Albania's parliament has approved a controversial agreement signed with Italy to build two detention centers for migrants rescued in Italian waters, AFP reports.
The deal, which required approval by a simple majority, was passed with the support of 77 members of the 140-seat parliament, with the opposition boycotting the vote.
The agreement was condemned by opposition parties in both countries as well as human rights groups, leading to a legal challenge launched by Tirana's highest court.
Late last month, Albania's Constitutional Court approved the deal, paving the way for today's vote.
The parliamentary approval came weeks after Italian MPs also voted in favor of the agreement, with the lower house of parliament backing the deal with 155 votes in favor, 115 against and two abstentions.
The agreement allows for the construction of two centers near the Albanian port of Shengjin, where migrants will register for asylum, as well as a facility in the same region to accommodate those awaiting a response to their applications.
The centers, which will be run by Italy, can receive a maximum of 3,000 people at a time while they await a decision on their applications.
Albania's opposition has slammed Prime Minister Edi Rama for the agreement's alleged lack of transparency, calling the deal "irresponsible and a dangerous act for national security". / BGNES
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