NOUAKCHOTT (Mauritania), Feb 5: Mauritania’s government said on Monday it was denying landing rights to a boat carrying about 200 Pakistani migrants which broke down trying to reach Europe.

A Spanish naval vessel towed the boat to its current position in international waters just off Mauritania's northern fishing port of Nouadhibou, but authorities there have refused permission for its passengers to go ashore. “Mauritania is refusing to authorise the boat to dock,” the foreign ministry said in a statement.

“Mauritania has nothing to do with this boat breaking down, nor with taking charge of those on board,” said the statement. Ahmedou Ould Haye of Mauritania's Red Crescent said late on Sunday the boat was lying 32km offshore in international waters.—Reuters