Italian naval ship lands 49 people in Albania in a third transfer under controversial 2023 deal between Rome and Tirana.

An Italian navy ship has arrived in Albania with 49 migrants intercepted in international waters for processing of their asylum applications at special Albanian centers

The attempt at processing at special centres in Albania follows two previous failures in October and November.

Italy says it is transferring 49 migrants picked up in the Mediterranean to new processing centers in Albania, in the third such attempt facing hurdles by courts.

Italian authorities have rejected the asylum requests of 43 asylum-seekers transferred to Albania in a speedy procedure that a non-governmental delegation observing the process said illegally deprived them of legal assistance.

TIRANA - An Italian navy ship carrying 49 migrants picked up in international waters arrived in Albania on Tuesday, amid a new attempt by Italy to push ahead with a legally contested plan to relocate migrants to the neighbouring country.

In a message to the Orthodox Church of Albania, Pope Francis expresses his condolences following the passing of Archbishop Anastas of Tirana, Durrës and All Albania, and pays tribute to his unwavering commitment to the faith and his pastoral dedication.

An Italian navy ship has dropped off 49 migrants in Albania after intercepting them in international waters, in the third attempt to carry out a contentious plan to relocate migrants to be processed under a deal between the two countries.

One of the 49 migrants who were taken to Albania early on Tuesday by the Italian Navy's Cassiopea patrol vessel to undergo fast-track border procedures could be taken back to Italy after his condition was deemed to be incompatible with detention in the country,

Despite the Italian migrant centres in Albania officially opening in October, the facilities have lain empty over a legal dispute. Migrants are now once again being sent there, though the project remains a source of controversy as well as hope for local communities.

An Albanian businessman based in Italy is pulling the strings of a major online ad campaign to secure the votes of Albanians abroad for the ruling Socialist Party in upcoming elections. He also just got the green light for a major real estate development in Tirana.

Italian navy vessel Cassiopea has embarked 49 migrants during its patrols in the Mediterranean and is transferring them to processing centers in Albania, the Interior Ministry said in a statement Sund