Gianni Cipriano Photography | Archive

  • Archive
    • All Galleries
    • Search
    • Cart
    • Lightbox
    • Client Area
  • About
  • Contact
  • PORTFOLIO
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
x

Search Results

Refine Search
Match all words
Match any word
Prints
Personal Use
Royalty-Free
Rights-Managed
(leave unchecked to
search all images)
Next
252 images found
twitterlinkedinfacebook

Loading ()...

  • ROME, ITALY - 29 JULY 2014: A Honor Guard to the royal tombs of the Pantheon, is here by a portrait of King Victor Emmanuel III (King of Italy from 1900 to 1946), at the National Institute for the Honor Guards to the royal tombs of the Pantheon before a mass to commemorate the death of Umberto I (King of Italy betwen 1878 and 1900) in Rome, Italy, on July 29th 2014.<br />
<br />
The National Institute for the Honor Guards to the royal tombs of the Pantheon is a monarchic-oriented whose goal is to watch over the royal tombs at the Pantheon. Italy’s first king, Vittorio Emanuele II and his son Umberto I, as well as Umberto's wife Queen Margherita are entombed in the Pantheon.
    CIPG_20140729_NYT_Pantheon__M3_4142.jpg
  • ROME, ITALY - 29 JULY 2014: (L-R) Captain Ugo d'Atri, President of the National Institute for the Honor Guards to the royal tombs of the Pantheon, and Honor Honor Guard Carmelo Raia (22 years old from Agrigento) stand here by the tomb of King Victor Emmanuel II  in Rome, Italy, on July 29th 2014.<br />
<br />
The National Institute for the Honor Guards to the royal tombs of the Pantheon is a monarchic-oriented whose goal is to watch over the royal tombs at the Pantheon. Italy’s first king, Vittorio Emanuele II and his son Umberto I, as well as Umberto's wife Queen Margherita are entombed in the Pantheon.
    CIPG_20140729_NYT_Pantheon__M3_3720.jpg
  • ROME, ITALY - 29 JULY 2014: a Honor Guard to the royal tombs of the Pantheon, walks up the steps of the courtyard of the National Institute for the Honor Guards to the royal tombs of the Pantheon, before a mass to commemorate the death of Umberto I (King of Italy betwen 1878 and 1900) in Rome, Italy, on July 29th 2014.<br />
<br />
The National Institute for the Honor Guards to the royal tombs of the Pantheon is a monarchic-oriented whose goal is to watch over the royal tombs at the Pantheon. Italy’s first king, Vittorio Emanuele II and his son Umberto I, as well as Umberto's wife Queen Margherita are entombed in the Pantheon.
    CIPG_20140729_NYT_Pantheon__M3_4126.jpg
  • ROME, ITALY - 29 JULY 2014: The dome of the Pantheon, where the Honor Guard to the royal tombs of the Pantheon volunteer, in Rome, Italy, on July 29th 2014.<br />
<br />
The National Institute for the Honor Guards to the royal tombs of the Pantheon is a monarchic-oriented whose goal is to watch over the royal tombs at the Pantheon. Italy’s first king, Vittorio Emanuele II and his son Umberto I, as well as Umberto's wife Queen Margherita are entombed in the Pantheon.
    CIPG_20140729_NYT_Pantheon__M3_4276.jpg
  • ROME, ITALY - 29 JULY 2014: Honor Guard to the royal tombs of the Pantheon stop by the tomb of Umberto I (King of Italy between 1878 and 1900) before the beginning of a mass that commemorate the anniversary of his assassination, at the Pantheon in Rome, Italy, on July 29th 2014.<br />
<br />
The National Institute for the Honor Guards to the royal tombs of the Pantheon is a monarchic-oriented whose goal is to watch over the royal tombs at the Pantheon. Italy’s first king, Vittorio Emanuele II and his son Umberto I, as well as Umberto's wife Queen Margherita are entombed in the Pantheon.
    CIPG_20140729_NYT_Pantheon__M3_4216.jpg
  • ROME, ITALY - 29 JULY 2014: a Honor Guard to the royal tombs of the Pantheon, by the tomb of King Victor Emmanuel II  in Rome, Italy, on July 29th 2014.<br />
<br />
The National Institute for the Honor Guards to the royal tombs of the Pantheon is a monarchic-oriented whose goal is to watch over the royal tombs at the Pantheon. Italy’s first king, Vittorio Emanuele II and his son Umberto I, as well as Umberto's wife Queen Margherita are entombed in the Pantheon.
    CIPG_20140729_NYT_Pantheon__M3_4116.jpg
  • ROME, ITALY - 29 JULY 2014: Alberto di Maria (29), an event organizer and Honor Guard to the royal tombs of the Pantheon,  covers the tomb of Umberto I (King of Italy from 1878 until his death on July 29th 1900) with the flag of the Kingdom of Italy before  a mass to commemorate the anniversary of his death, in Rome, Italy, on July 29th 2014.<br />
<br />
The National Institute for the Honor Guards to the royal tombs of the Pantheon is a monarchic-oriented whose goal is to watch over the royal tombs at the Pantheon. Italy’s first king, Vittorio Emanuele II and his son Umberto I, as well as Umberto's wife Queen Margherita are entombed in the Pantheon.
    CIPG_20140729_NYT_Pantheon__M3_3946.jpg
  • ROME, ITALY - 29 JULY 2014: Ugo d'Atri, President of the National Institute  for the Honor Guard to the royal tombs of the Pantheon, poses for a portrait by a painting of Victor Emmanuel III (King of Italy between 1900 and 1946) at the headquarters in Rome, Italy, on July 29th 2014.<br />
<br />
The National Institute for the Honor Guards to the royal tombs of the Pantheon is a monarchic-oriented whose goal is to watch over the royal tombs at the Pantheon. Italy’s first king, Vittorio Emanuele II and his son Umberto I, as well as Umberto's wife Queen Margherita are entombed in the Pantheon.
    CIPG_20140729_NYT_Pantheon__M3_3818.jpg
  • ROME, ITALY - 29 JULY 2014: Knight Pietro Rin, a Honor Guard to the royal tombs of the Pantheon, stands by the tomb of King Umberto I as tourists sign the guestbook and photograph, in Rome, Italy, on July 29th 2014.<br />
<br />
The National Institute for the Honor Guards to the royal tombs of the Pantheon is a monarchic-oriented whose goal is to watch over the royal tombs at the Pantheon. Italy’s first king, Vittorio Emanuele II and his son Umberto I, as well as Umberto's wife Queen Margherita are entombed in the Pantheon.
    CIPG_20140729_NYT_Pantheon__M3_4007.jpg
  • ROME, ITALY - 29 JULY 2014: Carmelo Raia (22 years old from Agrigento, Sicily), stands here as a Honor Guard to the royal tombs of the Pantheon, by the tomb of King Victor Emmanuel II  in Rome, Italy, on July 29th 2014.<br />
<br />
The National Institute for the Honor Guards to the royal tombs of the Pantheon is a monarchic-oriented whose goal is to watch over the royal tombs at the Pantheon. Italy’s first king, Vittorio Emanuele II and his son Umberto I, as well as Umberto's wife Queen Margherita are entombed in the Pantheon.
    CIPG_20140729_NYT_Pantheon__M3_3711.jpg
  • ROME, ITALY - 29 JULY 2014: Carmelo Raia (22 years old from Agrigento, Sicily), stands here as a Honor Guard to the royal tombs of the Pantheon, by the tomb of King Victor Emmanuel II  in Rome, Italy, on July 29th 2014.<br />
<br />
The National Institute for the Honor Guards to the royal tombs of the Pantheon is a monarchic-oriented whose goal is to watch over the royal tombs at the Pantheon. Italy’s first king, Vittorio Emanuele II and his son Umberto I, as well as Umberto's wife Queen Margherita are entombed in the Pantheon.
    CIPG_20140729_NYT_Pantheon__M3_3683.jpg
  • VATICAN CITY - 12 MARCH 2013: (L-R) A Swiss guard and a Vatican gendarme monitor Saint Peter's Basilica during the Pro Eligendo Pontifice Mass, or the Mass for the Election of the Roman Pontiff, with the 115 cardinals that will elect the new Pope, in Vatican City, on March 12, 2013...After the mass, 115 cardinals are set to enter the conclave to elect a successor to Pope Benedict XVI after he became the first pope in 600 years to resign from the role. The conclave will take place inside the Sistine Chapel and will be attended by 115 cardinals as they vote to select the 266th Pope of the Catholic Church.
    CIPG_20130312_ADAC_Conclave__MG_4026.jpg
  • VATICAN CITY - 12 MARCH 2013: (L-R) A Swiss guard and a Vatican gendarme monitor Saint Peter's Basilica during the Pro Eligendo Pontifice Mass, or the Mass for the Election of the Roman Pontiff, with the 115 cardinals that will elect the new Pope, in Vatican City, on March 12, 2013...After the mass, 115 cardinals are set to enter the conclave to elect a successor to Pope Benedict XVI after he became the first pope in 600 years to resign from the role. The conclave will take place inside the Sistine Chapel and will be attended by 115 cardinals as they vote to select the 266th Pope of the Catholic Church.
    CIPG_20130312_ADAC_Conclave__MG_4120.jpg
  • COMO, ITALY - 25 October 2013: A cash dog of Italy's Guardia di Finanza (Finance Guard) searches for undeclared cash among the personal belongings of a man suspected of smuggling money across the border with Swizerland by car in Como, Italy, at the border with Chiasso (Switzerland) on October 25th 2013. Cash dogs are sniffer dogs that have specially trained to detect the ink on currency notes. In the effort of cracking down on tax evasion and cash smuggling, the Guardia di Finanza works with highly trained dogs in outposts along its borders with Switzerland and France, and in international airports such as Rome Fiumicino and Milano Malpensa.<br />
<br />
In Italy, the law allows to travel with up to 10,000 euros in cash. Beyond that, one must declare to the authorities.<br />
<br />
In 2012, the Guardia di Finanza of the  borders with Chiasso in Switzerland have intercepted more than 55 million euros not declared. In 2013, until September 31st, they have intercepted more than 92 million euros.  The Guardia di Finanza of the Chiasso outpost has been using cash dogs since 2010.
    CIPG_20131025_NYT_CashDogs__M3_3672.jpg
  • ROME, ITALY - 29 JULY 2014: Honor Guards to the royal tombs of the Pantheon chat after attending a mass that commemorated the anniversary of the assassination of King Umberto I (King of Italy between 1878 and 1900), at the headquarters of the National Institute for the Honor Guards to the royal tombs at the Pantheon in Rome, Italy, on July 29th 2014.<br />
<br />
The National Institute for the Honor Guards to the royal tombs of the Pantheon is a monarchic-oriented whose goal is to watch over the royal tombs at the Pantheon. Italy’s first king, Vittorio Emanuele II and his son Umberto I, as well as Umberto's wife Queen Margherita are entombed in the Pantheon.
    CIPG_20140729_NYT_Pantheon__M3_4543.jpg
  • ROME, ITALY - 29 JULY 2014: Honor Guards chat before a mass to commemorate the anniversary of the death of Umberto I (King of Italy between 1878 and 1900), at the National Institute for the Honor Guards to the royal tombs of the Pantheon, in Rome, Italy, on July 29th 2014.<br />
<br />
The National Institute for the Honor Guards to the royal tombs of the Pantheon is a monarchic-oriented whose goal is to watch over the royal tombs at the Pantheon. Italy’s first king, Vittorio Emanuele II and his son Umberto I, as well as Umberto's wife Queen Margherita are entombed in the Pantheon.
    CIPG_20140729_NYT_Pantheon__M3_4081.jpg
  • ROME, ITALY - 29 JULY 2014: Honor Guards chat before a mass to commemorate the anniversary of the death of Umberto I (King of Italy between 1878 and 1900), at the National Institute for the Honor Guards to the royal tombs of the Pantheon, in Rome, Italy, on July 29th 2014.<br />
<br />
The National Institute for the Honor Guards to the royal tombs of the Pantheon is a monarchic-oriented whose goal is to watch over the royal tombs at the Pantheon. Italy’s first king, Vittorio Emanuele II and his son Umberto I, as well as Umberto's wife Queen Margherita are entombed in the Pantheon.
    CIPG_20140729_NYT_Pantheon__M3_4056.jpg
  • ROME, ITALY - 29 JULY 2014: Honor Guards to the royal tombs of the Pantheon chat after attending a mass that commemorated the anniversary of the assassination of King Umberto I (King of Italy between 1878 and 1900), at the headquarters of the National Institute for the Honor Guards to the royal tombs at the Pantheon in Rome, Italy, on July 29th 2014.<br />
<br />
The National Institute for the Honor Guards to the royal tombs of the Pantheon is a monarchic-oriented whose goal is to watch over the royal tombs at the Pantheon. Italy’s first king, Vittorio Emanuele II and his son Umberto I, as well as Umberto's wife Queen Margherita are entombed in the Pantheon.
    CIPG_20140729_NYT_Pantheon__M3_4552.jpg
  • ROME, ITALY - 29 JULY 2014: The entrance sign of the National Institute for the Honor Guards to the royal tombs of the Pantheon, is here at its headquarters in Rome, Italy, on July 29th 2014.<br />
<br />
The National Institute for the Honor Guards to the royal tombs of the Pantheon is a monarchic-oriented whose goal is to watch over the royal tombs at the Pantheon. Italy’s first king, Vittorio Emanuele II and his son Umberto I, as well as Umberto's wife Queen Margherita are entombed in the Pantheon.
    CIPG_20140729_NYT_Pantheon__M3_3740.jpg
  • ROME, ITALY - 29 JULY 2014: Honor Guards to the royal tombs of the Pantheon step out of the Pantheon after attending a mass that commemorated the anniversary of the assassination of King Umberto I (King of Italy between 1878 and 1900), in Rome, Italy, on July 29th 2014.<br />
<br />
The National Institute for the Honor Guards to the royal tombs of the Pantheon is a monarchic-oriented whose goal is to watch over the royal tombs at the Pantheon. Italy’s first king, Vittorio Emanuele II and his son Umberto I, as well as Umberto's wife Queen Margherita are entombed in the Pantheon.
    CIPG_20140729_NYT_Pantheon__M3_4428.jpg
  • ROME, ITALY - 29 JULY 2014: Honor Guards to the royal tombs of the Pantheon attend a mass that commemorates the anniversary of the assassination of King Umberto I (King of Italy between 1878 and 1900), at the Pantheon in Rome, Italy, on July 29th 2014.<br />
<br />
The National Institute for the Honor Guards to the royal tombs of the Pantheon is a monarchic-oriented whose goal is to watch over the royal tombs at the Pantheon. Italy’s first king, Vittorio Emanuele II and his son Umberto I, as well as Umberto's wife Queen Margherita are entombed in the Pantheon.
    CIPG_20140729_NYT_Pantheon__M3_4311.jpg
  • ROME, ITALY - 29 JULY 2014: Honor Guards to the royal tombs of the Pantheon covercover the tomb of Umberto I (King of Italy from 1878 until his death on July 29th 1900) with the flag of the Kingdom of Italy before  a mass to commemorate the anniversary of his death, in Rome, Italy, on July 29th 2014.<br />
<br />
The National Institute for the Honor Guards to the royal tombs of the Pantheon is a monarchic-oriented whose goal is to watch over the royal tombs at the Pantheon. Italy’s first king, Vittorio Emanuele II and his son Umberto I, as well as Umberto's wife Queen Margherita are entombed in the Pantheon.
    CIPG_20140729_NYT_Pantheon__M3_3932.jpg
  • ROME, ITALY - 29 JULY 2014: Honor Guards to the royal tombs of the Pantheon unfold the flag of the Kingdom of Italy that will be used to cover the tomb of Umberto I (King of Italy from 1878 until his death on July 29th 1900), before  a mass to commemorate the anniversary of his death, in Rome, Italy, on July 29th 2014.<br />
<br />
The National Institute for the Honor Guards to the royal tombs of the Pantheon is a monarchic-oriented whose goal is to watch over the royal tombs at the Pantheon. Italy’s first king, Vittorio Emanuele II and his son Umberto I, as well as Umberto's wife Queen Margherita are entombed in the Pantheon.
    CIPG_20140729_NYT_Pantheon__M3_3908.jpg
  • ROME, ITALY - 29 JULY 2014: A composite exterior view of the Pantheon, where the Honor Guards to the royal tombs by the tomb of King Victor Emmanuel II volunteer, in Rome, Italy, on July 29th 2014.<br />
<br />
The National Institute for the Honor Guards to the royal tombs of the Pantheon is a monarchic-oriented whose goal is to watch over the royal tombs at the Pantheon. Italy’s first king, Vittorio Emanuele II and his son Umberto I, as well as Umberto's wife Queen Margherita are entombed in the Pantheon.
    CIPG_20140729_NYT_Pantheon__M3_4565.jpg
  • ROME, ITALY - 29 JULY 2014: Pictures of the Royal Family of the House of Savoy hang on a wall  in the office of the National Institute for the Honor Guards to the royal tombs of the Pantheon, in Rome, Italy, on July 29th 2014.<br />
<br />
The National Institute for the Honor Guards to the royal tombs of the Pantheon is a monarchic-oriented whose goal is to watch over the royal tombs at the Pantheon. Italy’s first king, Vittorio Emanuele II and his son Umberto I, as well as Umberto's wife Queen Margherita are entombed in the Pantheon.
    CIPG_20140729_NYT_Pantheon__M3_4078.jpg
  • ROME, ITALY - 29 JULY 2014: Pins, medals and signs of the Honor Guards to the royal tombs of the Pantheon, in Rome, Italy, on July 29th 2014.<br />
<br />
The National Institute for the Honor Guards to the royal tombs of the Pantheon is a monarchic-oriented whose goal is to watch over the royal tombs at the Pantheon. Italy’s first king, Vittorio Emanuele II and his son Umberto I, as well as Umberto's wife Queen Margherita are entombed in the Pantheon.
    CIPG_20140729_NYT_Pantheon__M3_4037.jpg
  • ROME, ITALY - 29 JULY 2014: Exterior view of the Pantheon, where the Honor Guards to the royal tombs by the tomb of King Victor Emmanuel II volunteer, in Rome, Italy, on July 29th 2014.<br />
<br />
The National Institute for the Honor Guards to the royal tombs of the Pantheon is a monarchic-oriented whose goal is to watch over the royal tombs at the Pantheon. Italy’s first king, Vittorio Emanuele II and his son Umberto I, as well as Umberto's wife Queen Margherita are entombed in the Pantheon.
    CIPG_20140729_NYT_Pantheon__M3_3869.jpg
  • ROME, ITALY - 29 JULY 2014: Interior of National Institute for the Honor Guards of the real tombs of  the Pantheon, devoted to the Royal House of Savoy which ruled the Kingdom of Italy from 1861 to the end of World War II, in Rome, Italy, on July 29th 2014.<br />
<br />
The National Institute for the Honor Guards to the royal tombs of the Pantheon is a monarchic-oriented whose goal is to watch over the royal tombs at the Pantheon. Italy’s first king, Vittorio Emanuele II and his son Umberto I, as well as Umberto's wife Queen Margherita are entombed in the Pantheon.
    CIPG_20140729_NYT_Pantheon__M3_3805.jpg
  • ROME, ITALY - 29 JULY 2014: Interior of the office of Captain Ugo d'Atri, President of the National Institute for the Honor Guards of the real tombs of  the Pantheon, devoted to the Royal House of Savoy which ruled the Kingdom of Italy from 1861 to the end of World War II, in Rome, Italy, on July 29th 2014. The Italian flag shown here is the variant of the Kingdom of Italy adopted in 1861, the year of its unification.<br />
<br />
The National Institute for the Honor Guards to the royal tombs of the Pantheon is a monarchic-oriented whose goal is to watch over the royal tombs at the Pantheon. Italy’s first king, Vittorio Emanuele II and his son Umberto I, as well as Umberto's wife Queen Margherita are entombed in the Pantheon.
    CIPG_20140729_NYT_Pantheon__M3_3802.jpg
  • ROME, ITALY - 29 JULY 2014: Interior of the office of Captain Ugo d'Atri, President of the National Institute for the Honor Guards of the real tombs of  the Pantheon, devoted to the Royal House of Savoy which ruled the Kingdom of Italy from 1861 to the end of World War II, in Rome, Italy, on July 29th 2014.<br />
<br />
The National Institute for the Honor Guards to the royal tombs of the Pantheon is a monarchic-oriented whose goal is to watch over the royal tombs at the Pantheon. Italy’s first king, Vittorio Emanuele II and his son Umberto I, as well as Umberto's wife Queen Margherita are entombed in the Pantheon.
    CIPG_20140729_NYT_Pantheon__M3_3799.jpg
  • ROME, ITALY - 29 JULY 2014: Captain Ugo d'Atri, President of the National Institute for the Honor Guards to the royal tombs of the Pantheon, stands here by the tomb of King Victor Emmanuel II  in Rome, Italy, on July 29th 2014.<br />
<br />
The National Institute for the Honor Guards to the royal tombs of the Pantheon is a monarchic-oriented whose goal is to watch over the royal tombs at the Pantheon. Italy’s first king, Vittorio Emanuele II and his son Umberto I, as well as Umberto's wife Queen Margherita are entombed in the Pantheon.
    CIPG_20140729_NYT_Pantheon__M3_3734.jpg
  • ROME, ITALY - 29 JULY 2014: Photographs of the Umberto II (center and right), the last king of Italy, together with a photograph of his son Victor Emmanuel of the House of Savoy during a visit to Pope John Paul II, are here at the National Institute for the Honor Guards to the royal tombs of the Pantheon, in Rome, Italy, on July 29th 2014.<br />
<br />
The National Institute for the Honor Guards to the royal tombs of the Pantheon is a monarchic-oriented whose goal is to watch over the royal tombs at the Pantheon. Italy’s first king, Vittorio Emanuele II and his son Umberto I, as well as Umberto's wife Queen Margherita are entombed in the Pantheon.
    CIPG_20140729_NYT_Pantheon__M3_4043.jpg
  • ROME, ITALY - 29 JULY 2014: (L-R) Honor Guards to the royal tombs of the Pantheon Alberto di Maria (29), an event organizer, and Franca Sciaraffia, a retired university professor, pose for a portrait at the National Institute for the Honor Guardsto the royal tombs of the Pantheon in Rome, Italy, on July 29th 2014.<br />
<br />
The National Institute for the Honor Guards to the royal tombs of the Pantheon is a monarchic-oriented whose goal is to watch over the royal tombs at the Pantheon. Italy’s first king, Vittorio Emanuele II and his son Umberto I, as well as Umberto's wife Queen Margherita are entombed in the Pantheon.
    CIPG_20140729_NYT_Pantheon__M3_3763.jpg
  • ROME, ITALY - 29 JULY 2014: The tomb of King Victor Emmanuel II (First king of Italy, from 1861 to 1878) is here at the Pantheon in Rome, Italy, on July 29th 2014.<br />
<br />
The National Institute for the Honor Guards to the royal tombs of the Pantheon is a monarchic-oriented whose goal is to watch over the royal tombs at the Pantheon. Italy’s first king, Vittorio Emanuele II and his son Umberto I, as well as Umberto's wife Queen Margherita are entombed in the Pantheon.
    CIPG_20140729_NYT_Pantheon__M3_4271.jpg
  • ROME, ITALY - 29 JULY 2014: A portraits of Umberto I (King of Italy from 1878 to 1900) stands here next to his tomb during a mass to commemorate the anniversary of his assassination, at the Pantheon in Rome, Italy, on July 29th 2014.<br />
<br />
The National Institute for the Honor Guards to the royal tombs of the Pantheon is a monarchic-oriented whose goal is to watch over the royal tombs at the Pantheon. Italy’s first king, Vittorio Emanuele II and his son Umberto I, as well as Umberto's wife Queen Margherita are entombed in the Pantheon.
    CIPG_20140729_NYT_Pantheon__M3_4257.jpg
  • ROME, ITALY - 29 JULY 2014: A flag of the Kingdom of Italy (used between 1861 and 1946) covers the tomb of Umberto I (King of Italy between 1878 and 1900) during a mass to commemorate the anniversary of his assassination, at the Pantheon in Rome, Italy, on July 29th 2014.<br />
<br />
The National Institute for the Honor Guards to the royal tombs of the Pantheon is a monarchic-oriented whose goal is to watch over the royal tombs at the Pantheon. Italy’s first king, Vittorio Emanuele II and his son Umberto I, as well as Umberto's wife Queen Margherita are entombed in the Pantheon.
    CIPG_20140729_NYT_Pantheon__M3_4270.jpg
  • VATICAN CITY - 12 MARCH 2013: After the Pro Eligendo Pontifice Mass, or the Mass for the Election of the Roman Pontiff, the Swiss guards march from the nave towards the exit of Saint Peter's Basilica, in Vatican City, on March 12, 2013...After the mass, the 115 cardinals are set to enter the conclave to elect a successor to Pope Benedict XVI after he became the first pope in 600 years to resign from the role. The conclave will take place inside the Sistine Chapel and will be attended by 115 cardinals as they vote to select the 266th Pope of the Catholic Church.
    CIPG_20130312_ADAC_Conclave__MG_4409.jpg
  • VALLETTA, MALTA - 8 FEBRUARY 2017: Petty officials of the Libyan Navy Coastguard repair a marine engine during a mechanics course in the hangar of the San Giorgio, an amphibious transport dock of the Italian Navy, in Valetta, Malta, on Febuary 8th 2017.<br />
<br />
As a consequence of the April 2015 Libya migrant shipwrecks, the EU launched a military operation known as European Union Naval Force Mediterranean (EUNAVFOR Med), also known as Operation Sophia, with the aim of neutralising established refugee smuggling routes in the Mediterranean. The aim of this new operation launched by Europe is to undertake systematic efforts to identify, capture and dispose of vessels as well as enabling assets used or suspected of being used by migrant smugglers or traffickers. On 20 June 2016, the Council of the European Union extended Operation Sophia’s mandate reinforcing it by supporting the training of the Libyan coastguard.<br />
Thus far, following EUNAVFOR MED operation Sophia’s activities, 101 suspected smugglers and traffickers have been apprehended and transferred to the Italian<br />
authorities and 380 boats were removed from the criminal organizations' availability. The Operation has saved 32.081 migrants, among whom 1888 children.<br />
<br />
On February 2nd 2017 Italian Premier Paolo Gentiloni and Prime Minister of the U.N. backed Libyan government Fayez al-Serraj signed a memorandum of understanding on cooperation to combat illegal migration, human trafficking and contraband and on reinforcing the border between Libya and Italy. The following day, as EU leaders meet in Malta for a summit, European Council President Donald Tusk said after talks with Serraj, that “it is time to close the (migrant) route from Libya to Italy” and that “the EU has shown it is able to close the routes of irregular migration, as it has done in the eastern Mediterranean.”  Tusk said the Central Mediterranean route was “not sustainable either for the EU or for Libya”, where he said traffickers were undermin
    CIPG_20170208_NYT-Libya__M3_9548.jpg
  • VALLETTA, MALTA - 8 FEBRUARY 2017: A radar is seen here in the pilot house of the San Giorgio, an amphibious transport dock of the Italian Navy, in Valetta, Malta, on Febuary 8th 2017.<br />
<br />
As a consequence of the April 2015 Libya migrant shipwrecks, the EU launched a military operation known as European Union Naval Force Mediterranean (EUNAVFOR Med), also known as Operation Sophia, with the aim of neutralising established refugee smuggling routes in the Mediterranean. The aim of this new operation launched by Europe is to undertake systematic efforts to identify, capture and dispose of vessels as well as enabling assets used or suspected of being used by migrant smugglers or traffickers. On 20 June 2016, the Council of the European Union extended Operation Sophia’s mandate reinforcing it by supporting the training of the Libyan coastguard.<br />
Thus far, following EUNAVFOR MED operation Sophia’s activities, 101 suspected smugglers and traffickers have been apprehended and transferred to the Italian<br />
authorities and 380 boats were removed from the criminal organizations' availability. The Operation has saved 32.081 migrants, among whom 1888 children.<br />
<br />
On February 2nd 2017 Italian Premier Paolo Gentiloni and Prime Minister of the U.N. backed Libyan government Fayez al-Serraj signed a memorandum of understanding on cooperation to combat illegal migration, human trafficking and contraband and on reinforcing the border between Libya and Italy. The following day, as EU leaders meet in Malta for a summit, European Council President Donald Tusk said after talks with Serraj, that “it is time to close the (migrant) route from Libya to Italy” and that “the EU has shown it is able to close the routes of irregular migration, as it has done in the eastern Mediterranean.”  Tusk said the Central Mediterranean route was “not sustainable either for the EU or for Libya”, where he said traffickers were undermining the Libyan state’s authority for their profit. Serraj’s embat
    CIPG_20170208_NYT-Libya__M3_9596.jpg
  • VALLETTA, MALTA - 8 FEBRUARY 2017: An Italian Navy medic instructor shows first-aid technique on an official of the Libyan Navy during a first-aid course held in a container in the hangar of the San Giorgio, an amphibious transport dock of the Italian Navy, in Valetta, Malta, on Febuary 8th 2017.<br />
<br />
As a consequence of the April 2015 Libya migrant shipwrecks, the EU launched a military operation known as European Union Naval Force Mediterranean (EUNAVFOR Med), also known as Operation Sophia, with the aim of neutralising established refugee smuggling routes in the Mediterranean. The aim of this new operation launched by Europe is to undertake systematic efforts to identify, capture and dispose of vessels as well as enabling assets used or suspected of being used by migrant smugglers or traffickers. On 20 June 2016, the Council of the European Union extended Operation Sophia’s mandate reinforcing it by supporting the training of the Libyan coastguard.<br />
Thus far, following EUNAVFOR MED operation Sophia’s activities, 101 suspected smugglers and traffickers have been apprehended and transferred to the Italian<br />
authorities and 380 boats were removed from the criminal organizations' availability. The Operation has saved 32.081 migrants, among whom 1888 children.<br />
<br />
On February 2nd 2017 Italian Premier Paolo Gentiloni and Prime Minister of the U.N. backed Libyan government Fayez al-Serraj signed a memorandum of understanding on cooperation to combat illegal migration, human trafficking and contraband and on reinforcing the border between Libya and Italy. The following day, as EU leaders meet in Malta for a summit, European Council President Donald Tusk said after talks with Serraj, that “it is time to close the (migrant) route from Libya to Italy” and that “the EU has shown it is able to close the routes of irregular migration, as it has done in the eastern Mediterranean.”  Tusk said the Central Mediterranean route was “not sustainable either for the EU or for Libya
    CIPG_20170208_NYT-Libya__M3_9483.jpg
  • VALLETTA, MALTA - 8 FEBRUARY 2017: Federica Mogherini,  High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and Vice-President of the European Commission in the Juncker Commission, addresses the 89 officials and petty officials of the Libyan Navy Coastguard and Libyan Navy during the  graduation ceremony of their first training package, here on the deck of the San Giorgio, an amphibious transport dock of the Italian Navy, in Valetta, Malta, on Febuary 8th 2017.<br />
<br />
As a consequence of the April 2015 Libya migrant shipwrecks, the EU launched a military operation known as European Union Naval Force Mediterranean (EUNAVFOR Med), also known as Operation Sophia, with the aim of neutralising established refugee smuggling routes in the Mediterranean. The aim of this new operation launched by Europe is to undertake systematic efforts to identify, capture and dispose of vessels as well as enabling assets used or suspected of being used by migrant smugglers or traffickers. On 20 June 2016, the Council of the European Union extended Operation Sophia’s mandate reinforcing it by supporting the training of the Libyan coastguard.<br />
Thus far, following EUNAVFOR MED operation Sophia’s activities, 101 suspected smugglers and traffickers have been apprehended and transferred to the Italian<br />
authorities and 380 boats were removed from the criminal organizations' availability. The Operation has saved 32.081 migrants, among whom 1888 children.<br />
<br />
On February 2nd 2017 Italian Premier Paolo Gentiloni and Prime Minister of the U.N. backed Libyan government Fayez al-Serraj signed a memorandum of understanding on cooperation to combat illegal migration, human trafficking and contraband and on reinforcing the border between Libya and Italy. The following day, as EU leaders meet in Malta for a summit, European Council President Donald Tusk said after talks with Serraj, that “it is time to close the (migrant) route from Libya to Italy” and that “the EU has shown i
    CIPG_20170208_NYT-Libya__M3_1702.jpg
  • VALLETTA, MALTA - 8 FEBRUARY 2017: 89 officials and petty officials of the Libyan Navy Coastguard and Libyan Navy are seen here during their graduation ceremony of their first training package, here on the deck of the San Giorgio, an amphibious transport dock of the Italian Navy, in Valetta, Malta, on Febuary 8th 2017.<br />
<br />
As a consequence of the April 2015 Libya migrant shipwrecks, the EU launched a military operation known as European Union Naval Force Mediterranean (EUNAVFOR Med), also known as Operation Sophia, with the aim of neutralising established refugee smuggling routes in the Mediterranean. The aim of this new operation launched by Europe is to undertake systematic efforts to identify, capture and dispose of vessels as well as enabling assets used or suspected of being used by migrant smugglers or traffickers. On 20 June 2016, the Council of the European Union extended Operation Sophia’s mandate reinforcing it by supporting the training of the Libyan coastguard.<br />
Thus far, following EUNAVFOR MED operation Sophia’s activities, 101 suspected smugglers and traffickers have been apprehended and transferred to the Italian<br />
authorities and 380 boats were removed from the criminal organizations' availability. The Operation has saved 32.081 migrants, among whom 1888 children.<br />
<br />
On February 2nd 2017 Italian Premier Paolo Gentiloni and Prime Minister of the U.N. backed Libyan government Fayez al-Serraj signed a memorandum of understanding on cooperation to combat illegal migration, human trafficking and contraband and on reinforcing the border between Libya and Italy. The following day, as EU leaders meet in Malta for a summit, European Council President Donald Tusk said after talks with Serraj, that “it is time to close the (migrant) route from Libya to Italy” and that “the EU has shown it is able to close the routes of irregular migration, as it has done in the eastern Mediterranean.”  Tusk said the Central Mediterranean route was “not sustainable either
    CIPG_20170208_NYT-Libya__M3_1654.jpg
  • VALLETTA, MALTA - 8 FEBRUARY 2017:  Officials and petty officials of the Maltese Forces are seen here on the deck of the San Giorgio, an amphibious transport dock of the Italian Navy, before the graduation ceremony of the first training package of the Libyan Navy Coastguard and Libyan Navy  in Valetta, Malta, on Febuary 8th 2017.<br />
<br />
As a consequence of the April 2015 Libya migrant shipwrecks, the EU launched a military operation known as European Union Naval Force Mediterranean (EUNAVFOR Med), also known as Operation Sophia, with the aim of neutralising established refugee smuggling routes in the Mediterranean. The aim of this new operation launched by Europe is to undertake systematic efforts to identify, capture and dispose of vessels as well as enabling assets used or suspected of being used by migrant smugglers or traffickers. On 20 June 2016, the Council of the European Union extended Operation Sophia’s mandate reinforcing it by supporting the training of the Libyan coastguard.<br />
Thus far, following EUNAVFOR MED operation Sophia’s activities, 101 suspected smugglers and traffickers have been apprehended and transferred to the Italian<br />
authorities and 380 boats were removed from the criminal organizations' availability. The Operation has saved 32.081 migrants, among whom 1888 children.<br />
<br />
On February 2nd 2017 Italian Premier Paolo Gentiloni and Prime Minister of the U.N. backed Libyan government Fayez al-Serraj signed a memorandum of understanding on cooperation to combat illegal migration, human trafficking and contraband and on reinforcing the border between Libya and Italy. The following day, as EU leaders meet in Malta for a summit, European Council President Donald Tusk said after talks with Serraj, that “it is time to close the (migrant) route from Libya to Italy” and that “the EU has shown it is able to close the routes of irregular migration, as it has done in the eastern Mediterranean.”  Tusk said the Central Mediterranean route was “not sustaina
    CIPG_20170208_NYT-Libya__M3_1548.jpg
  • INTERNATIONAL WATERS BETWEEN MALTA AND SICILY - 8 FEBRUARY 2017: Officials and petty officials of the Libyan Navy Coastguard and Libyan Navy play foosball at the end of the day in the hangar of the San Giorgio, an amphibious transport dock of the Italian Navy, in international waters between Malta and Sicily, on Febuary 8th 2017.<br />
<br />
As a consequence of the April 2015 Libya migrant shipwrecks, the EU launched a military operation known as European Union Naval Force Mediterranean (EUNAVFOR Med), also known as Operation Sophia, with the aim of neutralising established refugee smuggling routes in the Mediterranean. The aim of this new operation launched by Europe is to undertake systematic efforts to identify, capture and dispose of vessels as well as enabling assets used or suspected of being used by migrant smugglers or traffickers. On 20 June 2016, the Council of the European Union extended Operation Sophia’s mandate reinforcing it by supporting the training of the Libyan coastguard.<br />
Thus far, following EUNAVFOR MED operation Sophia’s activities, 101 suspected smugglers and traffickers have been apprehended and transferred to the Italian<br />
authorities and 380 boats were removed from the criminal organizations' availability. The Operation has saved 32.081 migrants, among whom 1888 children.<br />
<br />
On February 2nd 2017 Italian Premier Paolo Gentiloni and Prime Minister of the U.N. backed Libyan government Fayez al-Serraj signed a memorandum of understanding on cooperation to combat illegal migration, human trafficking and contraband and on reinforcing the border between Libya and Italy. The following day, as EU leaders meet in Malta for a summit, European Council President Donald Tusk said after talks with Serraj, that “it is time to close the (migrant) route from Libya to Italy” and that “the EU has shown it is able to close the routes of irregular migration, as it has done in the eastern Mediterranean.”  Tusk said the Central Mediterranean route was “not sustaina
    CIPG_20170208_NYT-Libya__M3_0079_2.jpg
  • INTERNATIONAL WATERS BETWEEN MALTA AND SICILY - 8 FEBRUARY 2017: Officials and petty officials of the Libyan Navy Coastguard and Libyan Navy play foosball at the end of the day in the hangar of the San Giorgio, an amphibious transport dock of the Italian Navy, in international waters between Malta and Sicily, on Febuary 8th 2017.<br />
<br />
As a consequence of the April 2015 Libya migrant shipwrecks, the EU launched a military operation known as European Union Naval Force Mediterranean (EUNAVFOR Med), also known as Operation Sophia, with the aim of neutralising established refugee smuggling routes in the Mediterranean. The aim of this new operation launched by Europe is to undertake systematic efforts to identify, capture and dispose of vessels as well as enabling assets used or suspected of being used by migrant smugglers or traffickers. On 20 June 2016, the Council of the European Union extended Operation Sophia’s mandate reinforcing it by supporting the training of the Libyan coastguard.<br />
Thus far, following EUNAVFOR MED operation Sophia’s activities, 101 suspected smugglers and traffickers have been apprehended and transferred to the Italian<br />
authorities and 380 boats were removed from the criminal organizations' availability. The Operation has saved 32.081 migrants, among whom 1888 children.<br />
<br />
On February 2nd 2017 Italian Premier Paolo Gentiloni and Prime Minister of the U.N. backed Libyan government Fayez al-Serraj signed a memorandum of understanding on cooperation to combat illegal migration, human trafficking and contraband and on reinforcing the border between Libya and Italy. The following day, as EU leaders meet in Malta for a summit, European Council President Donald Tusk said after talks with Serraj, that “it is time to close the (migrant) route from Libya to Italy” and that “the EU has shown it is able to close the routes of irregular migration, as it has done in the eastern Mediterranean.”  Tusk said the Central Mediterranean route was “not sustaina
    CIPG_20170208_NYT-Libya__M3_0072_2.jpg
  • INTERNATIONAL WATERS BETWEEN MALTA AND SICILY - 8 FEBRUARY 2017: Officials and petty officials of the Libyan Navy Coastguard and Libyan Navy play foosball at the end of the day in the hangar of the San Giorgio, an amphibious transport dock of the Italian Navy, in international waters between Malta and Sicily, on Febuary 8th 2017.<br />
<br />
As a consequence of the April 2015 Libya migrant shipwrecks, the EU launched a military operation known as European Union Naval Force Mediterranean (EUNAVFOR Med), also known as Operation Sophia, with the aim of neutralising established refugee smuggling routes in the Mediterranean. The aim of this new operation launched by Europe is to undertake systematic efforts to identify, capture and dispose of vessels as well as enabling assets used or suspected of being used by migrant smugglers or traffickers. On 20 June 2016, the Council of the European Union extended Operation Sophia’s mandate reinforcing it by supporting the training of the Libyan coastguard.<br />
Thus far, following EUNAVFOR MED operation Sophia’s activities, 101 suspected smugglers and traffickers have been apprehended and transferred to the Italian<br />
authorities and 380 boats were removed from the criminal organizations' availability. The Operation has saved 32.081 migrants, among whom 1888 children.<br />
<br />
On February 2nd 2017 Italian Premier Paolo Gentiloni and Prime Minister of the U.N. backed Libyan government Fayez al-Serraj signed a memorandum of understanding on cooperation to combat illegal migration, human trafficking and contraband and on reinforcing the border between Libya and Italy. The following day, as EU leaders meet in Malta for a summit, European Council President Donald Tusk said after talks with Serraj, that “it is time to close the (migrant) route from Libya to Italy” and that “the EU has shown it is able to close the routes of irregular migration, as it has done in the eastern Mediterranean.”  Tusk said the Central Mediterranean route was “not sustaina
    CIPG_20170208_NYT-Libya__M3_0063_2.jpg
  • INTERNATIONAL WATERS BETWEEN MALTA AND SICILY - 8 FEBRUARY 2017: Officials and petty officials of the Libyan Navy Coastguard and Libyan Navy play foosball at the end of the day in the hangar of the San Giorgio, an amphibious transport dock of the Italian Navy, in international waters between Malta and Sicily, on Febuary 8th 2017.<br />
<br />
As a consequence of the April 2015 Libya migrant shipwrecks, the EU launched a military operation known as European Union Naval Force Mediterranean (EUNAVFOR Med), also known as Operation Sophia, with the aim of neutralising established refugee smuggling routes in the Mediterranean. The aim of this new operation launched by Europe is to undertake systematic efforts to identify, capture and dispose of vessels as well as enabling assets used or suspected of being used by migrant smugglers or traffickers. On 20 June 2016, the Council of the European Union extended Operation Sophia’s mandate reinforcing it by supporting the training of the Libyan coastguard.<br />
Thus far, following EUNAVFOR MED operation Sophia’s activities, 101 suspected smugglers and traffickers have been apprehended and transferred to the Italian<br />
authorities and 380 boats were removed from the criminal organizations' availability. The Operation has saved 32.081 migrants, among whom 1888 children.<br />
<br />
On February 2nd 2017 Italian Premier Paolo Gentiloni and Prime Minister of the U.N. backed Libyan government Fayez al-Serraj signed a memorandum of understanding on cooperation to combat illegal migration, human trafficking and contraband and on reinforcing the border between Libya and Italy. The following day, as EU leaders meet in Malta for a summit, European Council President Donald Tusk said after talks with Serraj, that “it is time to close the (migrant) route from Libya to Italy” and that “the EU has shown it is able to close the routes of irregular migration, as it has done in the eastern Mediterranean.”  Tusk said the Central Mediterranean route was “not sustaina
    CIPG_20170208_NYT-Libya__M3_0059_2.jpg
  • INTERNATIONAL WATERS BETWEEN MALTA AND SICILY - 8 FEBRUARY 2017: Officials and petty officials of the Libyan Navy Coastguard and Libyan Navy play foosball at the end of the day in the hangar of the San Giorgio, an amphibious transport dock of the Italian Navy, in international waters between Malta and Sicily, on Febuary 8th 2017.<br />
<br />
As a consequence of the April 2015 Libya migrant shipwrecks, the EU launched a military operation known as European Union Naval Force Mediterranean (EUNAVFOR Med), also known as Operation Sophia, with the aim of neutralising established refugee smuggling routes in the Mediterranean. The aim of this new operation launched by Europe is to undertake systematic efforts to identify, capture and dispose of vessels as well as enabling assets used or suspected of being used by migrant smugglers or traffickers. On 20 June 2016, the Council of the European Union extended Operation Sophia’s mandate reinforcing it by supporting the training of the Libyan coastguard.<br />
Thus far, following EUNAVFOR MED operation Sophia’s activities, 101 suspected smugglers and traffickers have been apprehended and transferred to the Italian<br />
authorities and 380 boats were removed from the criminal organizations' availability. The Operation has saved 32.081 migrants, among whom 1888 children.<br />
<br />
On February 2nd 2017 Italian Premier Paolo Gentiloni and Prime Minister of the U.N. backed Libyan government Fayez al-Serraj signed a memorandum of understanding on cooperation to combat illegal migration, human trafficking and contraband and on reinforcing the border between Libya and Italy. The following day, as EU leaders meet in Malta for a summit, European Council President Donald Tusk said after talks with Serraj, that “it is time to close the (migrant) route from Libya to Italy” and that “the EU has shown it is able to close the routes of irregular migration, as it has done in the eastern Mediterranean.”  Tusk said the Central Mediterranean route was “not sustaina
    CIPG_20170208_NYT-Libya__M3_0045_2.jpg
  • INTERNATIONAL WATERS (OFF THE COASTS OF SICILY, ITALY) - 9 FEBRUARY 2017: The San Giorgio, an amphibious transport dock of the Italian Navy, is seen here from a helicopter of the Italian Navy in international waters off the coast of Sicily, Italy, on Febuary 9th 2017.<br />
<br />
As a consequence of the April 2015 Libya migrant shipwrecks, the EU launched a military operation known as European Union Naval Force Mediterranean (EUNAVFOR Med), also known as Operation Sophia, with the aim of neutralising established refugee smuggling routes in the Mediterranean. The aim of this new operation launched by Europe is to undertake systematic efforts to identify, capture and dispose of vessels as well as enabling assets used or suspected of being used by migrant smugglers or traffickers. On 20 June 2016, the Council of the European Union extended Operation Sophia’s mandate reinforcing it by supporting the training of the Libyan coastguard.<br />
Thus far, following EUNAVFOR MED operation Sophia’s activities, 101 suspected smugglers and traffickers have been apprehended and transferred to the Italian<br />
authorities and 380 boats were removed from the criminal organizations' availability. The Operation has saved 32.081 migrants, among whom 1888 children.<br />
<br />
On February 2nd 2017 Italian Premier Paolo Gentiloni and Prime Minister of the U.N. backed Libyan government Fayez al-Serraj signed a memorandum of understanding on cooperation to combat illegal migration, human trafficking and contraband and on reinforcing the border between Libya and Italy. The following day, as EU leaders meet in Malta for a summit, European Council President Donald Tusk said after talks with Serraj, that “it is time to close the (migrant) route from Libya to Italy” and that “the EU has shown it is able to close the routes of irregular migration, as it has done in the eastern Mediterranean.”  Tusk said the Central Mediterranean route was “not sustainable either for the EU or for Libya”, where he said trafficker
    CIPG_20170209_NYT-Libya__M3_0881.jpg
  • INTERNATIONAL WATERS (OFF THE COASTS OF SICILY, ITALY) - 9 FEBRUARY 2017: The San Giorgio, an amphibious transport dock of the Italian Navy, is seen here from a helicopter of the Italian Navy in international waters off the coast of Sicily, Italy, on Febuary 9th 2017.<br />
<br />
As a consequence of the April 2015 Libya migrant shipwrecks, the EU launched a military operation known as European Union Naval Force Mediterranean (EUNAVFOR Med), also known as Operation Sophia, with the aim of neutralising established refugee smuggling routes in the Mediterranean. The aim of this new operation launched by Europe is to undertake systematic efforts to identify, capture and dispose of vessels as well as enabling assets used or suspected of being used by migrant smugglers or traffickers. On 20 June 2016, the Council of the European Union extended Operation Sophia’s mandate reinforcing it by supporting the training of the Libyan coastguard.<br />
Thus far, following EUNAVFOR MED operation Sophia’s activities, 101 suspected smugglers and traffickers have been apprehended and transferred to the Italian<br />
authorities and 380 boats were removed from the criminal organizations' availability. The Operation has saved 32.081 migrants, among whom 1888 children.<br />
<br />
On February 2nd 2017 Italian Premier Paolo Gentiloni and Prime Minister of the U.N. backed Libyan government Fayez al-Serraj signed a memorandum of understanding on cooperation to combat illegal migration, human trafficking and contraband and on reinforcing the border between Libya and Italy. The following day, as EU leaders meet in Malta for a summit, European Council President Donald Tusk said after talks with Serraj, that “it is time to close the (migrant) route from Libya to Italy” and that “the EU has shown it is able to close the routes of irregular migration, as it has done in the eastern Mediterranean.”  Tusk said the Central Mediterranean route was “not sustainable either for the EU or for Libya”, where he said trafficker
    CIPG_20170209_NYT-Libya__M3_0862.jpg
  • INTERNATIONAL WATERS (OFF THE COASTS OF SICILY, ITALY) - 9 FEBRUARY 2017: The San Giorgio, an amphibious transport dock of the Italian Navy, is seen here from a helicopter of the Italian Navy in international waters off the coast of Sicily, Italy, on Febuary 9th 2017.<br />
<br />
As a consequence of the April 2015 Libya migrant shipwrecks, the EU launched a military operation known as European Union Naval Force Mediterranean (EUNAVFOR Med), also known as Operation Sophia, with the aim of neutralising established refugee smuggling routes in the Mediterranean. The aim of this new operation launched by Europe is to undertake systematic efforts to identify, capture and dispose of vessels as well as enabling assets used or suspected of being used by migrant smugglers or traffickers. On 20 June 2016, the Council of the European Union extended Operation Sophia’s mandate reinforcing it by supporting the training of the Libyan coastguard.<br />
Thus far, following EUNAVFOR MED operation Sophia’s activities, 101 suspected smugglers and traffickers have been apprehended and transferred to the Italian<br />
authorities and 380 boats were removed from the criminal organizations' availability. The Operation has saved 32.081 migrants, among whom 1888 children.<br />
<br />
On February 2nd 2017 Italian Premier Paolo Gentiloni and Prime Minister of the U.N. backed Libyan government Fayez al-Serraj signed a memorandum of understanding on cooperation to combat illegal migration, human trafficking and contraband and on reinforcing the border between Libya and Italy. The following day, as EU leaders meet in Malta for a summit, European Council President Donald Tusk said after talks with Serraj, that “it is time to close the (migrant) route from Libya to Italy” and that “the EU has shown it is able to close the routes of irregular migration, as it has done in the eastern Mediterranean.”  Tusk said the Central Mediterranean route was “not sustainable either for the EU or for Libya”, where he said trafficker
    CIPG_20170209_NYT-Libya__M3_0848.jpg
  • INTERNATIONAL WATERS (OFF THE COASTS OF SICILY, ITALY) - 9 FEBRUARY 2017: An official of the Italian Navy is seen here in front of a SH-90 helicopter of the Italian Navy right before take-off, here on the San Giorgio, an amphibious transport dock of the Italian Navy, in international waters off the coast of Sicily, Italy, on Febuary 9th 2017.<br />
<br />
As a consequence of the April 2015 Libya migrant shipwrecks, the EU launched a military operation known as European Union Naval Force Mediterranean (EUNAVFOR Med), also known as Operation Sophia, with the aim of neutralising established refugee smuggling routes in the Mediterranean. The aim of this new operation launched by Europe is to undertake systematic efforts to identify, capture and dispose of vessels as well as enabling assets used or suspected of being used by migrant smugglers or traffickers. On 20 June 2016, the Council of the European Union extended Operation Sophia’s mandate reinforcing it by supporting the training of the Libyan coastguard.<br />
Thus far, following EUNAVFOR MED operation Sophia’s activities, 101 suspected smugglers and traffickers have been apprehended and transferred to the Italian<br />
authorities and 380 boats were removed from the criminal organizations' availability. The Operation has saved 32.081 migrants, among whom 1888 children.<br />
<br />
On February 2nd 2017 Italian Premier Paolo Gentiloni and Prime Minister of the U.N. backed Libyan government Fayez al-Serraj signed a memorandum of understanding on cooperation to combat illegal migration, human trafficking and contraband and on reinforcing the border between Libya and Italy. The following day, as EU leaders meet in Malta for a summit, European Council President Donald Tusk said after talks with Serraj, that “it is time to close the (migrant) route from Libya to Italy” and that “the EU has shown it is able to close the routes of irregular migration, as it has done in the eastern Mediterranean.”  Tusk said the Central Mediterranean route was �
    CIPG_20170209_NYT-Libya__M3_0802.jpg
  • INTERNATIONAL WATERS (OFF THE COASTS OF SICILY, ITALY) - 9 FEBRUARY 2017: A petty official of the Italian Navy is seen here at work, as a SH-90 helicopter of the Italian Navy is ready for take-off, here on the San Giorgio, an amphibious transport dock of the Italian Navy, in international waters off the coast of Sicily, Italy, on Febuary 9th 2017.<br />
<br />
As a consequence of the April 2015 Libya migrant shipwrecks, the EU launched a military operation known as European Union Naval Force Mediterranean (EUNAVFOR Med), also known as Operation Sophia, with the aim of neutralising established refugee smuggling routes in the Mediterranean. The aim of this new operation launched by Europe is to undertake systematic efforts to identify, capture and dispose of vessels as well as enabling assets used or suspected of being used by migrant smugglers or traffickers. On 20 June 2016, the Council of the European Union extended Operation Sophia’s mandate reinforcing it by supporting the training of the Libyan coastguard.<br />
Thus far, following EUNAVFOR MED operation Sophia’s activities, 101 suspected smugglers and traffickers have been apprehended and transferred to the Italian<br />
authorities and 380 boats were removed from the criminal organizations' availability. The Operation has saved 32.081 migrants, among whom 1888 children.<br />
<br />
On February 2nd 2017 Italian Premier Paolo Gentiloni and Prime Minister of the U.N. backed Libyan government Fayez al-Serraj signed a memorandum of understanding on cooperation to combat illegal migration, human trafficking and contraband and on reinforcing the border between Libya and Italy. The following day, as EU leaders meet in Malta for a summit, European Council President Donald Tusk said after talks with Serraj, that “it is time to close the (migrant) route from Libya to Italy” and that “the EU has shown it is able to close the routes of irregular migration, as it has done in the eastern Mediterranean.”  Tusk said the Central Mediterranean route w
    CIPG_20170209_NYT-Libya__M3_0782.jpg
  • INTERNATIONAL WATERS (OFF THE COASTS OF SICILY, ITALY) - 9 FEBRUARY 2017: A SH-90 helicopter of the Italian Navy approaches the San Giorgio, an amphibious transport dock of the Italian Navy, in international waters off the coast of Sicily, Italy, on Febuary 9th 2017.<br />
<br />
As a consequence of the April 2015 Libya migrant shipwrecks, the EU launched a military operation known as European Union Naval Force Mediterranean (EUNAVFOR Med), also known as Operation Sophia, with the aim of neutralising established refugee smuggling routes in the Mediterranean. The aim of this new operation launched by Europe is to undertake systematic efforts to identify, capture and dispose of vessels as well as enabling assets used or suspected of being used by migrant smugglers or traffickers. On 20 June 2016, the Council of the European Union extended Operation Sophia’s mandate reinforcing it by supporting the training of the Libyan coastguard.<br />
Thus far, following EUNAVFOR MED operation Sophia’s activities, 101 suspected smugglers and traffickers have been apprehended and transferred to the Italian<br />
authorities and 380 boats were removed from the criminal organizations' availability. The Operation has saved 32.081 migrants, among whom 1888 children.<br />
<br />
On February 2nd 2017 Italian Premier Paolo Gentiloni and Prime Minister of the U.N. backed Libyan government Fayez al-Serraj signed a memorandum of understanding on cooperation to combat illegal migration, human trafficking and contraband and on reinforcing the border between Libya and Italy. The following day, as EU leaders meet in Malta for a summit, European Council President Donald Tusk said after talks with Serraj, that “it is time to close the (migrant) route from Libya to Italy” and that “the EU has shown it is able to close the routes of irregular migration, as it has done in the eastern Mediterranean.”  Tusk said the Central Mediterranean route was “not sustainable either for the EU or for Libya”, where he said traffickers
    CIPG_20170209_NYT-Libya__M3_0710.jpg
  • INTERNATIONAL WATERS (OFF THE COASTS OF SICILY, ITALY) - 9 FEBRUARY 2017: The view from the deck of the San Giorgio, an amphibious transport dock of the Italian Navy, in international waters off the coast of Sicily, Italy, on Febuary 9th 2017.<br />
<br />
As a consequence of the April 2015 Libya migrant shipwrecks, the EU launched a military operation known as European Union Naval Force Mediterranean (EUNAVFOR Med), also known as Operation Sophia, with the aim of neutralising established refugee smuggling routes in the Mediterranean. The aim of this new operation launched by Europe is to undertake systematic efforts to identify, capture and dispose of vessels as well as enabling assets used or suspected of being used by migrant smugglers or traffickers. On 20 June 2016, the Council of the European Union extended Operation Sophia’s mandate reinforcing it by supporting the training of the Libyan coastguard.<br />
Thus far, following EUNAVFOR MED operation Sophia’s activities, 101 suspected smugglers and traffickers have been apprehended and transferred to the Italian<br />
authorities and 380 boats were removed from the criminal organizations' availability. The Operation has saved 32.081 migrants, among whom 1888 children.<br />
<br />
On February 2nd 2017 Italian Premier Paolo Gentiloni and Prime Minister of the U.N. backed Libyan government Fayez al-Serraj signed a memorandum of understanding on cooperation to combat illegal migration, human trafficking and contraband and on reinforcing the border between Libya and Italy. The following day, as EU leaders meet in Malta for a summit, European Council President Donald Tusk said after talks with Serraj, that “it is time to close the (migrant) route from Libya to Italy” and that “the EU has shown it is able to close the routes of irregular migration, as it has done in the eastern Mediterranean.”  Tusk said the Central Mediterranean route was “not sustainable either for the EU or for Libya”, where he said traffickers were undermining the Li
    CIPG_20170209_NYT-Libya__M3_0687.jpg
  • VALLETTA, MALTA - 8 FEBRUARY 2017: Two officials of the Libyan Navy simulate a first-aid technique during a first-aid course held in a container in the hangar of the San Giorgio, an amphibious transport dock of the Italian Navy, in Valetta, Malta, on Febuary 8th 2017.<br />
<br />
As a consequence of the April 2015 Libya migrant shipwrecks, the EU launched a military operation known as European Union Naval Force Mediterranean (EUNAVFOR Med), also known as Operation Sophia, with the aim of neutralising established refugee smuggling routes in the Mediterranean. The aim of this new operation launched by Europe is to undertake systematic efforts to identify, capture and dispose of vessels as well as enabling assets used or suspected of being used by migrant smugglers or traffickers. On 20 June 2016, the Council of the European Union extended Operation Sophia’s mandate reinforcing it by supporting the training of the Libyan coastguard.<br />
Thus far, following EUNAVFOR MED operation Sophia’s activities, 101 suspected smugglers and traffickers have been apprehended and transferred to the Italian<br />
authorities and 380 boats were removed from the criminal organizations' availability. The Operation has saved 32.081 migrants, among whom 1888 children.<br />
<br />
On February 2nd 2017 Italian Premier Paolo Gentiloni and Prime Minister of the U.N. backed Libyan government Fayez al-Serraj signed a memorandum of understanding on cooperation to combat illegal migration, human trafficking and contraband and on reinforcing the border between Libya and Italy. The following day, as EU leaders meet in Malta for a summit, European Council President Donald Tusk said after talks with Serraj, that “it is time to close the (migrant) route from Libya to Italy” and that “the EU has shown it is able to close the routes of irregular migration, as it has done in the eastern Mediterranean.”  Tusk said the Central Mediterranean route was “not sustainable either for the EU or for Libya”, where he said trafficker
    CIPG_20170208_NYT-Libya__M3_9995.jpg
  • VALLETTA, MALTA - 8 FEBRUARY 2017: An officials of the Libyan Navy simulates a cardiopulmonary resuscitation during a first-aid course held in a container in the hangar of the San Giorgio, an amphibious transport dock of the Italian Navy, in Valetta, Malta, on Febuary 8th 2017.<br />
<br />
As a consequence of the April 2015 Libya migrant shipwrecks, the EU launched a military operation known as European Union Naval Force Mediterranean (EUNAVFOR Med), also known as Operation Sophia, with the aim of neutralising established refugee smuggling routes in the Mediterranean. The aim of this new operation launched by Europe is to undertake systematic efforts to identify, capture and dispose of vessels as well as enabling assets used or suspected of being used by migrant smugglers or traffickers. On 20 June 2016, the Council of the European Union extended Operation Sophia’s mandate reinforcing it by supporting the training of the Libyan coastguard.<br />
Thus far, following EUNAVFOR MED operation Sophia’s activities, 101 suspected smugglers and traffickers have been apprehended and transferred to the Italian<br />
authorities and 380 boats were removed from the criminal organizations' availability. The Operation has saved 32.081 migrants, among whom 1888 children.<br />
<br />
On February 2nd 2017 Italian Premier Paolo Gentiloni and Prime Minister of the U.N. backed Libyan government Fayez al-Serraj signed a memorandum of understanding on cooperation to combat illegal migration, human trafficking and contraband and on reinforcing the border between Libya and Italy. The following day, as EU leaders meet in Malta for a summit, European Council President Donald Tusk said after talks with Serraj, that “it is time to close the (migrant) route from Libya to Italy” and that “the EU has shown it is able to close the routes of irregular migration, as it has done in the eastern Mediterranean.”  Tusk said the Central Mediterranean route was “not sustainable either for the EU or for Libya”, where he said
    CIPG_20170208_NYT-Libya__M3_9988.jpg
  • VALLETTA, MALTA - 8 FEBRUARY 2017: An officials of the Libyan Navy simulates a cardiopulmonary resuscitation during a first-aid course held in a container in the hangar of the San Giorgio, an amphibious transport dock of the Italian Navy, in Valetta, Malta, on Febuary 8th 2017.<br />
<br />
As a consequence of the April 2015 Libya migrant shipwrecks, the EU launched a military operation known as European Union Naval Force Mediterranean (EUNAVFOR Med), also known as Operation Sophia, with the aim of neutralising established refugee smuggling routes in the Mediterranean. The aim of this new operation launched by Europe is to undertake systematic efforts to identify, capture and dispose of vessels as well as enabling assets used or suspected of being used by migrant smugglers or traffickers. On 20 June 2016, the Council of the European Union extended Operation Sophia’s mandate reinforcing it by supporting the training of the Libyan coastguard.<br />
Thus far, following EUNAVFOR MED operation Sophia’s activities, 101 suspected smugglers and traffickers have been apprehended and transferred to the Italian<br />
authorities and 380 boats were removed from the criminal organizations' availability. The Operation has saved 32.081 migrants, among whom 1888 children.<br />
<br />
On February 2nd 2017 Italian Premier Paolo Gentiloni and Prime Minister of the U.N. backed Libyan government Fayez al-Serraj signed a memorandum of understanding on cooperation to combat illegal migration, human trafficking and contraband and on reinforcing the border between Libya and Italy. The following day, as EU leaders meet in Malta for a summit, European Council President Donald Tusk said after talks with Serraj, that “it is time to close the (migrant) route from Libya to Italy” and that “the EU has shown it is able to close the routes of irregular migration, as it has done in the eastern Mediterranean.”  Tusk said the Central Mediterranean route was “not sustainable either for the EU or for Libya”, where he said
    CIPG_20170208_NYT-Libya__M3_9973.jpg
  • VALLETTA, MALTA - 8 FEBRUARY 2017: An officials of the Libyan Navy simulates a cardiopulmonary resuscitation during a first-aid course held in a container in the hangar of the San Giorgio, an amphibious transport dock of the Italian Navy, in Valetta, Malta, on Febuary 8th 2017.<br />
<br />
As a consequence of the April 2015 Libya migrant shipwrecks, the EU launched a military operation known as European Union Naval Force Mediterranean (EUNAVFOR Med), also known as Operation Sophia, with the aim of neutralising established refugee smuggling routes in the Mediterranean. The aim of this new operation launched by Europe is to undertake systematic efforts to identify, capture and dispose of vessels as well as enabling assets used or suspected of being used by migrant smugglers or traffickers. On 20 June 2016, the Council of the European Union extended Operation Sophia’s mandate reinforcing it by supporting the training of the Libyan coastguard.<br />
Thus far, following EUNAVFOR MED operation Sophia’s activities, 101 suspected smugglers and traffickers have been apprehended and transferred to the Italian<br />
authorities and 380 boats were removed from the criminal organizations' availability. The Operation has saved 32.081 migrants, among whom 1888 children.<br />
<br />
On February 2nd 2017 Italian Premier Paolo Gentiloni and Prime Minister of the U.N. backed Libyan government Fayez al-Serraj signed a memorandum of understanding on cooperation to combat illegal migration, human trafficking and contraband and on reinforcing the border between Libya and Italy. The following day, as EU leaders meet in Malta for a summit, European Council President Donald Tusk said after talks with Serraj, that “it is time to close the (migrant) route from Libya to Italy” and that “the EU has shown it is able to close the routes of irregular migration, as it has done in the eastern Mediterranean.”  Tusk said the Central Mediterranean route was “not sustainable either for the EU or for Libya”, where he said
    CIPG_20170208_NYT-Libya__M3_9968.jpg
  • VALLETTA, MALTA - 8 FEBRUARY 2017: An officials of the Libyan Navy simulates a first-aid technique during a first-aid course held in a container in the hangar of the San Giorgio, an amphibious transport dock of the Italian Navy, in Valetta, Malta, on Febuary 8th 2017.<br />
<br />
As a consequence of the April 2015 Libya migrant shipwrecks, the EU launched a military operation known as European Union Naval Force Mediterranean (EUNAVFOR Med), also known as Operation Sophia, with the aim of neutralising established refugee smuggling routes in the Mediterranean. The aim of this new operation launched by Europe is to undertake systematic efforts to identify, capture and dispose of vessels as well as enabling assets used or suspected of being used by migrant smugglers or traffickers. On 20 June 2016, the Council of the European Union extended Operation Sophia’s mandate reinforcing it by supporting the training of the Libyan coastguard.<br />
Thus far, following EUNAVFOR MED operation Sophia’s activities, 101 suspected smugglers and traffickers have been apprehended and transferred to the Italian<br />
authorities and 380 boats were removed from the criminal organizations' availability. The Operation has saved 32.081 migrants, among whom 1888 children.<br />
<br />
On February 2nd 2017 Italian Premier Paolo Gentiloni and Prime Minister of the U.N. backed Libyan government Fayez al-Serraj signed a memorandum of understanding on cooperation to combat illegal migration, human trafficking and contraband and on reinforcing the border between Libya and Italy. The following day, as EU leaders meet in Malta for a summit, European Council President Donald Tusk said after talks with Serraj, that “it is time to close the (migrant) route from Libya to Italy” and that “the EU has shown it is able to close the routes of irregular migration, as it has done in the eastern Mediterranean.”  Tusk said the Central Mediterranean route was “not sustainable either for the EU or for Libya”, where he said trafficker
    CIPG_20170208_NYT-Libya__M3_9966.jpg
  • VALLETTA, MALTA - 8 FEBRUARY 2017: Officials and petty officials of the Libyan Navy Coastguard and Libyan Navy attend a first-aid course held by an Belgian Military medic instructor in a container in the hangar of the San Giorgio, an amphibious transport dock of the Italian Navy, in Valetta, Malta, on Febuary 8th 2017.<br />
<br />
As a consequence of the April 2015 Libya migrant shipwrecks, the EU launched a military operation known as European Union Naval Force Mediterranean (EUNAVFOR Med), also known as Operation Sophia, with the aim of neutralising established refugee smuggling routes in the Mediterranean. The aim of this new operation launched by Europe is to undertake systematic efforts to identify, capture and dispose of vessels as well as enabling assets used or suspected of being used by migrant smugglers or traffickers. On 20 June 2016, the Council of the European Union extended Operation Sophia’s mandate reinforcing it by supporting the training of the Libyan coastguard.<br />
Thus far, following EUNAVFOR MED operation Sophia’s activities, 101 suspected smugglers and traffickers have been apprehended and transferred to the Italian<br />
authorities and 380 boats were removed from the criminal organizations' availability. The Operation has saved 32.081 migrants, among whom 1888 children.<br />
<br />
On February 2nd 2017 Italian Premier Paolo Gentiloni and Prime Minister of the U.N. backed Libyan government Fayez al-Serraj signed a memorandum of understanding on cooperation to combat illegal migration, human trafficking and contraband and on reinforcing the border between Libya and Italy. The following day, as EU leaders meet in Malta for a summit, European Council President Donald Tusk said after talks with Serraj, that “it is time to close the (migrant) route from Libya to Italy” and that “the EU has shown it is able to close the routes of irregular migration, as it has done in the eastern Mediterranean.”  Tusk said the Central Mediterranean route was “not sustainable either
    CIPG_20170208_NYT-Libya__M3_9959.jpg
  • VALLETTA, MALTA - 8 FEBRUARY 2017: Two officials of the Libyan Navy simulate a first-aid technique during a first-aid course held in a container in the hangar of the San Giorgio, an amphibious transport dock of the Italian Navy, in Valetta, Malta, on Febuary 8th 2017.<br />
<br />
As a consequence of the April 2015 Libya migrant shipwrecks, the EU launched a military operation known as European Union Naval Force Mediterranean (EUNAVFOR Med), also known as Operation Sophia, with the aim of neutralising established refugee smuggling routes in the Mediterranean. The aim of this new operation launched by Europe is to undertake systematic efforts to identify, capture and dispose of vessels as well as enabling assets used or suspected of being used by migrant smugglers or traffickers. On 20 June 2016, the Council of the European Union extended Operation Sophia’s mandate reinforcing it by supporting the training of the Libyan coastguard.<br />
Thus far, following EUNAVFOR MED operation Sophia’s activities, 101 suspected smugglers and traffickers have been apprehended and transferred to the Italian<br />
authorities and 380 boats were removed from the criminal organizations' availability. The Operation has saved 32.081 migrants, among whom 1888 children.<br />
<br />
On February 2nd 2017 Italian Premier Paolo Gentiloni and Prime Minister of the U.N. backed Libyan government Fayez al-Serraj signed a memorandum of understanding on cooperation to combat illegal migration, human trafficking and contraband and on reinforcing the border between Libya and Italy. The following day, as EU leaders meet in Malta for a summit, European Council President Donald Tusk said after talks with Serraj, that “it is time to close the (migrant) route from Libya to Italy” and that “the EU has shown it is able to close the routes of irregular migration, as it has done in the eastern Mediterranean.”  Tusk said the Central Mediterranean route was “not sustainable either for the EU or for Libya”, where he said trafficker
    CIPG_20170208_NYT-Libya__M3_9940.jpg
  • VALLETTA, MALTA - 8 FEBRUARY 2017: A petty official of the Libyan Navy Coastguard studies a map of the Mediterranean Sea  in the pilot house of the San Giorgio, an amphibious transport dock of the Italian Navy, as it sets out of the harbor of Valetta, Malta, on Febuary 8th 2017.<br />
<br />
As a consequence of the April 2015 Libya migrant shipwrecks, the EU launched a military operation known as European Union Naval Force Mediterranean (EUNAVFOR Med), also known as Operation Sophia, with the aim of neutralising established refugee smuggling routes in the Mediterranean. The aim of this new operation launched by Europe is to undertake systematic efforts to identify, capture and dispose of vessels as well as enabling assets used or suspected of being used by migrant smugglers or traffickers. On 20 June 2016, the Council of the European Union extended Operation Sophia’s mandate reinforcing it by supporting the training of the Libyan coastguard.<br />
Thus far, following EUNAVFOR MED operation Sophia’s activities, 101 suspected smugglers and traffickers have been apprehended and transferred to the Italian<br />
authorities and 380 boats were removed from the criminal organizations' availability. The Operation has saved 32.081 migrants, among whom 1888 children.<br />
<br />
On February 2nd 2017 Italian Premier Paolo Gentiloni and Prime Minister of the U.N. backed Libyan government Fayez al-Serraj signed a memorandum of understanding on cooperation to combat illegal migration, human trafficking and contraband and on reinforcing the border between Libya and Italy. The following day, as EU leaders meet in Malta for a summit, European Council President Donald Tusk said after talks with Serraj, that “it is time to close the (migrant) route from Libya to Italy” and that “the EU has shown it is able to close the routes of irregular migration, as it has done in the eastern Mediterranean.”  Tusk said the Central Mediterranean route was “not sustainable either for the EU or for Libya”, where he said
    CIPG_20170208_NYT-Libya__M3_9934.jpg
  • VALLETTA, MALTA - 8 FEBRUARY 2017: A petty official of the Libyan Navy Coastguard is seen here in the pilot house of the San Giorgio, an amphibious transport dock of the Italian Navy, as it sets out of the harbor of Valetta, Malta, on Febuary 8th 2017.<br />
<br />
As a consequence of the April 2015 Libya migrant shipwrecks, the EU launched a military operation known as European Union Naval Force Mediterranean (EUNAVFOR Med), also known as Operation Sophia, with the aim of neutralising established refugee smuggling routes in the Mediterranean. The aim of this new operation launched by Europe is to undertake systematic efforts to identify, capture and dispose of vessels as well as enabling assets used or suspected of being used by migrant smugglers or traffickers. On 20 June 2016, the Council of the European Union extended Operation Sophia’s mandate reinforcing it by supporting the training of the Libyan coastguard.<br />
Thus far, following EUNAVFOR MED operation Sophia’s activities, 101 suspected smugglers and traffickers have been apprehended and transferred to the Italian<br />
authorities and 380 boats were removed from the criminal organizations' availability. The Operation has saved 32.081 migrants, among whom 1888 children.<br />
<br />
On February 2nd 2017 Italian Premier Paolo Gentiloni and Prime Minister of the U.N. backed Libyan government Fayez al-Serraj signed a memorandum of understanding on cooperation to combat illegal migration, human trafficking and contraband and on reinforcing the border between Libya and Italy. The following day, as EU leaders meet in Malta for a summit, European Council President Donald Tusk said after talks with Serraj, that “it is time to close the (migrant) route from Libya to Italy” and that “the EU has shown it is able to close the routes of irregular migration, as it has done in the eastern Mediterranean.”  Tusk said the Central Mediterranean route was “not sustainable either for the EU or for Libya”, where he said traffickers were undermini
    CIPG_20170208_NYT-Libya__M3_9881.jpg
  • VALLETTA, MALTA - 8 FEBRUARY 2017: A petty official of the Libyan Navy Coastguard is seen here in the pilot house of the San Giorgio, an amphibious transport dock of the Italian Navy, as it sets out of the harbor of Valetta, Malta, on Febuary 8th 2017.<br />
<br />
As a consequence of the April 2015 Libya migrant shipwrecks, the EU launched a military operation known as European Union Naval Force Mediterranean (EUNAVFOR Med), also known as Operation Sophia, with the aim of neutralising established refugee smuggling routes in the Mediterranean. The aim of this new operation launched by Europe is to undertake systematic efforts to identify, capture and dispose of vessels as well as enabling assets used or suspected of being used by migrant smugglers or traffickers. On 20 June 2016, the Council of the European Union extended Operation Sophia’s mandate reinforcing it by supporting the training of the Libyan coastguard.<br />
Thus far, following EUNAVFOR MED operation Sophia’s activities, 101 suspected smugglers and traffickers have been apprehended and transferred to the Italian<br />
authorities and 380 boats were removed from the criminal organizations' availability. The Operation has saved 32.081 migrants, among whom 1888 children.<br />
<br />
On February 2nd 2017 Italian Premier Paolo Gentiloni and Prime Minister of the U.N. backed Libyan government Fayez al-Serraj signed a memorandum of understanding on cooperation to combat illegal migration, human trafficking and contraband and on reinforcing the border between Libya and Italy. The following day, as EU leaders meet in Malta for a summit, European Council President Donald Tusk said after talks with Serraj, that “it is time to close the (migrant) route from Libya to Italy” and that “the EU has shown it is able to close the routes of irregular migration, as it has done in the eastern Mediterranean.”  Tusk said the Central Mediterranean route was “not sustainable either for the EU or for Libya”, where he said traffickers were undermini
    CIPG_20170208_NYT-Libya__M3_9877.jpg
  • VALLETTA, MALTA - 8 FEBRUARY 2017: A petty official of the Libyan Navy Coastguard is seen here in the pilot house of the San Giorgio, an amphibious transport dock of the Italian Navy, as it sets out of the harbor of Valetta, Malta, on Febuary 8th 2017.<br />
<br />
As a consequence of the April 2015 Libya migrant shipwrecks, the EU launched a military operation known as European Union Naval Force Mediterranean (EUNAVFOR Med), also known as Operation Sophia, with the aim of neutralising established refugee smuggling routes in the Mediterranean. The aim of this new operation launched by Europe is to undertake systematic efforts to identify, capture and dispose of vessels as well as enabling assets used or suspected of being used by migrant smugglers or traffickers. On 20 June 2016, the Council of the European Union extended Operation Sophia’s mandate reinforcing it by supporting the training of the Libyan coastguard.<br />
Thus far, following EUNAVFOR MED operation Sophia’s activities, 101 suspected smugglers and traffickers have been apprehended and transferred to the Italian<br />
authorities and 380 boats were removed from the criminal organizations' availability. The Operation has saved 32.081 migrants, among whom 1888 children.<br />
<br />
On February 2nd 2017 Italian Premier Paolo Gentiloni and Prime Minister of the U.N. backed Libyan government Fayez al-Serraj signed a memorandum of understanding on cooperation to combat illegal migration, human trafficking and contraband and on reinforcing the border between Libya and Italy. The following day, as EU leaders meet in Malta for a summit, European Council President Donald Tusk said after talks with Serraj, that “it is time to close the (migrant) route from Libya to Italy” and that “the EU has shown it is able to close the routes of irregular migration, as it has done in the eastern Mediterranean.”  Tusk said the Central Mediterranean route was “not sustainable either for the EU or for Libya”, where he said traffickers were undermini
    CIPG_20170208_NYT-Libya__M3_9866.jpg
  • VALLETTA, MALTA - 8 FEBRUARY 2017: A petty official of the Libyan Navy Coastguard is seen here in the pilot house of the San Giorgio, an amphibious transport dock of the Italian Navy, as it sets out of the harbor of Valetta, Malta, on Febuary 8th 2017.<br />
<br />
As a consequence of the April 2015 Libya migrant shipwrecks, the EU launched a military operation known as European Union Naval Force Mediterranean (EUNAVFOR Med), also known as Operation Sophia, with the aim of neutralising established refugee smuggling routes in the Mediterranean. The aim of this new operation launched by Europe is to undertake systematic efforts to identify, capture and dispose of vessels as well as enabling assets used or suspected of being used by migrant smugglers or traffickers. On 20 June 2016, the Council of the European Union extended Operation Sophia’s mandate reinforcing it by supporting the training of the Libyan coastguard.<br />
Thus far, following EUNAVFOR MED operation Sophia’s activities, 101 suspected smugglers and traffickers have been apprehended and transferred to the Italian<br />
authorities and 380 boats were removed from the criminal organizations' availability. The Operation has saved 32.081 migrants, among whom 1888 children.<br />
<br />
On February 2nd 2017 Italian Premier Paolo Gentiloni and Prime Minister of the U.N. backed Libyan government Fayez al-Serraj signed a memorandum of understanding on cooperation to combat illegal migration, human trafficking and contraband and on reinforcing the border between Libya and Italy. The following day, as EU leaders meet in Malta for a summit, European Council President Donald Tusk said after talks with Serraj, that “it is time to close the (migrant) route from Libya to Italy” and that “the EU has shown it is able to close the routes of irregular migration, as it has done in the eastern Mediterranean.”  Tusk said the Central Mediterranean route was “not sustainable either for the EU or for Libya”, where he said traffickers were undermini
    CIPG_20170208_NYT-Libya__M3_9834.jpg
  • VALLETTA, MALTA - 8 FEBRUARY 2017: The view seen from the pilot house of the San Giorgio, an amphibious transport dock of the Italian Navy, as it sets out of the harbor of Valetta, Malta, on Febuary 8th 2017.<br />
<br />
As a consequence of the April 2015 Libya migrant shipwrecks, the EU launched a military operation known as European Union Naval Force Mediterranean (EUNAVFOR Med), also known as Operation Sophia, with the aim of neutralising established refugee smuggling routes in the Mediterranean. The aim of this new operation launched by Europe is to undertake systematic efforts to identify, capture and dispose of vessels as well as enabling assets used or suspected of being used by migrant smugglers or traffickers. On 20 June 2016, the Council of the European Union extended Operation Sophia’s mandate reinforcing it by supporting the training of the Libyan coastguard.<br />
Thus far, following EUNAVFOR MED operation Sophia’s activities, 101 suspected smugglers and traffickers have been apprehended and transferred to the Italian<br />
authorities and 380 boats were removed from the criminal organizations' availability. The Operation has saved 32.081 migrants, among whom 1888 children.<br />
<br />
On February 2nd 2017 Italian Premier Paolo Gentiloni and Prime Minister of the U.N. backed Libyan government Fayez al-Serraj signed a memorandum of understanding on cooperation to combat illegal migration, human trafficking and contraband and on reinforcing the border between Libya and Italy. The following day, as EU leaders meet in Malta for a summit, European Council President Donald Tusk said after talks with Serraj, that “it is time to close the (migrant) route from Libya to Italy” and that “the EU has shown it is able to close the routes of irregular migration, as it has done in the eastern Mediterranean.”  Tusk said the Central Mediterranean route was “not sustainable either for the EU or for Libya”, where he said traffickers were undermining the Libyan state’s authority for their
    CIPG_20170208_NYT-Libya__M3_9813.jpg
  • VALLETTA, MALTA - 8 FEBRUARY 2017: Italian Navy staff is seen here at work during a maneuver in the pilot house of the San Giorgio, an amphibious transport dock of the Italian Navy, as it sets out of the harbor of Valetta, Malta, on Febuary 8th 2017.<br />
<br />
As a consequence of the April 2015 Libya migrant shipwrecks, the EU launched a military operation known as European Union Naval Force Mediterranean (EUNAVFOR Med), also known as Operation Sophia, with the aim of neutralising established refugee smuggling routes in the Mediterranean. The aim of this new operation launched by Europe is to undertake systematic efforts to identify, capture and dispose of vessels as well as enabling assets used or suspected of being used by migrant smugglers or traffickers. On 20 June 2016, the Council of the European Union extended Operation Sophia’s mandate reinforcing it by supporting the training of the Libyan coastguard.<br />
Thus far, following EUNAVFOR MED operation Sophia’s activities, 101 suspected smugglers and traffickers have been apprehended and transferred to the Italian<br />
authorities and 380 boats were removed from the criminal organizations' availability. The Operation has saved 32.081 migrants, among whom 1888 children.<br />
<br />
On February 2nd 2017 Italian Premier Paolo Gentiloni and Prime Minister of the U.N. backed Libyan government Fayez al-Serraj signed a memorandum of understanding on cooperation to combat illegal migration, human trafficking and contraband and on reinforcing the border between Libya and Italy. The following day, as EU leaders meet in Malta for a summit, European Council President Donald Tusk said after talks with Serraj, that “it is time to close the (migrant) route from Libya to Italy” and that “the EU has shown it is able to close the routes of irregular migration, as it has done in the eastern Mediterranean.”  Tusk said the Central Mediterranean route was “not sustainable either for the EU or for Libya”, where he said traffickers were undermining
    CIPG_20170208_NYT-Libya__M3_9712.jpg
  • VALLETTA, MALTA - 8 FEBRUARY 2017: A petty official of the Libyan Navy Coastguard is seen here in the pilot house of the San Giorgio, an amphibious transport dock of the Italian Navy, as it sets out of the harbor of Valetta, Malta, on Febuary 8th 2017.<br />
<br />
As a consequence of the April 2015 Libya migrant shipwrecks, the EU launched a military operation known as European Union Naval Force Mediterranean (EUNAVFOR Med), also known as Operation Sophia, with the aim of neutralising established refugee smuggling routes in the Mediterranean. The aim of this new operation launched by Europe is to undertake systematic efforts to identify, capture and dispose of vessels as well as enabling assets used or suspected of being used by migrant smugglers or traffickers. On 20 June 2016, the Council of the European Union extended Operation Sophia’s mandate reinforcing it by supporting the training of the Libyan coastguard.<br />
Thus far, following EUNAVFOR MED operation Sophia’s activities, 101 suspected smugglers and traffickers have been apprehended and transferred to the Italian<br />
authorities and 380 boats were removed from the criminal organizations' availability. The Operation has saved 32.081 migrants, among whom 1888 children.<br />
<br />
On February 2nd 2017 Italian Premier Paolo Gentiloni and Prime Minister of the U.N. backed Libyan government Fayez al-Serraj signed a memorandum of understanding on cooperation to combat illegal migration, human trafficking and contraband and on reinforcing the border between Libya and Italy. The following day, as EU leaders meet in Malta for a summit, European Council President Donald Tusk said after talks with Serraj, that “it is time to close the (migrant) route from Libya to Italy” and that “the EU has shown it is able to close the routes of irregular migration, as it has done in the eastern Mediterranean.”  Tusk said the Central Mediterranean route was “not sustainable either for the EU or for Libya”, where he said traffickers were undermini
    CIPG_20170208_NYT-Libya__M3_9700.jpg
  • VALLETTA, MALTA - 8 FEBRUARY 2017: Two petty officials of the Libyan Navy Coastguard are seen here in the pilot house of the San Giorgio, an amphibious transport dock of the Italian Navy, as it sets out of the harbor of Valetta, Malta, on Febuary 8th 2017.<br />
<br />
As a consequence of the April 2015 Libya migrant shipwrecks, the EU launched a military operation known as European Union Naval Force Mediterranean (EUNAVFOR Med), also known as Operation Sophia, with the aim of neutralising established refugee smuggling routes in the Mediterranean. The aim of this new operation launched by Europe is to undertake systematic efforts to identify, capture and dispose of vessels as well as enabling assets used or suspected of being used by migrant smugglers or traffickers. On 20 June 2016, the Council of the European Union extended Operation Sophia’s mandate reinforcing it by supporting the training of the Libyan coastguard.<br />
Thus far, following EUNAVFOR MED operation Sophia’s activities, 101 suspected smugglers and traffickers have been apprehended and transferred to the Italian<br />
authorities and 380 boats were removed from the criminal organizations' availability. The Operation has saved 32.081 migrants, among whom 1888 children.<br />
<br />
On February 2nd 2017 Italian Premier Paolo Gentiloni and Prime Minister of the U.N. backed Libyan government Fayez al-Serraj signed a memorandum of understanding on cooperation to combat illegal migration, human trafficking and contraband and on reinforcing the border between Libya and Italy. The following day, as EU leaders meet in Malta for a summit, European Council President Donald Tusk said after talks with Serraj, that “it is time to close the (migrant) route from Libya to Italy” and that “the EU has shown it is able to close the routes of irregular migration, as it has done in the eastern Mediterranean.”  Tusk said the Central Mediterranean route was “not sustainable either for the EU or for Libya”, where he said traffickers were under
    CIPG_20170208_NYT-Libya__M3_9682.jpg
  • VALLETTA, MALTA - 8 FEBRUARY 2017: Italian Navy staff is seen here at work during a maneuver in the pilot house of the San Giorgio, an amphibious transport dock of the Italian Navy, as it sets out of the harbor of Valetta, Malta, on Febuary 8th 2017.<br />
<br />
As a consequence of the April 2015 Libya migrant shipwrecks, the EU launched a military operation known as European Union Naval Force Mediterranean (EUNAVFOR Med), also known as Operation Sophia, with the aim of neutralising established refugee smuggling routes in the Mediterranean. The aim of this new operation launched by Europe is to undertake systematic efforts to identify, capture and dispose of vessels as well as enabling assets used or suspected of being used by migrant smugglers or traffickers. On 20 June 2016, the Council of the European Union extended Operation Sophia’s mandate reinforcing it by supporting the training of the Libyan coastguard.<br />
Thus far, following EUNAVFOR MED operation Sophia’s activities, 101 suspected smugglers and traffickers have been apprehended and transferred to the Italian<br />
authorities and 380 boats were removed from the criminal organizations' availability. The Operation has saved 32.081 migrants, among whom 1888 children.<br />
<br />
On February 2nd 2017 Italian Premier Paolo Gentiloni and Prime Minister of the U.N. backed Libyan government Fayez al-Serraj signed a memorandum of understanding on cooperation to combat illegal migration, human trafficking and contraband and on reinforcing the border between Libya and Italy. The following day, as EU leaders meet in Malta for a summit, European Council President Donald Tusk said after talks with Serraj, that “it is time to close the (migrant) route from Libya to Italy” and that “the EU has shown it is able to close the routes of irregular migration, as it has done in the eastern Mediterranean.”  Tusk said the Central Mediterranean route was “not sustainable either for the EU or for Libya”, where he said traffickers were undermining
    CIPG_20170208_NYT-Libya__M3_9676.jpg
  • VALLETTA, MALTA - 8 FEBRUARY 2017: Italian Navy staff and Commander Fabio Fares (center) are seen here at work during a maneuver in the pilot house of the San Giorgio, an amphibious transport dock of the Italian Navy, as it sets out of the harbor of Valetta, Malta, on Febuary 8th 2017.<br />
<br />
As a consequence of the April 2015 Libya migrant shipwrecks, the EU launched a military operation known as European Union Naval Force Mediterranean (EUNAVFOR Med), also known as Operation Sophia, with the aim of neutralising established refugee smuggling routes in the Mediterranean. The aim of this new operation launched by Europe is to undertake systematic efforts to identify, capture and dispose of vessels as well as enabling assets used or suspected of being used by migrant smugglers or traffickers. On 20 June 2016, the Council of the European Union extended Operation Sophia’s mandate reinforcing it by supporting the training of the Libyan coastguard.<br />
Thus far, following EUNAVFOR MED operation Sophia’s activities, 101 suspected smugglers and traffickers have been apprehended and transferred to the Italian<br />
authorities and 380 boats were removed from the criminal organizations' availability. The Operation has saved 32.081 migrants, among whom 1888 children.<br />
<br />
On February 2nd 2017 Italian Premier Paolo Gentiloni and Prime Minister of the U.N. backed Libyan government Fayez al-Serraj signed a memorandum of understanding on cooperation to combat illegal migration, human trafficking and contraband and on reinforcing the border between Libya and Italy. The following day, as EU leaders meet in Malta for a summit, European Council President Donald Tusk said after talks with Serraj, that “it is time to close the (migrant) route from Libya to Italy” and that “the EU has shown it is able to close the routes of irregular migration, as it has done in the eastern Mediterranean.”  Tusk said the Central Mediterranean route was “not sustainable either for the EU or for Libya”, where
    CIPG_20170208_NYT-Libya__M3_9661.jpg
  • VALLETTA, MALTA - 8 FEBRUARY 2017: Italian Navy staff is seen here at work during a maneuver in the pilot house of the San Giorgio, an amphibious transport dock of the Italian Navy, as it sets out of the harbor of Valetta, Malta, on Febuary 8th 2017.<br />
<br />
As a consequence of the April 2015 Libya migrant shipwrecks, the EU launched a military operation known as European Union Naval Force Mediterranean (EUNAVFOR Med), also known as Operation Sophia, with the aim of neutralising established refugee smuggling routes in the Mediterranean. The aim of this new operation launched by Europe is to undertake systematic efforts to identify, capture and dispose of vessels as well as enabling assets used or suspected of being used by migrant smugglers or traffickers. On 20 June 2016, the Council of the European Union extended Operation Sophia’s mandate reinforcing it by supporting the training of the Libyan coastguard.<br />
Thus far, following EUNAVFOR MED operation Sophia’s activities, 101 suspected smugglers and traffickers have been apprehended and transferred to the Italian<br />
authorities and 380 boats were removed from the criminal organizations' availability. The Operation has saved 32.081 migrants, among whom 1888 children.<br />
<br />
On February 2nd 2017 Italian Premier Paolo Gentiloni and Prime Minister of the U.N. backed Libyan government Fayez al-Serraj signed a memorandum of understanding on cooperation to combat illegal migration, human trafficking and contraband and on reinforcing the border between Libya and Italy. The following day, as EU leaders meet in Malta for a summit, European Council President Donald Tusk said after talks with Serraj, that “it is time to close the (migrant) route from Libya to Italy” and that “the EU has shown it is able to close the routes of irregular migration, as it has done in the eastern Mediterranean.”  Tusk said the Central Mediterranean route was “not sustainable either for the EU or for Libya”, where he said traffickers were undermining
    CIPG_20170208_NYT-Libya__M3_9629.jpg
  • VALLETTA, MALTA - 8 FEBRUARY 2017: Italian Navy staff is seen here at work during a maneuver in the pilot house of the San Giorgio, an amphibious transport dock of the Italian Navy, as it sets out of the harbor of Valetta, Malta, on Febuary 8th 2017.<br />
<br />
As a consequence of the April 2015 Libya migrant shipwrecks, the EU launched a military operation known as European Union Naval Force Mediterranean (EUNAVFOR Med), also known as Operation Sophia, with the aim of neutralising established refugee smuggling routes in the Mediterranean. The aim of this new operation launched by Europe is to undertake systematic efforts to identify, capture and dispose of vessels as well as enabling assets used or suspected of being used by migrant smugglers or traffickers. On 20 June 2016, the Council of the European Union extended Operation Sophia’s mandate reinforcing it by supporting the training of the Libyan coastguard.<br />
Thus far, following EUNAVFOR MED operation Sophia’s activities, 101 suspected smugglers and traffickers have been apprehended and transferred to the Italian<br />
authorities and 380 boats were removed from the criminal organizations' availability. The Operation has saved 32.081 migrants, among whom 1888 children.<br />
<br />
On February 2nd 2017 Italian Premier Paolo Gentiloni and Prime Minister of the U.N. backed Libyan government Fayez al-Serraj signed a memorandum of understanding on cooperation to combat illegal migration, human trafficking and contraband and on reinforcing the border between Libya and Italy. The following day, as EU leaders meet in Malta for a summit, European Council President Donald Tusk said after talks with Serraj, that “it is time to close the (migrant) route from Libya to Italy” and that “the EU has shown it is able to close the routes of irregular migration, as it has done in the eastern Mediterranean.”  Tusk said the Central Mediterranean route was “not sustainable either for the EU or for Libya”, where he said traffickers were undermining
    CIPG_20170208_NYT-Libya__M3_9610.jpg
  • VALLETTA, MALTA - 8 FEBRUARY 2017: Petty officials of the Libyan Navy Coastguard repair a marine engine during a mechanics course in the hangar of the San Giorgio, an amphibious transport dock of the Italian Navy, in Valetta, Malta, on Febuary 8th 2017.<br />
<br />
As a consequence of the April 2015 Libya migrant shipwrecks, the EU launched a military operation known as European Union Naval Force Mediterranean (EUNAVFOR Med), also known as Operation Sophia, with the aim of neutralising established refugee smuggling routes in the Mediterranean. The aim of this new operation launched by Europe is to undertake systematic efforts to identify, capture and dispose of vessels as well as enabling assets used or suspected of being used by migrant smugglers or traffickers. On 20 June 2016, the Council of the European Union extended Operation Sophia’s mandate reinforcing it by supporting the training of the Libyan coastguard.<br />
Thus far, following EUNAVFOR MED operation Sophia’s activities, 101 suspected smugglers and traffickers have been apprehended and transferred to the Italian<br />
authorities and 380 boats were removed from the criminal organizations' availability. The Operation has saved 32.081 migrants, among whom 1888 children.<br />
<br />
On February 2nd 2017 Italian Premier Paolo Gentiloni and Prime Minister of the U.N. backed Libyan government Fayez al-Serraj signed a memorandum of understanding on cooperation to combat illegal migration, human trafficking and contraband and on reinforcing the border between Libya and Italy. The following day, as EU leaders meet in Malta for a summit, European Council President Donald Tusk said after talks with Serraj, that “it is time to close the (migrant) route from Libya to Italy” and that “the EU has shown it is able to close the routes of irregular migration, as it has done in the eastern Mediterranean.”  Tusk said the Central Mediterranean route was “not sustainable either for the EU or for Libya”, where he said traffickers were undermin
    CIPG_20170208_NYT-Libya__M3_9594.jpg
  • VALLETTA, MALTA - 8 FEBRUARY 2017: Petty officials of the Libyan Navy Coastguard repair a marine engine during a mechanics course in the hangar of the San Giorgio, an amphibious transport dock of the Italian Navy, in Valetta, Malta, on Febuary 8th 2017.<br />
<br />
As a consequence of the April 2015 Libya migrant shipwrecks, the EU launched a military operation known as European Union Naval Force Mediterranean (EUNAVFOR Med), also known as Operation Sophia, with the aim of neutralising established refugee smuggling routes in the Mediterranean. The aim of this new operation launched by Europe is to undertake systematic efforts to identify, capture and dispose of vessels as well as enabling assets used or suspected of being used by migrant smugglers or traffickers. On 20 June 2016, the Council of the European Union extended Operation Sophia’s mandate reinforcing it by supporting the training of the Libyan coastguard.<br />
Thus far, following EUNAVFOR MED operation Sophia’s activities, 101 suspected smugglers and traffickers have been apprehended and transferred to the Italian<br />
authorities and 380 boats were removed from the criminal organizations' availability. The Operation has saved 32.081 migrants, among whom 1888 children.<br />
<br />
On February 2nd 2017 Italian Premier Paolo Gentiloni and Prime Minister of the U.N. backed Libyan government Fayez al-Serraj signed a memorandum of understanding on cooperation to combat illegal migration, human trafficking and contraband and on reinforcing the border between Libya and Italy. The following day, as EU leaders meet in Malta for a summit, European Council President Donald Tusk said after talks with Serraj, that “it is time to close the (migrant) route from Libya to Italy” and that “the EU has shown it is able to close the routes of irregular migration, as it has done in the eastern Mediterranean.”  Tusk said the Central Mediterranean route was “not sustainable either for the EU or for Libya”, where he said traffickers were undermin
    CIPG_20170208_NYT-Libya__M3_9559.jpg
  • VALLETTA, MALTA - 8 FEBRUARY 2017: Officials and petty officials of the Libyan Navy Coastguard and Libyan Navy attend a first-aid course held by an Italian Navy medic instructor in a container in the hangar of the San Giorgio, an amphibious transport dock of the Italian Navy, in Valetta, Malta, on Febuary 8th 2017.<br />
<br />
As a consequence of the April 2015 Libya migrant shipwrecks, the EU launched a military operation known as European Union Naval Force Mediterranean (EUNAVFOR Med), also known as Operation Sophia, with the aim of neutralising established refugee smuggling routes in the Mediterranean. The aim of this new operation launched by Europe is to undertake systematic efforts to identify, capture and dispose of vessels as well as enabling assets used or suspected of being used by migrant smugglers or traffickers. On 20 June 2016, the Council of the European Union extended Operation Sophia’s mandate reinforcing it by supporting the training of the Libyan coastguard.<br />
Thus far, following EUNAVFOR MED operation Sophia’s activities, 101 suspected smugglers and traffickers have been apprehended and transferred to the Italian<br />
authorities and 380 boats were removed from the criminal organizations' availability. The Operation has saved 32.081 migrants, among whom 1888 children.<br />
<br />
On February 2nd 2017 Italian Premier Paolo Gentiloni and Prime Minister of the U.N. backed Libyan government Fayez al-Serraj signed a memorandum of understanding on cooperation to combat illegal migration, human trafficking and contraband and on reinforcing the border between Libya and Italy. The following day, as EU leaders meet in Malta for a summit, European Council President Donald Tusk said after talks with Serraj, that “it is time to close the (migrant) route from Libya to Italy” and that “the EU has shown it is able to close the routes of irregular migration, as it has done in the eastern Mediterranean.”  Tusk said the Central Mediterranean route was “not sustainable either for
    CIPG_20170208_NYT-Libya__M3_9422.jpg
  • VALLETTA, MALTA - 8 FEBRUARY 2017: Officials and petty officials of the Libyan Navy Coastguard and Libyan Navy attend a first-aid course held by an Italian Navy medic instructor in a container in the hangar of the San Giorgio, an amphibious transport dock of the Italian Navy, in Valetta, Malta, on Febuary 8th 2017.<br />
<br />
As a consequence of the April 2015 Libya migrant shipwrecks, the EU launched a military operation known as European Union Naval Force Mediterranean (EUNAVFOR Med), also known as Operation Sophia, with the aim of neutralising established refugee smuggling routes in the Mediterranean. The aim of this new operation launched by Europe is to undertake systematic efforts to identify, capture and dispose of vessels as well as enabling assets used or suspected of being used by migrant smugglers or traffickers. On 20 June 2016, the Council of the European Union extended Operation Sophia’s mandate reinforcing it by supporting the training of the Libyan coastguard.<br />
Thus far, following EUNAVFOR MED operation Sophia’s activities, 101 suspected smugglers and traffickers have been apprehended and transferred to the Italian<br />
authorities and 380 boats were removed from the criminal organizations' availability. The Operation has saved 32.081 migrants, among whom 1888 children.<br />
<br />
On February 2nd 2017 Italian Premier Paolo Gentiloni and Prime Minister of the U.N. backed Libyan government Fayez al-Serraj signed a memorandum of understanding on cooperation to combat illegal migration, human trafficking and contraband and on reinforcing the border between Libya and Italy. The following day, as EU leaders meet in Malta for a summit, European Council President Donald Tusk said after talks with Serraj, that “it is time to close the (migrant) route from Libya to Italy” and that “the EU has shown it is able to close the routes of irregular migration, as it has done in the eastern Mediterranean.”  Tusk said the Central Mediterranean route was “not sustainable either for
    CIPG_20170208_NYT-Libya__M3_9408.jpg
  • VALLETTA, MALTA - 8 FEBRUARY 2017: International maritime signal flags are seen here in the hangar of the San Giorgio, an amphibious transport dock of the Italian Navy, in Valetta, Malta, on Febuary 8th 2017.<br />
<br />
As a consequence of the April 2015 Libya migrant shipwrecks, the EU launched a military operation known as European Union Naval Force Mediterranean (EUNAVFOR Med), also known as Operation Sophia, with the aim of neutralising established refugee smuggling routes in the Mediterranean. The aim of this new operation launched by Europe is to undertake systematic efforts to identify, capture and dispose of vessels as well as enabling assets used or suspected of being used by migrant smugglers or traffickers. On 20 June 2016, the Council of the European Union extended Operation Sophia’s mandate reinforcing it by supporting the training of the Libyan coastguard.<br />
Thus far, following EUNAVFOR MED operation Sophia’s activities, 101 suspected smugglers and traffickers have been apprehended and transferred to the Italian<br />
authorities and 380 boats were removed from the criminal organizations' availability. The Operation has saved 32.081 migrants, among whom 1888 children.<br />
<br />
On February 2nd 2017 Italian Premier Paolo Gentiloni and Prime Minister of the U.N. backed Libyan government Fayez al-Serraj signed a memorandum of understanding on cooperation to combat illegal migration, human trafficking and contraband and on reinforcing the border between Libya and Italy. The following day, as EU leaders meet in Malta for a summit, European Council President Donald Tusk said after talks with Serraj, that “it is time to close the (migrant) route from Libya to Italy” and that “the EU has shown it is able to close the routes of irregular migration, as it has done in the eastern Mediterranean.”  Tusk said the Central Mediterranean route was “not sustainable either for the EU or for Libya”, where he said traffickers were undermining the Libyan state’s authority for their
    CIPG_20170208_NYT-Libya__M3_9388.jpg
  • VALLETTA, MALTA - 8 FEBRUARY 2017: Shoes are left outside a makeshift mosque in the hangar of the San Giorgio, an amphibious transport dock of the Italian Navy, during the prayer of of a Libyan Navy Coastguard official in Valetta, Malta, on Febuary 8th 2017.<br />
<br />
As a consequence of the April 2015 Libya migrant shipwrecks, the EU launched a military operation known as European Union Naval Force Mediterranean (EUNAVFOR Med), also known as Operation Sophia, with the aim of neutralising established refugee smuggling routes in the Mediterranean. The aim of this new operation launched by Europe is to undertake systematic efforts to identify, capture and dispose of vessels as well as enabling assets used or suspected of being used by migrant smugglers or traffickers. On 20 June 2016, the Council of the European Union extended Operation Sophia’s mandate reinforcing it by supporting the training of the Libyan coastguard.<br />
Thus far, following EUNAVFOR MED operation Sophia’s activities, 101 suspected smugglers and traffickers have been apprehended and transferred to the Italian<br />
authorities and 380 boats were removed from the criminal organizations' availability. The Operation has saved 32.081 migrants, among whom 1888 children.<br />
<br />
On February 2nd 2017 Italian Premier Paolo Gentiloni and Prime Minister of the U.N. backed Libyan government Fayez al-Serraj signed a memorandum of understanding on cooperation to combat illegal migration, human trafficking and contraband and on reinforcing the border between Libya and Italy. The following day, as EU leaders meet in Malta for a summit, European Council President Donald Tusk said after talks with Serraj, that “it is time to close the (migrant) route from Libya to Italy” and that “the EU has shown it is able to close the routes of irregular migration, as it has done in the eastern Mediterranean.”  Tusk said the Central Mediterranean route was “not sustainable either for the EU or for Libya”, where he said traffickers were und
    CIPG_20170208_NYT-Libya__M3_9383.jpg
  • VALLETTA, MALTA - 8 FEBRUARY 2017: A petty official of the Libyan Navy Coastguard relaxes in the stern of the San Giorgio, an amphibious transport dock of the Italian Navy, after their graduation ceremony for their first training package, in Valetta, Malta, on Febuary 8th 2017.<br />
<br />
As a consequence of the April 2015 Libya migrant shipwrecks, the EU launched a military operation known as European Union Naval Force Mediterranean (EUNAVFOR Med), also known as Operation Sophia, with the aim of neutralising established refugee smuggling routes in the Mediterranean. The aim of this new operation launched by Europe is to undertake systematic efforts to identify, capture and dispose of vessels as well as enabling assets used or suspected of being used by migrant smugglers or traffickers. On 20 June 2016, the Council of the European Union extended Operation Sophia’s mandate reinforcing it by supporting the training of the Libyan coastguard.<br />
Thus far, following EUNAVFOR MED operation Sophia’s activities, 101 suspected smugglers and traffickers have been apprehended and transferred to the Italian<br />
authorities and 380 boats were removed from the criminal organizations' availability. The Operation has saved 32.081 migrants, among whom 1888 children.<br />
<br />
On February 2nd 2017 Italian Premier Paolo Gentiloni and Prime Minister of the U.N. backed Libyan government Fayez al-Serraj signed a memorandum of understanding on cooperation to combat illegal migration, human trafficking and contraband and on reinforcing the border between Libya and Italy. The following day, as EU leaders meet in Malta for a summit, European Council President Donald Tusk said after talks with Serraj, that “it is time to close the (migrant) route from Libya to Italy” and that “the EU has shown it is able to close the routes of irregular migration, as it has done in the eastern Mediterranean.”  Tusk said the Central Mediterranean route was “not sustainable either for the EU or for Libya”, where he said
    CIPG_20170208_NYT-Libya__M3_9357.jpg
  • VALLETTA, MALTA - 8 FEBRUARY 2017: A petty official of the Italian Navy is seen here at the entrance of the San Giorgio, an amphibious transport dock of the Italian Navy, in Valetta, Malta, on Febuary 8th 2017.<br />
<br />
As a consequence of the April 2015 Libya migrant shipwrecks, the EU launched a military operation known as European Union Naval Force Mediterranean (EUNAVFOR Med), also known as Operation Sophia, with the aim of neutralising established refugee smuggling routes in the Mediterranean. The aim of this new operation launched by Europe is to undertake systematic efforts to identify, capture and dispose of vessels as well as enabling assets used or suspected of being used by migrant smugglers or traffickers. On 20 June 2016, the Council of the European Union extended Operation Sophia’s mandate reinforcing it by supporting the training of the Libyan coastguard.<br />
Thus far, following EUNAVFOR MED operation Sophia’s activities, 101 suspected smugglers and traffickers have been apprehended and transferred to the Italian<br />
authorities and 380 boats were removed from the criminal organizations' availability. The Operation has saved 32.081 migrants, among whom 1888 children.<br />
<br />
On February 2nd 2017 Italian Premier Paolo Gentiloni and Prime Minister of the U.N. backed Libyan government Fayez al-Serraj signed a memorandum of understanding on cooperation to combat illegal migration, human trafficking and contraband and on reinforcing the border between Libya and Italy. The following day, as EU leaders meet in Malta for a summit, European Council President Donald Tusk said after talks with Serraj, that “it is time to close the (migrant) route from Libya to Italy” and that “the EU has shown it is able to close the routes of irregular migration, as it has done in the eastern Mediterranean.”  Tusk said the Central Mediterranean route was “not sustainable either for the EU or for Libya”, where he said traffickers were undermining the Libyan state’s authority for thei
    CIPG_20170208_NYT-Libya__M3_9272.jpg
  • VALLETTA, MALTA - 8 FEBRUARY 2017: A halal food sign, for the 89 officials and petty officials of the Libyan Navy Coastguard and Libyan Navy, is seen here by the mess hall of the San Giorgio, an amphibious transport dock of the Italian Navy, in Valetta, Malta, on Febuary 8th 2017.<br />
<br />
As a consequence of the April 2015 Libya migrant shipwrecks, the EU launched a military operation known as European Union Naval Force Mediterranean (EUNAVFOR Med), also known as Operation Sophia, with the aim of neutralising established refugee smuggling routes in the Mediterranean. The aim of this new operation launched by Europe is to undertake systematic efforts to identify, capture and dispose of vessels as well as enabling assets used or suspected of being used by migrant smugglers or traffickers. On 20 June 2016, the Council of the European Union extended Operation Sophia’s mandate reinforcing it by supporting the training of the Libyan coastguard.<br />
Thus far, following EUNAVFOR MED operation Sophia’s activities, 101 suspected smugglers and traffickers have been apprehended and transferred to the Italian<br />
authorities and 380 boats were removed from the criminal organizations' availability. The Operation has saved 32.081 migrants, among whom 1888 children.<br />
<br />
On February 2nd 2017 Italian Premier Paolo Gentiloni and Prime Minister of the U.N. backed Libyan government Fayez al-Serraj signed a memorandum of understanding on cooperation to combat illegal migration, human trafficking and contraband and on reinforcing the border between Libya and Italy. The following day, as EU leaders meet in Malta for a summit, European Council President Donald Tusk said after talks with Serraj, that “it is time to close the (migrant) route from Libya to Italy” and that “the EU has shown it is able to close the routes of irregular migration, as it has done in the eastern Mediterranean.”  Tusk said the Central Mediterranean route was “not sustainable either for the EU or for Libya”, where he sa
    CIPG_20170208_NYT-Libya__M3_9236.jpg
  • VALLETTA, MALTA - 8 FEBRUARY 2017:  Officials and petty officials of the Italiany Navy and the Maltese Forces (background) are seen here on the deck of the San Giorgio, an amphibious transport dock of the Italian Navy, before the graduation ceremony of the first training package of the Libyan Navy Coastguard and Libyan Navy  in Valetta, Malta, on Febuary 8th 2017.<br />
<br />
As a consequence of the April 2015 Libya migrant shipwrecks, the EU launched a military operation known as European Union Naval Force Mediterranean (EUNAVFOR Med), also known as Operation Sophia, with the aim of neutralising established refugee smuggling routes in the Mediterranean. The aim of this new operation launched by Europe is to undertake systematic efforts to identify, capture and dispose of vessels as well as enabling assets used or suspected of being used by migrant smugglers or traffickers. On 20 June 2016, the Council of the European Union extended Operation Sophia’s mandate reinforcing it by supporting the training of the Libyan coastguard.<br />
Thus far, following EUNAVFOR MED operation Sophia’s activities, 101 suspected smugglers and traffickers have been apprehended and transferred to the Italian<br />
authorities and 380 boats were removed from the criminal organizations' availability. The Operation has saved 32.081 migrants, among whom 1888 children.<br />
<br />
On February 2nd 2017 Italian Premier Paolo Gentiloni and Prime Minister of the U.N. backed Libyan government Fayez al-Serraj signed a memorandum of understanding on cooperation to combat illegal migration, human trafficking and contraband and on reinforcing the border between Libya and Italy. The following day, as EU leaders meet in Malta for a summit, European Council President Donald Tusk said after talks with Serraj, that “it is time to close the (migrant) route from Libya to Italy” and that “the EU has shown it is able to close the routes of irregular migration, as it has done in the eastern Mediterranean.”  Tusk said the Central Medi
    CIPG_20170208_NYT-Libya__M3_1966.jpg
  • VALLETTA, MALTA - 8 FEBRUARY 2017: An official of the Libyan Navy Coastguard holds his certificate of attendance during the graduation ceremony of their first training package, here on the deck of the San Giorgio, an amphibious transport dock of the Italian Navy, in Valetta, Malta, on Febuary 8th 2017.<br />
<br />
As a consequence of the April 2015 Libya migrant shipwrecks, the EU launched a military operation known as European Union Naval Force Mediterranean (EUNAVFOR Med), also known as Operation Sophia, with the aim of neutralising established refugee smuggling routes in the Mediterranean. The aim of this new operation launched by Europe is to undertake systematic efforts to identify, capture and dispose of vessels as well as enabling assets used or suspected of being used by migrant smugglers or traffickers. On 20 June 2016, the Council of the European Union extended Operation Sophia’s mandate reinforcing it by supporting the training of the Libyan coastguard.<br />
Thus far, following EUNAVFOR MED operation Sophia’s activities, 101 suspected smugglers and traffickers have been apprehended and transferred to the Italian<br />
authorities and 380 boats were removed from the criminal organizations' availability. The Operation has saved 32.081 migrants, among whom 1888 children.<br />
<br />
On February 2nd 2017 Italian Premier Paolo Gentiloni and Prime Minister of the U.N. backed Libyan government Fayez al-Serraj signed a memorandum of understanding on cooperation to combat illegal migration, human trafficking and contraband and on reinforcing the border between Libya and Italy. The following day, as EU leaders meet in Malta for a summit, European Council President Donald Tusk said after talks with Serraj, that “it is time to close the (migrant) route from Libya to Italy” and that “the EU has shown it is able to close the routes of irregular migration, as it has done in the eastern Mediterranean.”  Tusk said the Central Mediterranean route was “not sustainable either for the EU or for
    CIPG_20170208_NYT-Libya__M3_1883.jpg
  • VALLETTA, MALTA - 8 FEBRUARY 2017: 89 officials and petty officials of the Libyan Navy Coastguard and Libyan Navy are seen here during their graduation ceremony of their first training package, here on the deck of the San Giorgio, an amphibious transport dock of the Italian Navy, in Valetta, Malta, on Febuary 8th 2017.<br />
<br />
As a consequence of the April 2015 Libya migrant shipwrecks, the EU launched a military operation known as European Union Naval Force Mediterranean (EUNAVFOR Med), also known as Operation Sophia, with the aim of neutralising established refugee smuggling routes in the Mediterranean. The aim of this new operation launched by Europe is to undertake systematic efforts to identify, capture and dispose of vessels as well as enabling assets used or suspected of being used by migrant smugglers or traffickers. On 20 June 2016, the Council of the European Union extended Operation Sophia’s mandate reinforcing it by supporting the training of the Libyan coastguard.<br />
Thus far, following EUNAVFOR MED operation Sophia’s activities, 101 suspected smugglers and traffickers have been apprehended and transferred to the Italian<br />
authorities and 380 boats were removed from the criminal organizations' availability. The Operation has saved 32.081 migrants, among whom 1888 children.<br />
<br />
On February 2nd 2017 Italian Premier Paolo Gentiloni and Prime Minister of the U.N. backed Libyan government Fayez al-Serraj signed a memorandum of understanding on cooperation to combat illegal migration, human trafficking and contraband and on reinforcing the border between Libya and Italy. The following day, as EU leaders meet in Malta for a summit, European Council President Donald Tusk said after talks with Serraj, that “it is time to close the (migrant) route from Libya to Italy” and that “the EU has shown it is able to close the routes of irregular migration, as it has done in the eastern Mediterranean.”  Tusk said the Central Mediterranean route was “not sustainable either
    CIPG_20170208_NYT-Libya__M3_1735.jpg
  • VALLETTA, MALTA - 8 FEBRUARY 2017: 89 officials and petty officials of the Libyan Navy Coastguard and Libyan Navy are seen here during their graduation ceremony of their first training package, here on the deck of the San Giorgio, an amphibious transport dock of the Italian Navy, in Valetta, Malta, on Febuary 8th 2017.<br />
<br />
As a consequence of the April 2015 Libya migrant shipwrecks, the EU launched a military operation known as European Union Naval Force Mediterranean (EUNAVFOR Med), also known as Operation Sophia, with the aim of neutralising established refugee smuggling routes in the Mediterranean. The aim of this new operation launched by Europe is to undertake systematic efforts to identify, capture and dispose of vessels as well as enabling assets used or suspected of being used by migrant smugglers or traffickers. On 20 June 2016, the Council of the European Union extended Operation Sophia’s mandate reinforcing it by supporting the training of the Libyan coastguard.<br />
Thus far, following EUNAVFOR MED operation Sophia’s activities, 101 suspected smugglers and traffickers have been apprehended and transferred to the Italian<br />
authorities and 380 boats were removed from the criminal organizations' availability. The Operation has saved 32.081 migrants, among whom 1888 children.<br />
<br />
On February 2nd 2017 Italian Premier Paolo Gentiloni and Prime Minister of the U.N. backed Libyan government Fayez al-Serraj signed a memorandum of understanding on cooperation to combat illegal migration, human trafficking and contraband and on reinforcing the border between Libya and Italy. The following day, as EU leaders meet in Malta for a summit, European Council President Donald Tusk said after talks with Serraj, that “it is time to close the (migrant) route from Libya to Italy” and that “the EU has shown it is able to close the routes of irregular migration, as it has done in the eastern Mediterranean.”  Tusk said the Central Mediterranean route was “not sustainable either
    CIPG_20170208_NYT-Libya__M3_1730.jpg
  • VALLETTA, MALTA - 8 FEBRUARY 2017: Federica Mogherini,  High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and Vice-President of the European Commission in the Juncker Commission, addresses the 89 officials and petty officials of the Libyan Navy Coastguard and Libyan Navy during the  graduation ceremony of their first training package, here on the deck of the San Giorgio, an amphibious transport dock of the Italian Navy, in Valetta, Malta, on Febuary 8th 2017.<br />
<br />
As a consequence of the April 2015 Libya migrant shipwrecks, the EU launched a military operation known as European Union Naval Force Mediterranean (EUNAVFOR Med), also known as Operation Sophia, with the aim of neutralising established refugee smuggling routes in the Mediterranean. The aim of this new operation launched by Europe is to undertake systematic efforts to identify, capture and dispose of vessels as well as enabling assets used or suspected of being used by migrant smugglers or traffickers. On 20 June 2016, the Council of the European Union extended Operation Sophia’s mandate reinforcing it by supporting the training of the Libyan coastguard.<br />
Thus far, following EUNAVFOR MED operation Sophia’s activities, 101 suspected smugglers and traffickers have been apprehended and transferred to the Italian<br />
authorities and 380 boats were removed from the criminal organizations' availability. The Operation has saved 32.081 migrants, among whom 1888 children.<br />
<br />
On February 2nd 2017 Italian Premier Paolo Gentiloni and Prime Minister of the U.N. backed Libyan government Fayez al-Serraj signed a memorandum of understanding on cooperation to combat illegal migration, human trafficking and contraband and on reinforcing the border between Libya and Italy. The following day, as EU leaders meet in Malta for a summit, European Council President Donald Tusk said after talks with Serraj, that “it is time to close the (migrant) route from Libya to Italy” and that “the EU has shown i
    CIPG_20170208_NYT-Libya__M3_1716.jpg
  • VALLETTA, MALTA - 8 FEBRUARY 2017: Italian Minister of Defence Roberta Pinotti addresses the 89 officials and petty officials of the Libyan Navy Coastguard and Libyan Navy during the  graduation ceremony of their first training package, here on the deck of the San Giorgio, an amphibious transport dock of the Italian Navy, in Valetta, Malta, on Febuary 8th 2017.<br />
<br />
As a consequence of the April 2015 Libya migrant shipwrecks, the EU launched a military operation known as European Union Naval Force Mediterranean (EUNAVFOR Med), also known as Operation Sophia, with the aim of neutralising established refugee smuggling routes in the Mediterranean. The aim of this new operation launched by Europe is to undertake systematic efforts to identify, capture and dispose of vessels as well as enabling assets used or suspected of being used by migrant smugglers or traffickers. On 20 June 2016, the Council of the European Union extended Operation Sophia’s mandate reinforcing it by supporting the training of the Libyan coastguard.<br />
Thus far, following EUNAVFOR MED operation Sophia’s activities, 101 suspected smugglers and traffickers have been apprehended and transferred to the Italian<br />
authorities and 380 boats were removed from the criminal organizations' availability. The Operation has saved 32.081 migrants, among whom 1888 children.<br />
<br />
On February 2nd 2017 Italian Premier Paolo Gentiloni and Prime Minister of the U.N. backed Libyan government Fayez al-Serraj signed a memorandum of understanding on cooperation to combat illegal migration, human trafficking and contraband and on reinforcing the border between Libya and Italy. The following day, as EU leaders meet in Malta for a summit, European Council President Donald Tusk said after talks with Serraj, that “it is time to close the (migrant) route from Libya to Italy” and that “the EU has shown it is able to close the routes of irregular migration, as it has done in the eastern Mediterranean.”  Tusk said the Central Mediter
    CIPG_20170208_NYT-Libya__M3_1683.jpg
  • VALLETTA, MALTA - 8 FEBRUARY 2017: Italian Minister of Defence Roberta Pinotti addresses the 89 officials and petty officials of the Libyan Navy Coastguard and Libyan Navy during the  graduation ceremony of their first training package, here on the deck of the San Giorgio, an amphibious transport dock of the Italian Navy, in Valetta, Malta, on Febuary 8th 2017.<br />
<br />
As a consequence of the April 2015 Libya migrant shipwrecks, the EU launched a military operation known as European Union Naval Force Mediterranean (EUNAVFOR Med), also known as Operation Sophia, with the aim of neutralising established refugee smuggling routes in the Mediterranean. The aim of this new operation launched by Europe is to undertake systematic efforts to identify, capture and dispose of vessels as well as enabling assets used or suspected of being used by migrant smugglers or traffickers. On 20 June 2016, the Council of the European Union extended Operation Sophia’s mandate reinforcing it by supporting the training of the Libyan coastguard.<br />
Thus far, following EUNAVFOR MED operation Sophia’s activities, 101 suspected smugglers and traffickers have been apprehended and transferred to the Italian<br />
authorities and 380 boats were removed from the criminal organizations' availability. The Operation has saved 32.081 migrants, among whom 1888 children.<br />
<br />
On February 2nd 2017 Italian Premier Paolo Gentiloni and Prime Minister of the U.N. backed Libyan government Fayez al-Serraj signed a memorandum of understanding on cooperation to combat illegal migration, human trafficking and contraband and on reinforcing the border between Libya and Italy. The following day, as EU leaders meet in Malta for a summit, European Council President Donald Tusk said after talks with Serraj, that “it is time to close the (migrant) route from Libya to Italy” and that “the EU has shown it is able to close the routes of irregular migration, as it has done in the eastern Mediterranean.”  Tusk said the Central Mediter
    CIPG_20170208_NYT-Libya__M3_1672.jpg
  • VALLETTA, MALTA - 8 FEBRUARY 2017: Rear Admiral Enrico Credendino (54, center) of the Italian Navy, Operation Commander of EUNAVFOR Med, is seen here followed by Federica Mogherini,  High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and Vice-President of the European Commission in the Juncker Commission, on the deck of the San Giorgio, an amphibious transport dock of the Italian Navy, before the graduation ceremony of the first training package of the Libyan Navy Coastguard and Libyan Navy  in Valetta, Malta, on Febuary 8th 2017.<br />
<br />
As a consequence of the April 2015 Libya migrant shipwrecks, the EU launched a military operation known as European Union Naval Force Mediterranean (EUNAVFOR Med), also known as Operation Sophia, with the aim of neutralising established refugee smuggling routes in the Mediterranean. The aim of this new operation launched by Europe is to undertake systematic efforts to identify, capture and dispose of vessels as well as enabling assets used or suspected of being used by migrant smugglers or traffickers. On 20 June 2016, the Council of the European Union extended Operation Sophia’s mandate reinforcing it by supporting the training of the Libyan coastguard.<br />
Thus far, following EUNAVFOR MED operation Sophia’s activities, 101 suspected smugglers and traffickers have been apprehended and transferred to the Italian<br />
authorities and 380 boats were removed from the criminal organizations' availability. The Operation has saved 32.081 migrants, among whom 1888 children.<br />
<br />
On February 2nd 2017 Italian Premier Paolo Gentiloni and Prime Minister of the U.N. backed Libyan government Fayez al-Serraj signed a memorandum of understanding on cooperation to combat illegal migration, human trafficking and contraband and on reinforcing the border between Libya and Italy. The following day, as EU leaders meet in Malta for a summit, European Council President Donald Tusk said after talks with Serraj, that “it is time to close t
    CIPG_20170208_NYT-Libya__M3_1578.jpg
  • VALLETTA, MALTA - 8 FEBRUARY 2017: Rear Admiral Enrico Credendino (54, center) of the Italian Navy, Operation Commander of EUNAVFOR Med, is seen here followed by Federica Mogherini,  High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and Vice-President of the European Commission in the Juncker Commission, on the deck of the San Giorgio, an amphibious transport dock of the Italian Navy, before the graduation ceremony of the first training package of the Libyan Navy Coastguard and Libyan Navy  in Valetta, Malta, on Febuary 8th 2017.<br />
<br />
As a consequence of the April 2015 Libya migrant shipwrecks, the EU launched a military operation known as European Union Naval Force Mediterranean (EUNAVFOR Med), also known as Operation Sophia, with the aim of neutralising established refugee smuggling routes in the Mediterranean. The aim of this new operation launched by Europe is to undertake systematic efforts to identify, capture and dispose of vessels as well as enabling assets used or suspected of being used by migrant smugglers or traffickers. On 20 June 2016, the Council of the European Union extended Operation Sophia’s mandate reinforcing it by supporting the training of the Libyan coastguard.<br />
Thus far, following EUNAVFOR MED operation Sophia’s activities, 101 suspected smugglers and traffickers have been apprehended and transferred to the Italian<br />
authorities and 380 boats were removed from the criminal organizations' availability. The Operation has saved 32.081 migrants, among whom 1888 children.<br />
<br />
On February 2nd 2017 Italian Premier Paolo Gentiloni and Prime Minister of the U.N. backed Libyan government Fayez al-Serraj signed a memorandum of understanding on cooperation to combat illegal migration, human trafficking and contraband and on reinforcing the border between Libya and Italy. The following day, as EU leaders meet in Malta for a summit, European Council President Donald Tusk said after talks with Serraj, that “it is time to close t
    CIPG_20170208_NYT-Libya__M3_1575.jpg
  • VALLETTA, MALTA - 8 FEBRUARY 2017:  Officials and petty officials of the Italiany Navy and the Maltese Forces (foreground) are seen here on the deck of the San Giorgio, an amphibious transport dock of the Italian Navy, before the graduation ceremony of the first training package of the Libyan Navy Coastguard and Libyan Navy  in Valetta, Malta, on Febuary 8th 2017.<br />
<br />
As a consequence of the April 2015 Libya migrant shipwrecks, the EU launched a military operation known as European Union Naval Force Mediterranean (EUNAVFOR Med), also known as Operation Sophia, with the aim of neutralising established refugee smuggling routes in the Mediterranean. The aim of this new operation launched by Europe is to undertake systematic efforts to identify, capture and dispose of vessels as well as enabling assets used or suspected of being used by migrant smugglers or traffickers. On 20 June 2016, the Council of the European Union extended Operation Sophia’s mandate reinforcing it by supporting the training of the Libyan coastguard.<br />
Thus far, following EUNAVFOR MED operation Sophia’s activities, 101 suspected smugglers and traffickers have been apprehended and transferred to the Italian<br />
authorities and 380 boats were removed from the criminal organizations' availability. The Operation has saved 32.081 migrants, among whom 1888 children.<br />
<br />
On February 2nd 2017 Italian Premier Paolo Gentiloni and Prime Minister of the U.N. backed Libyan government Fayez al-Serraj signed a memorandum of understanding on cooperation to combat illegal migration, human trafficking and contraband and on reinforcing the border between Libya and Italy. The following day, as EU leaders meet in Malta for a summit, European Council President Donald Tusk said after talks with Serraj, that “it is time to close the (migrant) route from Libya to Italy” and that “the EU has shown it is able to close the routes of irregular migration, as it has done in the eastern Mediterranean.”  Tusk said the Central Medi
    CIPG_20170208_NYT-Libya__M3_1543.jpg
  • VALLETTA, MALTA - 8 FEBRUARY 2017: A petty official of the Italian Navy ship San Giorgio, an amphibious transport dock of the Italian Navy, holds a Libyan flag on the deck of the ship before the graduation ceremony of the first training package of the Libyan Navy Coastguard and Libyan Navy  in Valetta, Malta, on Febuary 8th 2017.<br />
<br />
As a consequence of the April 2015 Libya migrant shipwrecks, the EU launched a military operation known as European Union Naval Force Mediterranean (EUNAVFOR Med), also known as Operation Sophia, with the aim of neutralising established refugee smuggling routes in the Mediterranean. The aim of this new operation launched by Europe is to undertake systematic efforts to identify, capture and dispose of vessels as well as enabling assets used or suspected of being used by migrant smugglers or traffickers. On 20 June 2016, the Council of the European Union extended Operation Sophia’s mandate reinforcing it by supporting the training of the Libyan coastguard.<br />
Thus far, following EUNAVFOR MED operation Sophia’s activities, 101 suspected smugglers and traffickers have been apprehended and transferred to the Italian<br />
authorities and 380 boats were removed from the criminal organizations' availability. The Operation has saved 32.081 migrants, among whom 1888 children.<br />
<br />
On February 2nd 2017 Italian Premier Paolo Gentiloni and Prime Minister of the U.N. backed Libyan government Fayez al-Serraj signed a memorandum of understanding on cooperation to combat illegal migration, human trafficking and contraband and on reinforcing the border between Libya and Italy. The following day, as EU leaders meet in Malta for a summit, European Council President Donald Tusk said after talks with Serraj, that “it is time to close the (migrant) route from Libya to Italy” and that “the EU has shown it is able to close the routes of irregular migration, as it has done in the eastern Mediterranean.”  Tusk said the Central Mediterranean route was “not sustaina
    CIPG_20170208_NYT-Libya__M3_1536.jpg
  • VALLETTA, MALTA - 8 FEBRUARY 2017: A member of the Order of Malta walks away from the  deck of the San Giorgio, an amphibious transport dock of the Italian Navy, before the graduation ceremony of the first training package of the Libyan Navy Coastguard and Libyan Navy  in Valetta, Malta, on Febuary 8th 2017.<br />
<br />
As a consequence of the April 2015 Libya migrant shipwrecks, the EU launched a military operation known as European Union Naval Force Mediterranean (EUNAVFOR Med), also known as Operation Sophia, with the aim of neutralising established refugee smuggling routes in the Mediterranean. The aim of this new operation launched by Europe is to undertake systematic efforts to identify, capture and dispose of vessels as well as enabling assets used or suspected of being used by migrant smugglers or traffickers. On 20 June 2016, the Council of the European Union extended Operation Sophia’s mandate reinforcing it by supporting the training of the Libyan coastguard.<br />
Thus far, following EUNAVFOR MED operation Sophia’s activities, 101 suspected smugglers and traffickers have been apprehended and transferred to the Italian<br />
authorities and 380 boats were removed from the criminal organizations' availability. The Operation has saved 32.081 migrants, among whom 1888 children.<br />
<br />
On February 2nd 2017 Italian Premier Paolo Gentiloni and Prime Minister of the U.N. backed Libyan government Fayez al-Serraj signed a memorandum of understanding on cooperation to combat illegal migration, human trafficking and contraband and on reinforcing the border between Libya and Italy. The following day, as EU leaders meet in Malta for a summit, European Council President Donald Tusk said after talks with Serraj, that “it is time to close the (migrant) route from Libya to Italy” and that “the EU has shown it is able to close the routes of irregular migration, as it has done in the eastern Mediterranean.”  Tusk said the Central Mediterranean route was “not sustainable either for the EU
    CIPG_20170208_NYT-Libya__M3_1526.jpg
  • VALLETTA, MALTA - 8 FEBRUARY 2017: An official of the Italian Navy steps on the deck of the San Giorgio, an amphibious transport dock of the Italian Navy, before the graduation ceremony of the first training package of the Libyan Navy Coastguard and Libyan Navy  in Valetta, Malta, on Febuary 8th 2017.<br />
<br />
As a consequence of the April 2015 Libya migrant shipwrecks, the EU launched a military operation known as European Union Naval Force Mediterranean (EUNAVFOR Med), also known as Operation Sophia, with the aim of neutralising established refugee smuggling routes in the Mediterranean. The aim of this new operation launched by Europe is to undertake systematic efforts to identify, capture and dispose of vessels as well as enabling assets used or suspected of being used by migrant smugglers or traffickers. On 20 June 2016, the Council of the European Union extended Operation Sophia’s mandate reinforcing it by supporting the training of the Libyan coastguard.<br />
Thus far, following EUNAVFOR MED operation Sophia’s activities, 101 suspected smugglers and traffickers have been apprehended and transferred to the Italian<br />
authorities and 380 boats were removed from the criminal organizations' availability. The Operation has saved 32.081 migrants, among whom 1888 children.<br />
<br />
On February 2nd 2017 Italian Premier Paolo Gentiloni and Prime Minister of the U.N. backed Libyan government Fayez al-Serraj signed a memorandum of understanding on cooperation to combat illegal migration, human trafficking and contraband and on reinforcing the border between Libya and Italy. The following day, as EU leaders meet in Malta for a summit, European Council President Donald Tusk said after talks with Serraj, that “it is time to close the (migrant) route from Libya to Italy” and that “the EU has shown it is able to close the routes of irregular migration, as it has done in the eastern Mediterranean.”  Tusk said the Central Mediterranean route was “not sustainable either for the EU or for
    CIPG_20170208_NYT-Libya__M3_1522.jpg
  • VALLETTA, MALTA - 8 FEBRUARY 2017:  Rear Admiral Enrico Credendino (54, center), the Operation Commander of EUNAVFOR Med, poses for a portrait on the deck of the San Giorgio, an amphibious transport dock of the Italian Navy, before the graduation ceremony of the first training package of the Libyan Navy Coastguard and Libyan Navy  in Valetta, Malta, on Febuary 8th 2017.<br />
<br />
As a consequence of the April 2015 Libya migrant shipwrecks, the EU launched a military operation known as European Union Naval Force Mediterranean (EUNAVFOR Med), also known as Operation Sophia, with the aim of neutralising established refugee smuggling routes in the Mediterranean. The aim of this new operation launched by Europe is to undertake systematic efforts to identify, capture and dispose of vessels as well as enabling assets used or suspected of being used by migrant smugglers or traffickers. On 20 June 2016, the Council of the European Union extended Operation Sophia’s mandate reinforcing it by supporting the training of the Libyan coastguard.<br />
Thus far, following EUNAVFOR MED operation Sophia’s activities, 101 suspected smugglers and traffickers have been apprehended and transferred to the Italian<br />
authorities and 380 boats were removed from the criminal organizations' availability. The Operation has saved 32.081 migrants, among whom 1888 children.<br />
<br />
On February 2nd 2017 Italian Premier Paolo Gentiloni and Prime Minister of the U.N. backed Libyan government Fayez al-Serraj signed a memorandum of understanding on cooperation to combat illegal migration, human trafficking and contraband and on reinforcing the border between Libya and Italy. The following day, as EU leaders meet in Malta for a summit, European Council President Donald Tusk said after talks with Serraj, that “it is time to close the (migrant) route from Libya to Italy” and that “the EU has shown it is able to close the routes of irregular migration, as it has done in the eastern Mediterranean.”  Tusk said the Centra
    CIPG_20170208_NYT-Libya__M3_1488.jpg
  • VALLETTA, MALTA - 8 FEBRUARY 2017: Officials and petty officials of the Libyan Navy Coastguard and Libyan Navy are seen here on the San Giorgio, an amphibious transport dock of the Italian Navy, before their graduation ceremony for their first training package, in Valetta, Malta, on Febuary 8th 2017.<br />
<br />
As a consequence of the April 2015 Libya migrant shipwrecks, the EU launched a military operation known as European Union Naval Force Mediterranean (EUNAVFOR Med), also known as Operation Sophia, with the aim of neutralising established refugee smuggling routes in the Mediterranean. The aim of this new operation launched by Europe is to undertake systematic efforts to identify, capture and dispose of vessels as well as enabling assets used or suspected of being used by migrant smugglers or traffickers. On 20 June 2016, the Council of the European Union extended Operation Sophia’s mandate reinforcing it by supporting the training of the Libyan coastguard.<br />
Thus far, following EUNAVFOR MED operation Sophia’s activities, 101 suspected smugglers and traffickers have been apprehended and transferred to the Italian<br />
authorities and 380 boats were removed from the criminal organizations' availability. The Operation has saved 32.081 migrants, among whom 1888 children.<br />
<br />
On February 2nd 2017 Italian Premier Paolo Gentiloni and Prime Minister of the U.N. backed Libyan government Fayez al-Serraj signed a memorandum of understanding on cooperation to combat illegal migration, human trafficking and contraband and on reinforcing the border between Libya and Italy. The following day, as EU leaders meet in Malta for a summit, European Council President Donald Tusk said after talks with Serraj, that “it is time to close the (migrant) route from Libya to Italy” and that “the EU has shown it is able to close the routes of irregular migration, as it has done in the eastern Mediterranean.”  Tusk said the Central Mediterranean route was “not sustainable either for the EU or for L
    CIPG_20170208_NYT-Libya__M3_1464.jpg
  • VALLETTA, MALTA - 8 FEBRUARY 2017:  An official of the Italian Navy holds the Libyan flag on the deck of the San Giorgio, an amphibious transport dock of the Italian Navy, before the graduation ceremony of the first training package of the Libyan Navy Coastguard and Libyan Navy  in Valetta, Malta, on Febuary 8th 2017.<br />
<br />
As a consequence of the April 2015 Libya migrant shipwrecks, the EU launched a military operation known as European Union Naval Force Mediterranean (EUNAVFOR Med), also known as Operation Sophia, with the aim of neutralising established refugee smuggling routes in the Mediterranean. The aim of this new operation launched by Europe is to undertake systematic efforts to identify, capture and dispose of vessels as well as enabling assets used or suspected of being used by migrant smugglers or traffickers. On 20 June 2016, the Council of the European Union extended Operation Sophia’s mandate reinforcing it by supporting the training of the Libyan coastguard.<br />
Thus far, following EUNAVFOR MED operation Sophia’s activities, 101 suspected smugglers and traffickers have been apprehended and transferred to the Italian<br />
authorities and 380 boats were removed from the criminal organizations' availability. The Operation has saved 32.081 migrants, among whom 1888 children.<br />
<br />
On February 2nd 2017 Italian Premier Paolo Gentiloni and Prime Minister of the U.N. backed Libyan government Fayez al-Serraj signed a memorandum of understanding on cooperation to combat illegal migration, human trafficking and contraband and on reinforcing the border between Libya and Italy. The following day, as EU leaders meet in Malta for a summit, European Council President Donald Tusk said after talks with Serraj, that “it is time to close the (migrant) route from Libya to Italy” and that “the EU has shown it is able to close the routes of irregular migration, as it has done in the eastern Mediterranean.”  Tusk said the Central Mediterranean route was “not sustainable either f
    CIPG_20170208_NYT-Libya__M3_1448.jpg
Next