The Maltese Government is closely monitoring the situation of the Sea Watch 3 and Prof Albrecht Penck and will be granting any assistance in case of emergency, as it is bound by law until a solution to this current impasse is found, the Maltese government said in a statement.

Malta is once again being called to take upon itself responsibilities which are beyond its remit when it comes to showing European solidarity in practice, the statement read. 

"Malta had no legal competence in the rescue of migrants by Sea Watch 3 and Prof Albrecht Penck. Both NGO vessels intercepted migrants in the Libyan SRR, closer to Libya, Tunisia, and Italy. The NGOs were denied entry in other European and non-European safe ports and proceeded to loiter in Maltese territorial waters. While these cases were happening, Malta rescued a further 249 migrants, fulfilling all its obligations as it has always done."

"Now Malta, the smallest European Union member state, is being called on to disembark migrants on these NGO boats. Similar cases happened a few months ago with Malta taking an active role in providing effective solidarity."

"In this context, Malta believes that the discussion on ad hoc relocation should not be limited to the persons on board the 2 NGO vessels but extended to a portion of the persons who have been rescued and are already in Malta, as a sign of goodwill."

"Discussions are undergoing in this context and the Maltese Government would like to see them concluded in the coming hours. A long-term European solution for similar issues in the future should be a priority in order to avoid a repeat which puts even more burden on a member state like Malta which always abides by its obligations."

In the meantime Italian news agency ANSA reports that France and Germany are ready to take 100 persons from Malta.