Lithuania to grant asylum to 2 or 3 migrants rescued from Mediterranean

Lithuanian Prime Minister Saulius Skvernelis instructed the Interior Ministry on Tuesday to launch the procedures for granting asylum to two or three migrants rescued from the Mediterranean Sea, the government said.

Lithuania will take in the migrants at the Italian government's request.

"Italy is an important partner in the European Union and NATO; we share common security challenges. Lithuania supports the principle of solidarity not only with words but also with deeds," Skvernelis said in a press release.

The Italian Navy ship Cigala Fulgosi rescued 100 migrants, including 60 men, 23 women and 17 children, on May 30.