Valletta, Malta - Malta has turned down requests by an Italian ship to land 69 would-be illegal migrants rescued off Lampedusa early Monday.

The Spica is anchored off Malta's territorial waters but inside the island's search and rescue zone.

Malta is insisting that those rescued be taken to Lampedusa, which is the nearest port, sources close to the Maltese government have told the German Press Agency dpa.

The group of immigrants include 16 women. Their condition is unknown.

Reports that the frigate will be taking the new group to Sicily could not be confirmed.

Over the past month, Malta and Italy have been trading accusations of abandoning their obligations at sea. Both countries say they cannot deal with the problem of people fleeing Africa.

Italian Interior Minister Roberto Maroni said Sunday that over the past week, Italy had repatriated to Libya over 500 immigrants rescued from the sea, a statement which has infuriated human rights organisations. (dpa)