Rani Mukerji starrer 'Hichki' has now bagged the Gryphon Award for the Best Film at the 49th edition of Giffoni Film Festival in Italy. "'Hichki' is truly a universal film that has resonated with audiences across the world. The fact that children have voted `Hichki` as the Best Film of the festival just goes to show that the film`s story of overcoming odds and finding your own success is relevant to cinema lovers even in this age group," said Maneesh Sharma, the film`s producer. Read the film's review here. The film festival has a special segment called Elements +10, where jurors range between the ages of 10 to 12 years. Over 1,500 children voted for seven feature films nations like China, Germany, Sweden, Australia and the Netherlands in the Elements + 10 category and 'Hichki' won the top honour. 'Hichki' is a heart-warming story of human triumph against stereotypes. It featured Rani as a determined school teacher who changes the lives of students from the economically backward strata, while dealing with her own nervous system disorder - Tourette Syndrome. The Yash Raj Films project grossed over Rs 250 crore worldwide. It was directed by Siddharth Malhotra.

Rani Mukerji's 'Hichki' wins top honour at kids' film festival in Italy

Italian agronomist are battling a bacterium that has ravaged the economy and countryside since 2013. To survive, local olive oil producers are forced to import their olives from other so-far unaffected Italian regions, or even abroad. There is no cure for the insect-borne disease, but the discovery of resistant olive varieties has offered a glimmer of hope Watch this video to know more.

Italy battles 'olive tree leprosy'

Watch how Croatia has been forced to evacuate thousands to escape wildfire, and more stories in WION Weather.

WION Weather: Wildfire causes evacuation in Croatia

Italy has written to the European Union pledging to complete a rail link with France, according to the European Parliament president David Sassoli.

The Italian commitment to the controversial project, which includes a 58-km (36-mile) tunnel through the Alps and is partly funded by the EU, was described as "good news" by Sassoli in a posting on Twitter on Saturday.

The completion of a high-speed rail link connecting the French city of Lyon with Turin, in northern Italy, has divided the Italian governing coalition.

The 5-Star Movement has long opposed the project, arguing that Italy should focus on upgrading the existing transport network.

Coalition partner, the League, favours completing the link, which is dubbed Treno Alta Velocità (TAV).

Earlier this week, Italian Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte said that blocking work on the rail link would cost Rome more than completing it, suggesting the works would be unblocked.

Italy had to make clear its stance on the project by the July 26 deadline set by the EU.

A large protest was held on Saturday against the project in Piedmont, where the main railway tunnel for the TAV is being excavated.

Police fired tear gas when a group of protesters tried to force security blocks and reach the entrance to the TAV construction site, ANSA newswire reported.

Italy has written to the European Union pledging to complete a rail link with France, according to the European Parliament president David Sassoli. The Italian commitment to the controversial project, which includes a 58-km (36-mile) tunnel through the Alps and is partly funded by the EU, was described as "good news" by Sassoli in a posting on Twitter on Saturday.

Italy has written to the European Union pledging to complete a rail link with France, according to the European Parliament president David Sassoli. The Italian commitment to the controversial project, which includes a 58-km (36-mile) tunnel through the Alps and is partly funded by the EU, was described as "good news" by Sassoli in a posting on Twitter on Saturday. The completion of a high-speed rail link connecting the French city of Lyon with Turin, in northern Italy, has divided the Italian governing coalition. The 5-Star Movement has long opposed the project, arguing that Italy should focus on upgrading the existing transport network. Coalition partner, the League, favours completing the link, which is dubbed Treno Alta Velocità (TAV). Earlier this week, Italian Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte said that blocking work on the rail link would cost Rome more than completing it, suggesting the works would be unblocked. Italy had to make clear its stance on the project by the July 26 deadline set by the EU. A large protest was held on Saturday against the project in Piedmont, where the main railway tunnel for the TAV is being excavated. Police fired tear gas when a group of protesters tried to force security blocks and reach the entrance to the TAV construction site, ANSA newswire reported.

Italy pledges to complete rail link with France, EU official says

An Italian coastguard vessel stranded in the Mediterranean with more than 130 migrants aboard has been allowed to dock in the eastern Sicilian port of Augusta but Rome on Sunday refused to let them disembark until a deal is struck with the EU.

"The Gregoretti berthed in the port of Augusta overnight, as is normal procedure for a military vessel. Now the EU has to act because the migration question concerns the whole continent," Transport Minister Danilo Toninelli said in a statement.

Some 140 migrants, who had set off from Libya in two rickety boats, were picked up by Italian patrols on Thursday night and transferred to the Gregoretti ship.

The operation took place on the same day that at least 115 other migrants were believed to have drowned in a shipwreck off Libya -- the Mediterranean's deadliest tragedy this year, according to the International Organisation for Migration (IOM).

Several migrants aboard the Gregoretti have already been evacuated for medical attention, including a seven-month pregnant woman, her two children and her partner.

However, Italy's far-right Interior Minister Matteo Salvini has reiterated that the remaining migrants would not be able to leave the vessel until other European countries agree to take them in.

Salvini, also deputy prime minister, has taken a hard line against migrants rescued at sea being brought to Italy, which he says bears an unfair burden in the crisis.

French President Emmanuel Macron announced last Monday that 14 EU members had approved a plan to redistribute refugees rescued in the Mediterranean, and eight said they would actively take part.

The proposal drew Salvini's because it still involved allowing migrants to disembark on his country's territory.&nbsp;

He said the agreement underscored a demand that Italy "continues to be the refugee camp of Europe".

Pope Francis on Sunday called on the international community to "act swiftly" to help avoid further deaths.

"I have learned with sorrow the news of the dramatic shipwreck that happened in recent days in the Mediterranean where dozens of migrants including women and children have lost their lives," he said Sunday during his weekly Angelus address in St Peter's Square.

"I am renewing my call that the international community act swiftly and decisively to avoid that such tragedies repeat themselves and guarantee the safety and dignity of all."

An Italian coastguard vessel stranded in the Mediterranean with more than 130 migrants aboard has been allowed to dock in the eastern Sicilian port of Augusta but Rome on Sunday refused to let them disembark until a deal is struck with the EU.

An Italian coastguard vessel stranded in the Mediterranean with more than 130 migrants aboard has been allowed to dock in the eastern Sicilian port of Augusta but Rome on Sunday refused to let them disembark until a deal is struck with the EU. "The Gregoretti berthed in the port of Augusta overnight, as is normal procedure for a military vessel. Now the EU has to act because the migration question concerns the whole continent," Transport Minister Danilo Toninelli said in a statement. Some 140 migrants, who had set off from Libya in two rickety boats, were picked up by Italian patrols on Thursday night and transferred to the Gregoretti ship. The operation took place on the same day that at least 115 other migrants were believed to have drowned in a shipwreck off Libya -- the Mediterranean's deadliest tragedy this year, according to the International Organisation for Migration (IOM). Several migrants aboard the Gregoretti have already been evacuated for medical attention, including a seven-month pregnant woman, her two children and her partner. However, Italy's far-right Interior Minister Matteo Salvini has reiterated that the remaining migrants would not be able to leave the vessel until other European countries agree to take them in. Salvini, also deputy prime minister, has taken a hard line against migrants rescued at sea being brought to Italy, which he says bears an unfair burden in the crisis. French President Emmanuel Macron announced last Monday that 14 EU members had approved a plan to redistribute refugees rescued in the Mediterranean, and eight said they would actively take part. The proposal drew Salvini's because it still involved allowing migrants to disembark on his country's territory. He said the agreement underscored a demand that Italy "continues to be the refugee camp of Europe". Pope Francis on Sunday called on the international community to "act swiftly" to help avoid further deaths. "I have learned with sorrow the news of the dramatic shipwreck that happened in recent days in the Mediterranean where dozens of migrants including women and children have lost their lives," he said Sunday during his weekly Angelus address in St Peter's Square. "I am renewing my call that the international community act swiftly and decisively to avoid that such tragedies repeat themselves and guarantee the safety and dignity of all."

Dozens of migrants still stuck on vessel in Italy port

US, Italian and Russian astronauts blasted into space Saturday, headed for the International Space Station, in a launch coinciding with the 50th anniversary of the Apollo 11 Moon landing.

Alexander Skvortsov of the Russian space agency Roscosmos, NASA's Andrew Morgan and Luca Parmitano of the European Space Agency set off on a six-hour journey to the orbiting science lab from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan at 1628 GMT.

A NASA TV commentator hailed a "textbook launch" minutes after blastoff in "sweltering" weather in Baikonur, where daytime temperatures reached 43 degrees Celsius on Saturday.&nbsp;

The blast coincides with the date that NASA's Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin landed on the Moon in 1969, marking a defining moment in the so-called "space race" with the Soviet Union.&nbsp;

Of the trio launching from the Kazakh steppe, only 53-year-old Skvortsov had been born at the time of the Moon landing.

A veteran of two ISS missions, Skvortsov is the flight commander for the six-hour journey from Baikonur to the ISS.

Morgan, 43, is flying for the first time.&nbsp;

"The absolute hardest part: saying good-bye and watching them walk away," wrote the father-of-four in a Saturday tweet featuring a picture of his wife and children.

Parmitano's only previous stint at the ISS lasted 166 days and saw him become the first Italian to carry out a spacewalk.&nbsp;

"L-2 h 30 min: One more look at my planet… it’s time to climb aboard our rocket. Next stop @Space_Station," the Italian tweeted.&nbsp;

Skvortsov, Morgan and Parmitano all come from military backgrounds and posed together in uniform in the build up to the launch.&nbsp;

Speaking during a pre-launch press-conference on Friday Skvortsov joked that "two colonels will be taking orders from a colonel" when Parmitano becomes commander of the space station mid-way through his mission -- a reference to the military rank the three share.

The International Space Station -- a rare example of cooperation between Russia and the West -- has been orbiting Earth at about 28,000 kilometres per hour (17,000 miles per hour) since 1998.

US, Italian and Russian astronauts blasted into space Saturday, headed for the International Space Station, in a launch coinciding with the 50th anniversary of the Apollo 11 Moon landing.

US, Italian and Russian astronauts blasted into space Saturday, headed for the International Space Station, in a launch coinciding with the 50th anniversary of the Apollo 11 Moon landing. Alexander Skvortsov of the Russian space agency Roscosmos, NASA's Andrew Morgan and Luca Parmitano of the European Space Agency set off on a six-hour journey to the orbiting science lab from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan at 1628 GMT. A NASA TV commentator hailed a "textbook launch" minutes after blastoff in "sweltering" weather in Baikonur, where daytime temperatures reached 43 degrees Celsius on Saturday. The blast coincides with the date that NASA's Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin landed on the Moon in 1969, marking a defining moment in the so-called "space race" with the Soviet Union. Of the trio launching from the Kazakh steppe, only 53-year-old Skvortsov had been born at the time of the Moon landing. A veteran of two ISS missions, Skvortsov is the flight commander for the six-hour journey from Baikonur to the ISS. Morgan, 43, is flying for the first time. "The absolute hardest part: saying good-bye and watching them walk away," wrote the father-of-four in a Saturday tweet featuring a picture of his wife and children. Parmitano's only previous stint at the ISS lasted 166 days and saw him become the first Italian to carry out a spacewalk. "L-2 h 30 min: One more look at my planet… it’s time to climb aboard our rocket. Next stop @Space_Station," the Italian tweeted. Skvortsov, Morgan and Parmitano all come from military backgrounds and posed together in uniform in the build up to the launch. Speaking during a pre-launch press-conference on Friday Skvortsov joked that "two colonels will be taking orders from a colonel" when Parmitano becomes commander of the space station mid-way through his mission -- a reference to the military rank the three share. The International Space Station -- a rare example of cooperation between Russia and the West -- has been orbiting Earth at about 28,000 kilometres per hour (17,000 miles per hour) since 1998.

American, Italian, Russian blast off for International Space Station

Italian police on Monday seized a large arsenal of weapons, including an air-to-air missile, in raids on neo-Nazi sympathisers. Watch this video to know more.

Italy seizes air-to-air missile, guns in raids on neo-Nazis

How Italian police seized an air-to-air missile in a warehouse

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A charity rescue vessel on Saturday brought 41 shipwrecked migrants into port in Lampedusa, the second boat to defy far-right Interior Minister Matteo Salvini's bid to close Italian ports to them.

Mediterranea's Italian-flagged Alex arrived in port where a strong police presence was waiting for them but everyone remained on board after spending two days with the rescued migrants and asylum-seekers on the sailboat.

"In view of the intolerable hygiene conditions aboard, the Alex has declared a state of emergency and is sailing towards Lampedusa, the only possible safe port for landing." Mediterranea said in a tweet earlier.

Italian populist Salvini last month issued a decree that would bring fines of up to 50,000 euros ($57,000) for the captain, owner and operator of a vessel "entering Italian territorial waters without authorisation".

Salvini tweeted after the Alex docked that the charity workers were "jackals... will they go unpunished also?"

"Law enforcement forces are ready to intervene... in a normal country there would be immediate arrests and the boat would be impounded," Salvini said in another tweet.

Authorities on Lampedusa last week seized another rescue ship belonging to German aid group Sea-Watch after it forced its way into port with dozens of rescued migrants on board and arrested its captain, Carola Rackete.

An Italian judge this week ordered her freed as she had been acting to save lives, a decision which sparked Salvini's ire but may have encouraged the Alex crew.&nbsp;

Two other investigations, on charges of helping people smugglers and resisting the authorities are still underway after Rackete forced her way past Italian customs vessels.

A third rescue ship, German charity Sea-Eye's vessel Alan Kurdi, carrying 65 shipwrecked migrants rescued off Libya on Saturday arrived and held its position in international waters off Lampedusa.

A charity rescue vessel on Saturday brought 41 shipwrecked migrants into port in Lampedusa, the second boat to defy far-right Interior Minister Matteo Salvini's bid to close Italian ports to them.

A charity rescue vessel on Saturday brought 41 shipwrecked migrants into port in Lampedusa, the second boat to defy far-right Interior Minister Matteo Salvini's bid to close Italian ports to them. Mediterranea's Italian-flagged Alex arrived in port where a strong police presence was waiting for them but everyone remained on board after spending two days with the rescued migrants and asylum-seekers on the sailboat. "In view of the intolerable hygiene conditions aboard, the Alex has declared a state of emergency and is sailing towards Lampedusa, the only possible safe port for landing." Mediterranea said in a tweet earlier. Italian populist Salvini last month issued a decree that would bring fines of up to 50,000 euros ($57,000) for the captain, owner and operator of a vessel "entering Italian territorial waters without authorisation". Salvini tweeted after the Alex docked that the charity workers were "jackals... will they go unpunished also?" "Law enforcement forces are ready to intervene... in a normal country there would be immediate arrests and the boat would be impounded," Salvini said in another tweet. Authorities on Lampedusa last week seized another rescue ship belonging to German aid group Sea-Watch after it forced its way into port with dozens of rescued migrants on board and arrested its captain, Carola Rackete. An Italian judge this week ordered her freed as she had been acting to save lives, a decision which sparked Salvini's ire but may have encouraged the Alex crew. Two other investigations, on charges of helping people smugglers and resisting the authorities are still underway after Rackete forced her way past Italian customs vessels. A third rescue ship, German charity Sea-Eye's vessel Alan Kurdi, carrying 65 shipwrecked migrants rescued off Libya on Saturday arrived and held its position in international waters off Lampedusa.

Migrant rescue sailboat defies Italy's Salvini, docks in Italy

A volcano on the Italian island of Stromboli erupted on Wednesday (July 3), releasing hot trapped magma in a powerful explosion, killing one person and enveloping the popular tourist destination in ash, witnesses and local officials said.

Volcano erupts on Italian island of Stromboli, kills one person

A volcano on the Italian island of Stromboli erupted on Wednesday, releasing hot trapped magma in a powerful explosion, killing one person. Watch this video to know more.

Italy: Volcano eruption kills one hiker

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