Migrants stuck in Malta stand-off

Some 51 people, most from Eritrea, were rescued by the Spanish on Friday and have been aboard ever since.

The United Nations refugee agency, UNHCR, has told the Maltese authorities to let them disembark urgently.

But Malta, which feels it is being overrun by African migrants, believes Libya should deal with the problem as they were picked up in their waters.

The UNHCR has described the situation as an "emergency".

Large influx

"Many of them could surely ask for refugee status, we cannot let them in limbo," the UNHCR's Neil Falzon told the AFP News agency.

The Maltese authorities sent food, water and medicine but have so far refused to allow the migrants to disembark.

The government of Malta says it has no more capacity to deal with illegal immigrants following a large influx this year and has been pressing the EU to help.

Almost 1,000 immigrants have landed on the small island since January.

Most set off in small boats from Libya, hoping to reach Italy and Europe's mainland.

Maltese foreign minister Michael Frendo said he was having talks with his Spanish counterpart.

Mr Frendo said that with some exceptions, Malta felt "alone and abandoned" by the EU on the immigration problem, and he urged the start of joint patrolling this summer.

An old school near the capital Valetta has been converted to house migrants. Earlier this month more than 700 people were reported to be staying there.

But our correspondent Michael Buchanan said the building had health and sanitary problems because of the overcrowding.

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