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  • 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: 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
  • 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_0848.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_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_9924.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: 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 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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
  • 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
  • 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: 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_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: 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: 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 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: 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: 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:  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
  • VALLETTA, MALTA - 8 FEBRUARY 2017: A Libyan Coastguard petty official is seen here is 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
    CIPG_20170208_NYT-Libya__M3_0019.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_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: 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
  • 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: Petty official of the Libyan Navy Coastguard relax 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 traf
    CIPG_20170208_NYT-Libya__M3_9342.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: 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: 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 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:  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: Italian Navy staff of the San Giorgio, an amphibious transport dock of the Italian Navy, is seen here 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 sustainable either for the EU o
    CIPG_20170208_NYT-Libya__M3_1375.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.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.jpg
  • VALLETTA, MALTA - 8 FEBRUARY 2017: An Italian Navy medic instructor is seen here in a container where a first-aid course is held for the 89 officials and petty officials of the Libyan Navy Coastguard and Libyan Navy, 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
    CIPG_20170208_NYT-Libya__M3_0001.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 (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
  • 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: 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_9529.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_9448.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:  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: 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 for
    CIPG_20170208_NYT-Libya__M3_1907.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: 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, left) of the Italian Navy, Operation Commander of EUNAVFOR Med, 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
    CIPG_20170208_NYT-Libya__M3_1599.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, 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 Medite
    CIPG_20170208_NYT-Libya__M3_1505.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_1482.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
  • VALLETTA, MALTA - 8 FEBRUARY 2017:  Rear Admiral Enrico Credendino (54, center), the Operation Commander of EUNAVFOR Med, is 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 Medite
    CIPG_20170208_NYT-Libya__M3_1438.jpg
  • VALLETTA, MALTA - 8 FEBRUARY 2017:  Rear Admiral Enrico Credendino (54, center), the Operation Commander of EUNAVFOR Med, is 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 Medite
    CIPG_20170208_NYT-Libya__M3_1417.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.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.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.jpg
  • VALLETTA, MALTA - 8 FEBRUARY 2017: Containers, where a first-aid course is held for the 89 officials and petty officials of the Libyan Navy Coastguard and Libyan Navy, 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 f
    CIPG_20170208_NYT-Libya__M3_0003.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 (OFF THE COASTS OF SICILY, ITALY) - 9 FEBRUARY 2017: Two officials of the Italian Navy are 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_0804.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_1720.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: 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
  • HAL FAR, MALTA - JUNE 21: Dawit (right), a 35 years immigrant old from Ethiopia, and Michael (center), a 25 years old immigrant from Eritrea, are here by the Swiss Red Cross tents inside the Hangar Open Center in Hal Far (which translates as "Rat's Town") on June 21, 2011. <br />
<br />
Dawit was a language teacher in Tripoli and lived well, with no problems until the crisis started. He arrived in Malta on March 29th on a boat with 80 people after crossing the sea for 34 hours. "Once the UN resolution against Libya was signed there were State TV announcements (also in English) that announced that migrants were free to leave the country. It wasn't possible before that date because of the agreement between Italy and Libya". No police or army forced them to leave, but there was some kind of general pressure to get sub-saharan migrants out of the country and to have them leave by boat. In Dawit's case, his landlord told him he had one day to leave his apartment. "Buses in Tripoli were collecting people and deporting them", Dawit says. They couldn’t go towards Tunisia or Egypt, only towards to the coast. Other sub-Saharans were able to flee to Tunisia, but there aren't any Ethiopian embassies in Libya, so Ethiopians in Libya don't have any documents that allowed them to stay in the country or officially cross borders. Once they arrived at the port they didn't pay any fixed fee but all they had was confiscated, including food and water. A boat was given to them and they left. "People had bought food and water for their journey, but everything was confisfacted. I was lucky, because it took me only 34 hours to arrive in Malta, but it took these guys (indicating Michael, 25, and Mubarak, 23, both from Ethiopia, standing next to him - not in this picture) 10 days to arrive", Dawit says.Dawit continues: "Life was good in Libya. We were all supporting our families. If wanted we could have left before, when everybody was leaving Libya (referring to 2008). But the price to reach Europe was
    CIPG_20110621_NYT_MALTA__MG_1211.jpg
  • HAL FAR, MALTA - JUNE 21: Dawit (right), a 35 years immigrant old from Ethiopia, and Michael (center), a 25 years old immigrant from Eritrea, are here by the Swiss Red Cross tents inside the Hangar Open Center in Hal Far (which translates as "Rat's Town") on June 21, 2011. <br />
<br />
Dawit was a language teacher in Tripoli and lived well, with no problems until the crisis started. He arrived in Malta on March 29th on a boat with 80 people after crossing the sea for 34 hours. "Once the UN resolution against Libya was signed there were State TV announcements (also in English) that announced that migrants were free to leave the country. It wasn't possible before that date because of the agreement between Italy and Libya". No police or army forced them to leave, but there was some kind of general pressure to get sub-saharan migrants out of the country and to have them leave by boat. In Dawit's case, his landlord told him he had one day to leave his apartment. "Buses in Tripoli were collecting people and deporting them", Dawit says. They couldn’t go towards Tunisia or Egypt, only towards to the coast. Other sub-Saharans were able to flee to Tunisia, but there aren't any Ethiopian embassies in Libya, so Ethiopians in Libya don't have any documents that allowed them to stay in the country or officially cross borders. Once they arrived at the port they didn't pay any fixed fee but all they had was confiscated, including food and water. A boat was given to them and they left. "People had bought food and water for their journey, but everything was confisfacted. I was lucky, because it took me only 34 hours to arrive in Malta, but it took these guys (indicating Michael, 25, and Mubarak, 23, both from Ethiopia, standing next to him - not in this picture) 10 days to arrive", Dawit says.Dawit continues: "Life was good in Libya. We were all supporting our families. If wanted we could have left before, when everybody was leaving Libya (referring to 2008). But the price to reach Europe was
    CIPG_20110621_NYT_MALTA__MG_1202.jpg
  • HAL FAR, MALTA - JUNE 21: Dawit (right), a 35 years immigrant old from Ethiopia, and Michael (center), a 25 years old immigrant from Eritrea, are here by the Swiss Red Cross tents inside the Hangar Open Center in Hal Far (which translates as "Rat's Town") on June 21, 2011. <br />
<br />
Dawit was a language teacher in Tripoli and lived well, with no problems until the crisis started. He arrived in Malta on March 29th on a boat with 80 people after crossing the sea for 34 hours. "Once the UN resolution against Libya was signed there were State TV announcements (also in English) that announced that migrants were free to leave the country. It wasn't possible before that date because of the agreement between Italy and Libya". No police or army forced them to leave, but there was some kind of general pressure to get sub-saharan migrants out of the country and to have them leave by boat. In Dawit's case, his landlord told him he had one day to leave his apartment. "Buses in Tripoli were collecting people and deporting them", Dawit says. They couldn’t go towards Tunisia or Egypt, only towards to the coast. Other sub-Saharans were able to flee to Tunisia, but there aren't any Ethiopian embassies in Libya, so Ethiopians in Libya don't have any documents that allowed them to stay in the country or officially cross borders. Once they arrived at the port they didn't pay any fixed fee but all they had was confiscated, including food and water. A boat was given to them and they left. "People had bought food and water for their journey, but everything was confisfacted. I was lucky, because it took me only 34 hours to arrive in Malta, but it took these guys (indicating Michael, 25, and Mubarak, 23, both from Ethiopia, standing next to him - not in this picture) 10 days to arrive", Dawit says.Dawit continues: "Life was good in Libya. We were all supporting our families. If wanted we could have left before, when everybody was leaving Libya (referring to 2008). But the price to reach Europe was
    CIPG_20110621_NYT_MALTA__MG_1194.jpg
  • HAL FAR, MALTA - JUNE 21: Dawit (right), a 35 years immigrant old from Ethiopia, Michael (center), a 25 years old immigrant from Eritrea, and Mubarak, a 25 years old immigrant from Eritrea, are here by the Swiss Red Cross tentsinside the hangarat the Hangar Open Center in Hal Far (which translates as "Rat's Town") on June 21, 2011. Dawit was a language teacher in Tripoli and lived well, with no problems until the crisis started. He arrived in Malta on March 29th on a boat with 80 people after crossing the sea for 34 hours. "Once the UN resolution against Libya was signed there were State TV announcements (also in English) that announced that migrants were free to leave the country. It wasn't possible before that date because of the agreement between Italy and Libya". No police or army forced them to leave, but there was some kind of general pressure to get sub-saharan migrants out of the country and to have them leave by boat. In Dawit's case, his landlord told him he had one day to leave his apartment. "Buses in Tripoli were collecting people and deporting them", Dawit says. They couldn’t go towards Tunisia or Egypt, only towards to the coast. Other sub-Saharans were able to flee to Tunisia, but there aren't any Ethiopian embassies in Libya, so Ethiopians in Libya don't have any documents that allowed them to stay in the country or officially cross borders. Once they arrived at the port they didn't pay any fixed fee but all they had was confiscated, including food and water. A boat was given to them and they left. "People had bought food and water for their journey, but everything was confisfacted. I was lucky, because it took me only 34 hours to arrive in Malta, but it took these guys (indicating Michael, 25, and Mubarak – not in this picture -, 23, both from Ethiopia, standing next to him) 10 days to arrive with", Dawit says. Michael, 25, stands next to Dawit. He was on a boat with his wife and two twins and arrived in Malta on April 12. It took him 10 days t
    CIPG_20110621_NYT_MALTA__MG_0921.jpg
  • HAL FAR, MALTA - JUNE 21: Dawit (right), a 35 years immigrant old from Ethiopia, and Michael (center), a 25 years old immigrant from Eritrea, are here by the Swiss Red Cross tents inside the Hangar Open Center in Hal Far (which translates as "Rat's Town") on June 21, 2011. <br />
<br />
Dawit was a language teacher in Tripoli and lived well, with no problems until the crisis started. He arrived in Malta on March 29th on a boat with 80 people after crossing the sea for 34 hours. "Once the UN resolution against Libya was signed there were State TV announcements (also in English) that announced that migrants were free to leave the country. It wasn't possible before that date because of the agreement between Italy and Libya". No police or army forced them to leave, but there was some kind of general pressure to get sub-saharan migrants out of the country and to have them leave by boat. In Dawit's case, his landlord told him he had one day to leave his apartment. "Buses in Tripoli were collecting people and deporting them", Dawit says. They couldn’t go towards Tunisia or Egypt, only towards to the coast. Other sub-Saharans were able to flee to Tunisia, but there aren't any Ethiopian embassies in Libya, so Ethiopians in Libya don't have any documents that allowed them to stay in the country or officially cross borders. Once they arrived at the port they didn't pay any fixed fee but all they had was confiscated, including food and water. A boat was given to them and they left. "People had bought food and water for their journey, but everything was confisfacted. I was lucky, because it took me only 34 hours to arrive in Malta, but it took these guys (indicating Michael, 25, and Mubarak – not in this picture -, 23, both from Ethiopia, standing next to him) 10 days to arrive", Dawit says. Michael, 25, stands next to Dawit. He was on a boat with his wife and two twins and arrived in Malta on April 12. It took him 10 days to arrive. They had no food and no water. They fed their 12 mont
    CIPG_20110621_NYT_MALTA__MG_1184.jpg
  • 25 February 2011. Valletta, Malta. Caroline Meraz Garcia from Santa Cruz, California, arrives at the Customs in the harbor of Valletta, Malta, after stepping down from the ferry that evacuated her from Libya. In Libya, she was an English teacher at the American School. A U.S.-chartered ferry evacuated Americans and other foreigners out of Libya on Friday and brought them to the Mediterranean island of Malta. The Maria Dolores ferry, after three days of delays, brought over 300 passengers, including at 167 U.S. citizens, away from Libya where Colonel Gaddafi's forces continue to clash with anti-government demonstrators.<br />
<br />
<br />
©2011 Gianni Cipriano<br />
cell. +1 646 465 2168 (USA)<br />
cell. +39 328 567 7923<br />
gianni@giannicipriano.com<br />
www.giannicipriano.com
    malta_21.jpg
  • 25 February 2011, Malta International Airport. Sam Dewhirst, an English teacher that has been working in the city of Sebha, Libya, arrives at the Malta International Airport showing an official invitation of the British Embassy in Libya that was given to him at the Tripoli airport as a boarding pass to flee Libya.<br />
<br />
A ferry sent by the U.S. that will bring American citizens out of Libya is finally on its way to Malta, leaving just after 6:30 a.m. EST Friday morning.  According to the State Department there are 285 passengers on board the Dolores, including 167 U.S. citizens and 118 people of other nationalities. For two days, rough weather in the Mediterranean Sea, with waves up to 16 feet high, had made it impossible for the ferry to leave. Thousands of foreigners have fled Colonel Gaddafi's regime as his forces continue to clash with anti-government demonstrators.<br />
©2011 Gianni Cipriano<br />
cell. +1 646 465 2168 (USA)<br />
cell. +39 328 567 7923<br />
gianni@giannicipriano.com<br />
www.giannicipriano.com
    malta_05.jpg
  • 25 February 2011, Malta International Airport. Sam Dewhirst, an English teacher that has been working in the city of Sebha, Libya, arrives at the Malta International Airport showing an official invitation of the British Embassy in Libya that was given to him at the Tripoli airport as a boarding pass to flee Libya.<br />
<br />
A ferry sent by the U.S. that will bring American citizens out of Libya is finally on its way to Malta, leaving just after 6:30 a.m. EST Friday morning.  According to the State Department there are 285 passengers on board the Dolores, including 167 U.S. citizens and 118 people of other nationalities. For two days, rough weather in the Mediterranean Sea, with waves up to 16 feet high, had made it impossible for the ferry to leave. Thousands of foreigners have fled Colonel Gaddafi's regime as his forces continue to clash with anti-government demonstrators.<br />
©2011 Gianni Cipriano<br />
cell. +1 646 465 2168 (USA)<br />
cell. +39 328 567 7923<br />
gianni@giannicipriano.com<br />
www.giannicipriano.com
    malta_04.jpg
  • 25 February 2011, Malta International Airport. Sam Dewhirst, an English teacher that has been working in the city of Sebha, Libya, arrives at the Malta International Airport showing an official invitation of the British Embassy in Libya that was given to him at the Tripoli airport as a boarding pass to flee Libya.<br />
<br />
A ferry sent by the U.S. that will bring American citizens out of Libya is finally on its way to Malta, leaving just after 6:30 a.m. EST Friday morning.  According to the State Department there are 285 passengers on board the Dolores, including 167 U.S. citizens and 118 people of other nationalities. For two days, rough weather in the Mediterranean Sea, with waves up to 16 feet high, had made it impossible for the ferry to leave. Thousands of foreigners have fled Colonel Gaddafi's regime as his forces continue to clash with anti-government demonstrators.<br />
©2011 Gianni Cipriano<br />
cell. +1 646 465 2168 (USA)<br />
cell. +39 328 567 7923<br />
gianni@giannicipriano.com<br />
www.giannicipriano.com
    malta_06.jpg
  • 25 February 2011. Valletta, Malta. People arrive at the Customs after stepping down from the ferry that evacuated them from Libya. In the background (left, smiling) is Douglas W. Kmiec, U.S. ambassador in Malta. A U.S.-chartered ferry evacuated Americans and other foreigners out of Libya on Friday and brought them to the Mediterranean island of Malta. The Maria Dolores ferry, after three days of delays, brought over 300 passengers, including at 167 U.S. citizens, away from Libya where Colonel Gaddafi's forces continue to clash with anti-government demonstrators.<br />
<br />
<br />
©2011 Gianni Cipriano<br />
cell. +1 646 465 2168 (USA)<br />
cell. +39 328 567 7923<br />
gianni@giannicipriano.com<br />
www.giannicipriano.com
    malta_28.jpg
  • 25 February 2011. Valletta, Malta. People evacuated from Libya are transferred to the hotels upon their arrival in Malta. A U.S.-chartered ferry evacuated Americans and other foreigners out of Libya on Friday and brought them to the Mediterranean island of Malta. The Maria Dolores ferry, after three days of delays, brought over 300 passengers, including at 167 U.S. citizens, away from Libya where Colonel Gaddafi's forces continue to clash with anti-government demonstrators.<br />
<br />
<br />
©2011 Gianni Cipriano<br />
cell. +1 646 465 2168 (USA)<br />
cell. +39 328 567 7923<br />
gianni@giannicipriano.com<br />
www.giannicipriano.com
    malta_33.jpg
  • 25 February 2011. Valletta, Malta. A young man next to his mother and sister as they wait at the Maltese Customs after stepping down from the ferry that evacuated them from Libya. A U.S.-chartered ferry evacuated Americans and other foreigners out of Libya on Friday and brought them to the Mediterranean island of Malta. The Maria Dolores ferry, after three days of delays, brought over 300 passengers, including at 167 U.S. citizens, away from Libya where Colonel Gaddafi's forces continue to clash with anti-government demonstrators.<br />
<br />
<br />
©2011 Gianni Cipriano<br />
cell. +1 646 465 2168 (USA)<br />
cell. +39 328 567 7923<br />
gianni@giannicipriano.com<br />
www.giannicipriano.com
    malta_27.jpg
  • 25 February 2011. Valletta, Malta. Ireland Counselate staff show Irish flags in order to be recognized by their citizens as they step down from the ferry that evacuated them from Libya. A U.S.-chartered ferry evacuated Americans and other foreigners out of Libya on Friday and brought them to the Mediterranean island of Malta. The Maria Dolores ferry, after three days of delays, brought over 300 passengers, including at 167 U.S. citizens, away from Libya where Colonel Gaddafi's forces continue to clash with anti-government demonstrators.<br />
<br />
<br />
©2011 Gianni Cipriano<br />
cell. +1 646 465 2168 (USA)<br />
cell. +39 328 567 7923<br />
gianni@giannicipriano.com<br />
www.giannicipriano.com
    malta_22.jpg
  • 25 February 2011. Valletta, Malta. A woman who was evacuated from Libya enters the Maltese Customs as she steps down from the ferry.  A U.S.-chartered ferry evacuated Americans and other foreigners out of Libya on Friday and brought them to the Mediterranean island of Malta. The Maria Dolores ferry, after three days of delays, brought over 300 passengers, including at 167 U.S. citizens, away from Libya where Colonel Gaddafi's forces continue to clash with anti-government demonstrators.<br />
<br />
<br />
©2011 Gianni Cipriano<br />
cell. +1 646 465 2168 (USA)<br />
cell. +39 328 567 7923<br />
gianni@giannicipriano.com<br />
www.giannicipriano.com
    malta_23.jpg
  • 25 February 2011. Valletta, Malta. People evacuated from Libya are transferred to the hotels upon their arrival in Malta. A U.S.-chartered ferry evacuated Americans and other foreigners out of Libya on Friday and brought them to the Mediterranean island of Malta. The Maria Dolores ferry, after three days of delays, brought over 300 passengers, including at 167 U.S. citizens, away from Libya where Colonel Gaddafi's forces continue to clash with anti-government demonstrators.<br />
<br />
<br />
©2011 Gianni Cipriano<br />
cell. +1 646 465 2168 (USA)<br />
cell. +39 328 567 7923<br />
gianni@giannicipriano.com<br />
www.giannicipriano.com
    malta_34.jpg
  • 25 February 2011. Valletta, Malta. A tired child between his father (right) and an interviewer (left) at the Maltese Customs after stepping down from the ferry that evacuated them from Libya.  A U.S.-chartered ferry evacuated Americans and other foreigners out of Libya on Friday and brought them to the Mediterranean island of Malta. The Maria Dolores ferry, after three days of delays, brought over 300 passengers, including at 167 U.S. citizens, away from Libya where Colonel Gaddafi's forces continue to clash with anti-government demonstrators.<br />
<br />
<br />
©2011 Gianni Cipriano<br />
cell. +1 646 465 2168 (USA)<br />
cell. +39 328 567 7923<br />
gianni@giannicipriano.com<br />
www.giannicipriano.com
    malta_26.jpg
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