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  • COMO, ITALY - 21 JUNE 2017: A migrant (right) walks by the Mario Landriscina's rally,  the leading candidate for mayor of Como who wants to close the migrant reception centers in Como, Italy, on June 21st 2017. <br />
Residents of Como are worried that funds redirected to migrants deprived the town’s handicapped of services and complained that any protest prompted accusations of racism.<br />
<br />
Throughout Italy, run-off mayoral elections on Sunday will be considered bellwethers for upcoming national elections and immigration has again emerged as a burning issue.<br />
<br />
Italy has registered more than 70,000 migrants this year, 27 percent more than it did by this time in 2016, when a record 181,000 migrants arrived. Waves of migrants continue to make the perilous, and often fatal, crossing to southern Italy from Africa, South Asia and the Middle East, seeing Italy as the gateway to Europe.<br />
<br />
While migrants spoke of their appreciation of Italy’s humanitarian efforts to save them from the Mediterranean Sea, they also expressed exhaustion with the country’s intricate web of permits and papers and European rules that required them to stay in the country that first documented them.
    CIPG_20170621_NYT_Como__M3_1855.jpg
  • COMO, ITALY - 21 JUNE 2017: A migrant (right) walks by the Mario Landriscina's rally,  the leading candidate for mayor of Como who wants to close the migrant reception centers in Como, Italy, on June 21st 2017. <br />
Residents of Como are worried that funds redirected to migrants deprived the town’s handicapped of services and complained that any protest prompted accusations of racism.<br />
<br />
Throughout Italy, run-off mayoral elections on Sunday will be considered bellwethers for upcoming national elections and immigration has again emerged as a burning issue.<br />
<br />
Italy has registered more than 70,000 migrants this year, 27 percent more than it did by this time in 2016, when a record 181,000 migrants arrived. Waves of migrants continue to make the perilous, and often fatal, crossing to southern Italy from Africa, South Asia and the Middle East, seeing Italy as the gateway to Europe.<br />
<br />
While migrants spoke of their appreciation of Italy’s humanitarian efforts to save them from the Mediterranean Sea, they also expressed exhaustion with the country’s intricate web of permits and papers and European rules that required them to stay in the country that first documented them.
    CIPG_20170621_NYT_Como__M3_1855.jpg
  • COMO, ITALY - 21 JUNE 2017: Giusto Della Valle, a local priest who since 2011 has run a center on the outskirts of town where more than 50 migrants sleep at night, walks up the stairs of the center with a migrant he hosts, in Como, Italy, on June 21st 2017.<br />
<br />
Residents of Como are worried that funds redirected to migrants deprived the town’s handicapped of services and complained that any protest prompted accusations of racism.<br />
<br />
Throughout Italy, run-off mayoral elections on Sunday will be considered bellwethers for upcoming national elections and immigration has again emerged as a burning issue.<br />
<br />
Italy has registered more than 70,000 migrants this year, 27 percent more than it did by this time in 2016, when a record 181,000 migrants arrived. Waves of migrants continue to make the perilous, and often fatal, crossing to southern Italy from Africa, South Asia and the Middle East, seeing Italy as the gateway to Europe.<br />
<br />
While migrants spoke of their appreciation of Italy’s humanitarian efforts to save them from the Mediterranean Sea, they also expressed exhaustion with the country’s intricate web of permits and papers and European rules that required them to stay in the country that first documented them.
    CIPG_20170621_NYT_Como__M3_2109.jpg
  • COMO, ITALY - 21 JUNE 2017: Mario Landriscina, the leading candidate for Mayor of Como after the first round of voting to replace the left-leaning mayor, who wants to close the reception center for migrants, walks by a migrant as he heady to his rallyin Como, Italy, on June 21st 2017.<br />
<br />
Residents of Como are worried that funds redirected to migrants deprived the town’s handicapped of services and complained that any protest prompted accusations of racism.<br />
<br />
Throughout Italy, run-off mayoral elections on Sunday will be considered bellwethers for upcoming national elections and immigration has again emerged as a burning issue.<br />
<br />
Italy has registered more than 70,000 migrants this year, 27 percent more than it did by this time in 2016, when a record 181,000 migrants arrived. Waves of migrants continue to make the perilous, and often fatal, crossing to southern Italy from Africa, South Asia and the Middle East, seeing Italy as the gateway to Europe.<br />
<br />
While migrants spoke of their appreciation of Italy’s humanitarian efforts to save them from the Mediterranean Sea, they also expressed exhaustion with the country’s intricate web of permits and papers and European rules that required them to stay in the country that first documented them.
    CIPG_20170621_NYT_Como__M3_1765.jpg
  • COMO, ITALY - 21 JUNE 2017: The Abillah family, a family of Afghani migrants who children were all born in Europe, poses for a portrait in the migrant center ran by priest Giusto della Valle  in Como, Italy, on June 21st 2017.<br />
<br />
Residents of Como are worried that funds redirected to migrants deprived the town’s handicapped of services and complained that any protest prompted accusations of racism.<br />
<br />
Throughout Italy, run-off mayoral elections on Sunday will be considered bellwethers for upcoming national elections and immigration has again emerged as a burning issue.<br />
<br />
Italy has registered more than 70,000 migrants this year, 27 percent more than it did by this time in 2016, when a record 181,000 migrants arrived. Waves of migrants continue to make the perilous, and often fatal, crossing to southern Italy from Africa, South Asia and the Middle East, seeing Italy as the gateway to Europe.<br />
<br />
While migrants spoke of their appreciation of Italy’s humanitarian efforts to save them from the Mediterranean Sea, they also expressed exhaustion with the country’s intricate web of permits and papers and European rules that required them to stay in the country that first documented them.
    CIPG_20170621_NYT_Como__M3_2279.jpg
  • COMO, ITALY - 21 JUNE 2017: The Abillah family, a family of Afghani migrants who children were all born in Europe, poses for a portrait in the migrant center ran by priest Giusto della Valle  in Como, Italy, on June 21st 2017.<br />
<br />
Residents of Como are worried that funds redirected to migrants deprived the town’s handicapped of services and complained that any protest prompted accusations of racism.<br />
<br />
Throughout Italy, run-off mayoral elections on Sunday will be considered bellwethers for upcoming national elections and immigration has again emerged as a burning issue.<br />
<br />
Italy has registered more than 70,000 migrants this year, 27 percent more than it did by this time in 2016, when a record 181,000 migrants arrived. Waves of migrants continue to make the perilous, and often fatal, crossing to southern Italy from Africa, South Asia and the Middle East, seeing Italy as the gateway to Europe.<br />
<br />
While migrants spoke of their appreciation of Italy’s humanitarian efforts to save them from the Mediterranean Sea, they also expressed exhaustion with the country’s intricate web of permits and papers and European rules that required them to stay in the country that first documented them.
    CIPG_20170621_NYT_Como__M3_2255.jpg
  • COMO, ITALY - 21 JUNE 2017: The Abillah family, a family of Afghani migrants who children were all born in Europe, poses for a portrait in the migrant center ran by priest Giusto della Valle  in Como, Italy, on June 21st 2017.<br />
<br />
Residents of Como are worried that funds redirected to migrants deprived the town’s handicapped of services and complained that any protest prompted accusations of racism.<br />
<br />
Throughout Italy, run-off mayoral elections on Sunday will be considered bellwethers for upcoming national elections and immigration has again emerged as a burning issue.<br />
<br />
Italy has registered more than 70,000 migrants this year, 27 percent more than it did by this time in 2016, when a record 181,000 migrants arrived. Waves of migrants continue to make the perilous, and often fatal, crossing to southern Italy from Africa, South Asia and the Middle East, seeing Italy as the gateway to Europe.<br />
<br />
While migrants spoke of their appreciation of Italy’s humanitarian efforts to save them from the Mediterranean Sea, they also expressed exhaustion with the country’s intricate web of permits and papers and European rules that required them to stay in the country that first documented them.
    CIPG_20170621_NYT_Como__M3_2251.jpg
  • COMO, ITALY - 21 JUNE 2017: Marzia Abillah (center, 8 years old), born born in Italy from Afghani migrants who arrived in Italy in 2001, is seen here with her parents in the migrant center ran by priest Giusto della Valle in Como, Italy, on June 21st 2017.  As she read an Italian magazine and chatted with her siblings in Italian, her father Muhamed Delah Abillah (31, left) said: “She has an Italian name. We want her to be Italian.”<br />
<br />
Residents of Como are worried that funds redirected to migrants deprived the town’s handicapped of services and complained that any protest prompted accusations of racism.<br />
<br />
Throughout Italy, run-off mayoral elections on Sunday will be considered bellwethers for upcoming national elections and immigration has again emerged as a burning issue.<br />
<br />
Italy has registered more than 70,000 migrants this year, 27 percent more than it did by this time in 2016, when a record 181,000 migrants arrived. Waves of migrants continue to make the perilous, and often fatal, crossing to southern Italy from Africa, South Asia and the Middle East, seeing Italy as the gateway to Europe.<br />
<br />
While migrants spoke of their appreciation of Italy’s humanitarian efforts to save them from the Mediterranean Sea, they also expressed exhaustion with the country’s intricate web of permits and papers and European rules that required them to stay in the country that first documented them.
    CIPG_20170621_NYT_Como__M3_2242.jpg
  • COMO, ITALY - 21 JUNE 2017: Marzia Abillah (center, 8 years old), born born in Italy from Afghani migrants who arrived in Italy in 2001, is seen here with her parents in the migrant center ran by priest Giusto della Valle in Como, Italy, on June 21st 2017.  As she read an Italian magazine and chatted with her siblings in Italian, her father Muhamed Delah Abillah (31, left) said: “She has an Italian name. We want her to be Italian.”<br />
<br />
Residents of Como are worried that funds redirected to migrants deprived the town’s handicapped of services and complained that any protest prompted accusations of racism.<br />
<br />
Throughout Italy, run-off mayoral elections on Sunday will be considered bellwethers for upcoming national elections and immigration has again emerged as a burning issue.<br />
<br />
Italy has registered more than 70,000 migrants this year, 27 percent more than it did by this time in 2016, when a record 181,000 migrants arrived. Waves of migrants continue to make the perilous, and often fatal, crossing to southern Italy from Africa, South Asia and the Middle East, seeing Italy as the gateway to Europe.<br />
<br />
While migrants spoke of their appreciation of Italy’s humanitarian efforts to save them from the Mediterranean Sea, they also expressed exhaustion with the country’s intricate web of permits and papers and European rules that required them to stay in the country that first documented them.
    CIPG_20170621_NYT_Como__M3_2239.jpg
  • COMO, ITALY - 21 JUNE 2017: Fofana Abdoulaye, a 31-years old migrant fro the Ivory Coast whose fream was to become a politician, poses for a portrait here by Lake Como in Como, Italy, on June 21st 2017.<br />
<br />
Residents of Como are worried that funds redirected to migrants deprived the town’s handicapped of services and complained that any protest prompted accusations of racism.<br />
<br />
Throughout Italy, run-off mayoral elections on Sunday will be considered bellwethers for upcoming national elections and immigration has again emerged as a burning issue.<br />
<br />
Italy has registered more than 70,000 migrants this year, 27 percent more than it did by this time in 2016, when a record 181,000 migrants arrived. Waves of migrants continue to make the perilous, and often fatal, crossing to southern Italy from Africa, South Asia and the Middle East, seeing Italy as the gateway to Europe.<br />
<br />
While migrants spoke of their appreciation of Italy’s humanitarian efforts to save them from the Mediterranean Sea, they also expressed exhaustion with the country’s intricate web of permits and papers and European rules that required them to stay in the country that first documented them.
    CIPG_20170621_NYT_Como__M3_2572.jpg
  • COMO, ITALY - 21 JUNE 2017: Fofana Abdoulaye, a 31-years old migrant fro the Ivory Coast whose fream was to become a politician, is seen here by Lake Como in Como, Italy, on June 21st 2017.<br />
<br />
Residents of Como are worried that funds redirected to migrants deprived the town’s handicapped of services and complained that any protest prompted accusations of racism.<br />
<br />
Throughout Italy, run-off mayoral elections on Sunday will be considered bellwethers for upcoming national elections and immigration has again emerged as a burning issue.<br />
<br />
Italy has registered more than 70,000 migrants this year, 27 percent more than it did by this time in 2016, when a record 181,000 migrants arrived. Waves of migrants continue to make the perilous, and often fatal, crossing to southern Italy from Africa, South Asia and the Middle East, seeing Italy as the gateway to Europe.<br />
<br />
While migrants spoke of their appreciation of Italy’s humanitarian efforts to save them from the Mediterranean Sea, they also expressed exhaustion with the country’s intricate web of permits and papers and European rules that required them to stay in the country that first documented them.
    CIPG_20170621_NYT_Como__M3_2559.jpg
  • COMO, ITALY - 21 JUNE 2017: Fofana Abdoulaye, a 31-years old migrant fro the Ivory Coast whose fream was to become a politician, is seen here by Lake Como in Como, Italy, on June 21st 2017.<br />
<br />
Residents of Como are worried that funds redirected to migrants deprived the town’s handicapped of services and complained that any protest prompted accusations of racism.<br />
<br />
Throughout Italy, run-off mayoral elections on Sunday will be considered bellwethers for upcoming national elections and immigration has again emerged as a burning issue.<br />
<br />
Italy has registered more than 70,000 migrants this year, 27 percent more than it did by this time in 2016, when a record 181,000 migrants arrived. Waves of migrants continue to make the perilous, and often fatal, crossing to southern Italy from Africa, South Asia and the Middle East, seeing Italy as the gateway to Europe.<br />
<br />
While migrants spoke of their appreciation of Italy’s humanitarian efforts to save them from the Mediterranean Sea, they also expressed exhaustion with the country’s intricate web of permits and papers and European rules that required them to stay in the country that first documented them.
    CIPG_20170621_NYT_Como__M3_2547.jpg
  • COMO, ITALY - 21 JUNE 2017: Fofana Abdoulaye, a 31-years old migrant fro the Ivory Coast whose fream was to become a politician, is seen here by Lake Como in Como, Italy, on June 21st 2017.<br />
<br />
Residents of Como are worried that funds redirected to migrants deprived the town’s handicapped of services and complained that any protest prompted accusations of racism.<br />
<br />
Throughout Italy, run-off mayoral elections on Sunday will be considered bellwethers for upcoming national elections and immigration has again emerged as a burning issue.<br />
<br />
Italy has registered more than 70,000 migrants this year, 27 percent more than it did by this time in 2016, when a record 181,000 migrants arrived. Waves of migrants continue to make the perilous, and often fatal, crossing to southern Italy from Africa, South Asia and the Middle East, seeing Italy as the gateway to Europe.<br />
<br />
While migrants spoke of their appreciation of Italy’s humanitarian efforts to save them from the Mediterranean Sea, they also expressed exhaustion with the country’s intricate web of permits and papers and European rules that required them to stay in the country that first documented them.
    CIPG_20170621_NYT_Como__M3_2525.jpg
  • COMO, ITALY - 21 JUNE 2017: Barrialfa Karavate, a 21 years-old migrant from Guinea, poses for a portrait by Lake Como in Como, Italy, on June 21st 2017. Mr Karavate's wish is to join a girl he met during his journey throughout Africa to reach Europe, and who now is in Germany.<br />
<br />
Residents of Como are worried that funds redirected to migrants deprived the town’s handicapped of services and complained that any protest prompted accusations of racism.<br />
<br />
Throughout Italy, run-off mayoral elections on Sunday will be considered bellwethers for upcoming national elections and immigration has again emerged as a burning issue.<br />
<br />
Italy has registered more than 70,000 migrants this year, 27 percent more than it did by this time in 2016, when a record 181,000 migrants arrived. Waves of migrants continue to make the perilous, and often fatal, crossing to southern Italy from Africa, South Asia and the Middle East, seeing Italy as the gateway to Europe.<br />
<br />
While migrants spoke of their appreciation of Italy’s humanitarian efforts to save them from the Mediterranean Sea, they also expressed exhaustion with the country’s intricate web of permits and papers and European rules that required them to stay in the country that first documented them.
    CIPG_20170621_NYT_Como__M3_2477.jpg
  • COMO, ITALY - 21 JUNE 2017: A Sub-Saharan migrant (center, in silhouette) is seen here walking by Lake Como while tourists enjoy the water, in Como, Italy, on June 21st 2017.<br />
<br />
Residents of Como are worried that funds redirected to migrants deprived the town’s handicapped of services and complained that any protest prompted accusations of racism.<br />
<br />
Throughout Italy, run-off mayoral elections on Sunday will be considered bellwethers for upcoming national elections and immigration has again emerged as a burning issue.<br />
<br />
Italy has registered more than 70,000 migrants this year, 27 percent more than it did by this time in 2016, when a record 181,000 migrants arrived. Waves of migrants continue to make the perilous, and often fatal, crossing to southern Italy from Africa, South Asia and the Middle East, seeing Italy as the gateway to Europe.<br />
<br />
While migrants spoke of their appreciation of Italy’s humanitarian efforts to save them from the Mediterranean Sea, they also expressed exhaustion with the country’s intricate web of permits and papers and European rules that required them to stay in the country that first documented them.
    CIPG_20170621_NYT_Como__M3_2456.jpg
  • COMO, ITALY - 21 JUNE 2017: A Sub-Saharan migrant (left) is seen here sitting by Lake Como while tourists enjoy the water, in Como, Italy, on June 21st 2017.<br />
<br />
Residents of Como are worried that funds redirected to migrants deprived the town’s handicapped of services and complained that any protest prompted accusations of racism.<br />
<br />
Throughout Italy, run-off mayoral elections on Sunday will be considered bellwethers for upcoming national elections and immigration has again emerged as a burning issue.<br />
<br />
Italy has registered more than 70,000 migrants this year, 27 percent more than it did by this time in 2016, when a record 181,000 migrants arrived. Waves of migrants continue to make the perilous, and often fatal, crossing to southern Italy from Africa, South Asia and the Middle East, seeing Italy as the gateway to Europe.<br />
<br />
While migrants spoke of their appreciation of Italy’s humanitarian efforts to save them from the Mediterranean Sea, they also expressed exhaustion with the country’s intricate web of permits and papers and European rules that required them to stay in the country that first documented them.
    CIPG_20170621_NYT_Como__M3_2437.jpg
  • COMO, ITALY - 21 JUNE 2017: A bicycle used by a migrant hosted in the center ran by priest Giusto della Valle is seen here as its owner chats with a friend, in Como, Italy, on June 21st 2017.<br />
<br />
Residents of Como are worried that funds redirected to migrants deprived the town’s handicapped of services and complained that any protest prompted accusations of racism.<br />
<br />
Throughout Italy, run-off mayoral elections on Sunday will be considered bellwethers for upcoming national elections and immigration has again emerged as a burning issue.<br />
<br />
Italy has registered more than 70,000 migrants this year, 27 percent more than it did by this time in 2016, when a record 181,000 migrants arrived. Waves of migrants continue to make the perilous, and often fatal, crossing to southern Italy from Africa, South Asia and the Middle East, seeing Italy as the gateway to Europe.<br />
<br />
While migrants spoke of their appreciation of Italy’s humanitarian efforts to save them from the Mediterranean Sea, they also expressed exhaustion with the country’s intricate web of permits and papers and European rules that required them to stay in the country that first documented them.
    CIPG_20170621_NYT_Como__M3_2289.jpg
  • COMO, ITALY - 21 JUNE 2017: A teenager from Kosovo who immigrated to Italy 14 years ago is seen here playing soccer in the playground of the migrant center ran by priest Giusto della Valle in Como, Italy, on June 21st 2017.<br />
<br />
Residents of Como are worried that funds redirected to migrants deprived the town’s handicapped of services and complained that any protest prompted accusations of racism.<br />
<br />
Throughout Italy, run-off mayoral elections on Sunday will be considered bellwethers for upcoming national elections and immigration has again emerged as a burning issue.<br />
<br />
Italy has registered more than 70,000 migrants this year, 27 percent more than it did by this time in 2016, when a record 181,000 migrants arrived. Waves of migrants continue to make the perilous, and often fatal, crossing to southern Italy from Africa, South Asia and the Middle East, seeing Italy as the gateway to Europe.<br />
<br />
While migrants spoke of their appreciation of Italy’s humanitarian efforts to save them from the Mediterranean Sea, they also expressed exhaustion with the country’s intricate web of permits and papers and European rules that required them to stay in the country that first documented them.
    CIPG_20170621_NYT_Como__M3_2203.jpg
  • COMO, ITALY - 21 JUNE 2017: A basketball board is seen here in the playground of the migrant center ran by priest Giusto della Valle in Como, Italy, on June 21st 2017.<br />
<br />
Residents of Como are worried that funds redirected to migrants deprived the town’s handicapped of services and complained that any protest prompted accusations of racism.<br />
<br />
Throughout Italy, run-off mayoral elections on Sunday will be considered bellwethers for upcoming national elections and immigration has again emerged as a burning issue.<br />
<br />
Italy has registered more than 70,000 migrants this year, 27 percent more than it did by this time in 2016, when a record 181,000 migrants arrived. Waves of migrants continue to make the perilous, and often fatal, crossing to southern Italy from Africa, South Asia and the Middle East, seeing Italy as the gateway to Europe.<br />
<br />
While migrants spoke of their appreciation of Italy’s humanitarian efforts to save them from the Mediterranean Sea, they also expressed exhaustion with the country’s intricate web of permits and papers and European rules that required them to stay in the country that first documented them.
    CIPG_20170621_NYT_Como__M3_2200.jpg
  • COMO, ITALY - 21 JUNE 2017: Sandra Obodo (left), 26), a Nigerian migrant, is seen here as one friend braids her hair  in the center ran by priest Giusto della Valle in Como, Italy, on June 21st 2017. Ms. Obodo said she crossed over from Libya nine months ago after escaping retribution murders at home and that a second boat she departed with was lost at sea.<br />
<br />
Residents of Como are worried that funds redirected to migrants deprived the town’s handicapped of services and complained that any protest prompted accusations of racism.<br />
<br />
Throughout Italy, run-off mayoral elections on Sunday will be considered bellwethers for upcoming national elections and immigration has again emerged as a burning issue.<br />
<br />
Italy has registered more than 70,000 migrants this year, 27 percent more than it did by this time in 2016, when a record 181,000 migrants arrived. Waves of migrants continue to make the perilous, and often fatal, crossing to southern Italy from Africa, South Asia and the Middle East, seeing Italy as the gateway to Europe.<br />
<br />
While migrants spoke of their appreciation of Italy’s humanitarian efforts to save them from the Mediterranean Sea, they also expressed exhaustion with the country’s intricate web of permits and papers and European rules that required them to stay in the country that first documented them.
    CIPG_20170621_NYT_Como__M3_2169.jpg
  • COMO, ITALY - 21 JUNE 2017: Sandra Obodo (center, 26), a Nigerian migrant, is seen here as one friend braids her hair and another sleeps at her foot, in the center ran by priest Giusto della Valle in Como, Italy, on June 21st 2017. Ms. Obodo said she crossed over from Libya nine months ago after escaping retribution murders at home and that a second boat she departed with was lost at sea.<br />
<br />
Residents of Como are worried that funds redirected to migrants deprived the town’s handicapped of services and complained that any protest prompted accusations of racism.<br />
<br />
Throughout Italy, run-off mayoral elections on Sunday will be considered bellwethers for upcoming national elections and immigration has again emerged as a burning issue.<br />
<br />
Italy has registered more than 70,000 migrants this year, 27 percent more than it did by this time in 2016, when a record 181,000 migrants arrived. Waves of migrants continue to make the perilous, and often fatal, crossing to southern Italy from Africa, South Asia and the Middle East, seeing Italy as the gateway to Europe.<br />
<br />
While migrants spoke of their appreciation of Italy’s humanitarian efforts to save them from the Mediterranean Sea, they also expressed exhaustion with the country’s intricate web of permits and papers and European rules that required them to stay in the country that first documented them.
    CIPG_20170621_NYT_Como__M3_2152.jpg
  • COMO, ITALY - 21 JUNE 2017: Mario Landriscina, the leading candidate for Mayor of Como after the first round of voting to replace the left-leaning mayor, who wants to close the reception center for migrants, walks by a migrant as he heady to his rallyin Como, Italy, on June 21st 2017.<br />
<br />
Residents of Como are worried that funds redirected to migrants deprived the town’s handicapped of services and complained that any protest prompted accusations of racism.<br />
<br />
Throughout Italy, run-off mayoral elections on Sunday will be considered bellwethers for upcoming national elections and immigration has again emerged as a burning issue.<br />
<br />
Italy has registered more than 70,000 migrants this year, 27 percent more than it did by this time in 2016, when a record 181,000 migrants arrived. Waves of migrants continue to make the perilous, and often fatal, crossing to southern Italy from Africa, South Asia and the Middle East, seeing Italy as the gateway to Europe.<br />
<br />
While migrants spoke of their appreciation of Italy’s humanitarian efforts to save them from the Mediterranean Sea, they also expressed exhaustion with the country’s intricate web of permits and papers and European rules that required them to stay in the country that first documented them.
    CIPG_20170621_NYT_Como__M3_1765.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_0045_2.jpg
  • INTERNATIONAL WATERS (OFF THE COASTS OF SICILY, ITALY) - 9 FEBRUARY 2017: The San Giorgio, an amphibious transport dock of the Italian Navy, is seen here from a helicopter of the Italian Navy in international waters off the coast of Sicily, Italy, on Febuary 9th 2017.<br />
<br />
As a consequence of the April 2015 Libya migrant shipwrecks, the EU launched a military operation known as European Union Naval Force Mediterranean (EUNAVFOR Med), also known as Operation Sophia, with the aim of neutralising established refugee smuggling routes in the Mediterranean. The aim of this new operation launched by Europe is to undertake systematic efforts to identify, capture and dispose of vessels as well as enabling assets used or suspected of being used by migrant smugglers or traffickers. On 20 June 2016, the Council of the European Union extended Operation Sophia’s mandate reinforcing it by supporting the training of the Libyan coastguard.<br />
Thus far, following EUNAVFOR MED operation Sophia’s activities, 101 suspected smugglers and traffickers have been apprehended and transferred to the Italian<br />
authorities and 380 boats were removed from the criminal organizations' availability. The Operation has saved 32.081 migrants, among whom 1888 children.<br />
<br />
On February 2nd 2017 Italian Premier Paolo Gentiloni and Prime Minister of the U.N. backed Libyan government Fayez al-Serraj signed a memorandum of understanding on cooperation to combat illegal migration, human trafficking and contraband and on reinforcing the border between Libya and Italy. The following day, as EU leaders meet in Malta for a summit, European Council President Donald Tusk said after talks with Serraj, that “it is time to close the (migrant) route from Libya to Italy” and that “the EU has shown it is able to close the routes of irregular migration, as it has done in the eastern Mediterranean.”  Tusk said the Central Mediterranean route was “not sustainable either for the EU or for Libya”, where he said trafficker
    CIPG_20170209_NYT-Libya__M3_0881.jpg
  • INTERNATIONAL WATERS (OFF THE COASTS OF SICILY, ITALY) - 9 FEBRUARY 2017: An official of the Italian Navy is seen here in front of a SH-90 helicopter of the Italian Navy right before take-off, here on the San Giorgio, an amphibious transport dock of the Italian Navy, in international waters off the coast of Sicily, Italy, on Febuary 9th 2017.<br />
<br />
As a consequence of the April 2015 Libya migrant shipwrecks, the EU launched a military operation known as European Union Naval Force Mediterranean (EUNAVFOR Med), also known as Operation Sophia, with the aim of neutralising established refugee smuggling routes in the Mediterranean. The aim of this new operation launched by Europe is to undertake systematic efforts to identify, capture and dispose of vessels as well as enabling assets used or suspected of being used by migrant smugglers or traffickers. On 20 June 2016, the Council of the European Union extended Operation Sophia’s mandate reinforcing it by supporting the training of the Libyan coastguard.<br />
Thus far, following EUNAVFOR MED operation Sophia’s activities, 101 suspected smugglers and traffickers have been apprehended and transferred to the Italian<br />
authorities and 380 boats were removed from the criminal organizations' availability. The Operation has saved 32.081 migrants, among whom 1888 children.<br />
<br />
On February 2nd 2017 Italian Premier Paolo Gentiloni and Prime Minister of the U.N. backed Libyan government Fayez al-Serraj signed a memorandum of understanding on cooperation to combat illegal migration, human trafficking and contraband and on reinforcing the border between Libya and Italy. The following day, as EU leaders meet in Malta for a summit, European Council President Donald Tusk said after talks with Serraj, that “it is time to close the (migrant) route from Libya to Italy” and that “the EU has shown it is able to close the routes of irregular migration, as it has done in the eastern Mediterranean.”  Tusk said the Central Mediterranean route was �
    CIPG_20170209_NYT-Libya__M3_0802.jpg
  • INTERNATIONAL WATERS (OFF THE COASTS OF SICILY, ITALY) - 9 FEBRUARY 2017: A petty official of the Italian Navy is seen here at work, as a SH-90 helicopter of the Italian Navy is ready for take-off, here on the San Giorgio, an amphibious transport dock of the Italian Navy, in international waters off the coast of Sicily, Italy, on Febuary 9th 2017.<br />
<br />
As a consequence of the April 2015 Libya migrant shipwrecks, the EU launched a military operation known as European Union Naval Force Mediterranean (EUNAVFOR Med), also known as Operation Sophia, with the aim of neutralising established refugee smuggling routes in the Mediterranean. The aim of this new operation launched by Europe is to undertake systematic efforts to identify, capture and dispose of vessels as well as enabling assets used or suspected of being used by migrant smugglers or traffickers. On 20 June 2016, the Council of the European Union extended Operation Sophia’s mandate reinforcing it by supporting the training of the Libyan coastguard.<br />
Thus far, following EUNAVFOR MED operation Sophia’s activities, 101 suspected smugglers and traffickers have been apprehended and transferred to the Italian<br />
authorities and 380 boats were removed from the criminal organizations' availability. The Operation has saved 32.081 migrants, among whom 1888 children.<br />
<br />
On February 2nd 2017 Italian Premier Paolo Gentiloni and Prime Minister of the U.N. backed Libyan government Fayez al-Serraj signed a memorandum of understanding on cooperation to combat illegal migration, human trafficking and contraband and on reinforcing the border between Libya and Italy. The following day, as EU leaders meet in Malta for a summit, European Council President Donald Tusk said after talks with Serraj, that “it is time to close the (migrant) route from Libya to Italy” and that “the EU has shown it is able to close the routes of irregular migration, as it has done in the eastern Mediterranean.”  Tusk said the Central Mediterranean route w
    CIPG_20170209_NYT-Libya__M3_0782.jpg
  • INTERNATIONAL WATERS (OFF THE COASTS OF SICILY, ITALY) - 9 FEBRUARY 2017: A SH-90 helicopter of the Italian Navy approaches the San Giorgio, an amphibious transport dock of the Italian Navy, in international waters off the coast of Sicily, Italy, on Febuary 9th 2017.<br />
<br />
As a consequence of the April 2015 Libya migrant shipwrecks, the EU launched a military operation known as European Union Naval Force Mediterranean (EUNAVFOR Med), also known as Operation Sophia, with the aim of neutralising established refugee smuggling routes in the Mediterranean. The aim of this new operation launched by Europe is to undertake systematic efforts to identify, capture and dispose of vessels as well as enabling assets used or suspected of being used by migrant smugglers or traffickers. On 20 June 2016, the Council of the European Union extended Operation Sophia’s mandate reinforcing it by supporting the training of the Libyan coastguard.<br />
Thus far, following EUNAVFOR MED operation Sophia’s activities, 101 suspected smugglers and traffickers have been apprehended and transferred to the Italian<br />
authorities and 380 boats were removed from the criminal organizations' availability. The Operation has saved 32.081 migrants, among whom 1888 children.<br />
<br />
On February 2nd 2017 Italian Premier Paolo Gentiloni and Prime Minister of the U.N. backed Libyan government Fayez al-Serraj signed a memorandum of understanding on cooperation to combat illegal migration, human trafficking and contraband and on reinforcing the border between Libya and Italy. The following day, as EU leaders meet in Malta for a summit, European Council President Donald Tusk said after talks with Serraj, that “it is time to close the (migrant) route from Libya to Italy” and that “the EU has shown it is able to close the routes of irregular migration, as it has done in the eastern Mediterranean.”  Tusk said the Central Mediterranean route was “not sustainable either for the EU or for Libya”, where he said traffickers
    CIPG_20170209_NYT-Libya__M3_0710.jpg
  • INTERNATIONAL WATERS (OFF THE COASTS OF SICILY, ITALY) - 9 FEBRUARY 2017: The view from the deck of the San Giorgio, an amphibious transport dock of the Italian Navy, in international waters off the coast of Sicily, Italy, on Febuary 9th 2017.<br />
<br />
As a consequence of the April 2015 Libya migrant shipwrecks, the EU launched a military operation known as European Union Naval Force Mediterranean (EUNAVFOR Med), also known as Operation Sophia, with the aim of neutralising established refugee smuggling routes in the Mediterranean. The aim of this new operation launched by Europe is to undertake systematic efforts to identify, capture and dispose of vessels as well as enabling assets used or suspected of being used by migrant smugglers or traffickers. On 20 June 2016, the Council of the European Union extended Operation Sophia’s mandate reinforcing it by supporting the training of the Libyan coastguard.<br />
Thus far, following EUNAVFOR MED operation Sophia’s activities, 101 suspected smugglers and traffickers have been apprehended and transferred to the Italian<br />
authorities and 380 boats were removed from the criminal organizations' availability. The Operation has saved 32.081 migrants, among whom 1888 children.<br />
<br />
On February 2nd 2017 Italian Premier Paolo Gentiloni and Prime Minister of the U.N. backed Libyan government Fayez al-Serraj signed a memorandum of understanding on cooperation to combat illegal migration, human trafficking and contraband and on reinforcing the border between Libya and Italy. The following day, as EU leaders meet in Malta for a summit, European Council President Donald Tusk said after talks with Serraj, that “it is time to close the (migrant) route from Libya to Italy” and that “the EU has shown it is able to close the routes of irregular migration, as it has done in the eastern Mediterranean.”  Tusk said the Central Mediterranean route was “not sustainable either for the EU or for Libya”, where he said traffickers were undermining the Li
    CIPG_20170209_NYT-Libya__M3_0687.jpg
  • VALLETTA, MALTA - 8 FEBRUARY 2017: Two officials of the Libyan Navy simulate a first-aid technique during a first-aid course held in a container in the hangar of the San Giorgio, an amphibious transport dock of the Italian Navy, in Valetta, Malta, on Febuary 8th 2017.<br />
<br />
As a consequence of the April 2015 Libya migrant shipwrecks, the EU launched a military operation known as European Union Naval Force Mediterranean (EUNAVFOR Med), also known as Operation Sophia, with the aim of neutralising established refugee smuggling routes in the Mediterranean. The aim of this new operation launched by Europe is to undertake systematic efforts to identify, capture and dispose of vessels as well as enabling assets used or suspected of being used by migrant smugglers or traffickers. On 20 June 2016, the Council of the European Union extended Operation Sophia’s mandate reinforcing it by supporting the training of the Libyan coastguard.<br />
Thus far, following EUNAVFOR MED operation Sophia’s activities, 101 suspected smugglers and traffickers have been apprehended and transferred to the Italian<br />
authorities and 380 boats were removed from the criminal organizations' availability. The Operation has saved 32.081 migrants, among whom 1888 children.<br />
<br />
On February 2nd 2017 Italian Premier Paolo Gentiloni and Prime Minister of the U.N. backed Libyan government Fayez al-Serraj signed a memorandum of understanding on cooperation to combat illegal migration, human trafficking and contraband and on reinforcing the border between Libya and Italy. The following day, as EU leaders meet in Malta for a summit, European Council President Donald Tusk said after talks with Serraj, that “it is time to close the (migrant) route from Libya to Italy” and that “the EU has shown it is able to close the routes of irregular migration, as it has done in the eastern Mediterranean.”  Tusk said the Central Mediterranean route was “not sustainable either for the EU or for Libya”, where he said trafficker
    CIPG_20170208_NYT-Libya__M3_9995.jpg
  • VALLETTA, MALTA - 8 FEBRUARY 2017: An officials of the Libyan Navy simulates a cardiopulmonary resuscitation during a first-aid course held in a container in the hangar of the San Giorgio, an amphibious transport dock of the Italian Navy, in Valetta, Malta, on Febuary 8th 2017.<br />
<br />
As a consequence of the April 2015 Libya migrant shipwrecks, the EU launched a military operation known as European Union Naval Force Mediterranean (EUNAVFOR Med), also known as Operation Sophia, with the aim of neutralising established refugee smuggling routes in the Mediterranean. The aim of this new operation launched by Europe is to undertake systematic efforts to identify, capture and dispose of vessels as well as enabling assets used or suspected of being used by migrant smugglers or traffickers. On 20 June 2016, the Council of the European Union extended Operation Sophia’s mandate reinforcing it by supporting the training of the Libyan coastguard.<br />
Thus far, following EUNAVFOR MED operation Sophia’s activities, 101 suspected smugglers and traffickers have been apprehended and transferred to the Italian<br />
authorities and 380 boats were removed from the criminal organizations' availability. The Operation has saved 32.081 migrants, among whom 1888 children.<br />
<br />
On February 2nd 2017 Italian Premier Paolo Gentiloni and Prime Minister of the U.N. backed Libyan government Fayez al-Serraj signed a memorandum of understanding on cooperation to combat illegal migration, human trafficking and contraband and on reinforcing the border between Libya and Italy. The following day, as EU leaders meet in Malta for a summit, European Council President Donald Tusk said after talks with Serraj, that “it is time to close the (migrant) route from Libya to Italy” and that “the EU has shown it is able to close the routes of irregular migration, as it has done in the eastern Mediterranean.”  Tusk said the Central Mediterranean route was “not sustainable either for the EU or for Libya”, where he said
    CIPG_20170208_NYT-Libya__M3_9988.jpg
  • VALLETTA, MALTA - 8 FEBRUARY 2017: An officials of the Libyan Navy simulates a cardiopulmonary resuscitation during a first-aid course held in a container in the hangar of the San Giorgio, an amphibious transport dock of the Italian Navy, in Valetta, Malta, on Febuary 8th 2017.<br />
<br />
As a consequence of the April 2015 Libya migrant shipwrecks, the EU launched a military operation known as European Union Naval Force Mediterranean (EUNAVFOR Med), also known as Operation Sophia, with the aim of neutralising established refugee smuggling routes in the Mediterranean. The aim of this new operation launched by Europe is to undertake systematic efforts to identify, capture and dispose of vessels as well as enabling assets used or suspected of being used by migrant smugglers or traffickers. On 20 June 2016, the Council of the European Union extended Operation Sophia’s mandate reinforcing it by supporting the training of the Libyan coastguard.<br />
Thus far, following EUNAVFOR MED operation Sophia’s activities, 101 suspected smugglers and traffickers have been apprehended and transferred to the Italian<br />
authorities and 380 boats were removed from the criminal organizations' availability. The Operation has saved 32.081 migrants, among whom 1888 children.<br />
<br />
On February 2nd 2017 Italian Premier Paolo Gentiloni and Prime Minister of the U.N. backed Libyan government Fayez al-Serraj signed a memorandum of understanding on cooperation to combat illegal migration, human trafficking and contraband and on reinforcing the border between Libya and Italy. The following day, as EU leaders meet in Malta for a summit, European Council President Donald Tusk said after talks with Serraj, that “it is time to close the (migrant) route from Libya to Italy” and that “the EU has shown it is able to close the routes of irregular migration, as it has done in the eastern Mediterranean.”  Tusk said the Central Mediterranean route was “not sustainable either for the EU or for Libya”, where he said
    CIPG_20170208_NYT-Libya__M3_9973.jpg
  • VALLETTA, MALTA - 8 FEBRUARY 2017: 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: 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: The view seen from the pilot house of the San Giorgio, an amphibious transport dock of the Italian Navy, as it sets out of the harbor of Valetta, Malta, on Febuary 8th 2017.<br />
<br />
As a consequence of the April 2015 Libya migrant shipwrecks, the EU launched a military operation known as European Union Naval Force Mediterranean (EUNAVFOR Med), also known as Operation Sophia, with the aim of neutralising established refugee smuggling routes in the Mediterranean. The aim of this new operation launched by Europe is to undertake systematic efforts to identify, capture and dispose of vessels as well as enabling assets used or suspected of being used by migrant smugglers or traffickers. On 20 June 2016, the Council of the European Union extended Operation Sophia’s mandate reinforcing it by supporting the training of the Libyan coastguard.<br />
Thus far, following EUNAVFOR MED operation Sophia’s activities, 101 suspected smugglers and traffickers have been apprehended and transferred to the Italian<br />
authorities and 380 boats were removed from the criminal organizations' availability. The Operation has saved 32.081 migrants, among whom 1888 children.<br />
<br />
On February 2nd 2017 Italian Premier Paolo Gentiloni and Prime Minister of the U.N. backed Libyan government Fayez al-Serraj signed a memorandum of understanding on cooperation to combat illegal migration, human trafficking and contraband and on reinforcing the border between Libya and Italy. The following day, as EU leaders meet in Malta for a summit, European Council President Donald Tusk said after talks with Serraj, that “it is time to close the (migrant) route from Libya to Italy” and that “the EU has shown it is able to close the routes of irregular migration, as it has done in the eastern Mediterranean.”  Tusk said the Central Mediterranean route was “not sustainable either for the EU or for Libya”, where he said traffickers were undermining the Libyan state’s authority for their
    CIPG_20170208_NYT-Libya__M3_9813.jpg
  • VALLETTA, MALTA - 8 FEBRUARY 2017: Italian Navy staff is seen here at work during a maneuver in the pilot house of the San Giorgio, an amphibious transport dock of the Italian Navy, as it sets out of the harbor of Valetta, Malta, on Febuary 8th 2017.<br />
<br />
As a consequence of the April 2015 Libya migrant shipwrecks, the EU launched a military operation known as European Union Naval Force Mediterranean (EUNAVFOR Med), also known as Operation Sophia, with the aim of neutralising established refugee smuggling routes in the Mediterranean. The aim of this new operation launched by Europe is to undertake systematic efforts to identify, capture and dispose of vessels as well as enabling assets used or suspected of being used by migrant smugglers or traffickers. On 20 June 2016, the Council of the European Union extended Operation Sophia’s mandate reinforcing it by supporting the training of the Libyan coastguard.<br />
Thus far, following EUNAVFOR MED operation Sophia’s activities, 101 suspected smugglers and traffickers have been apprehended and transferred to the Italian<br />
authorities and 380 boats were removed from the criminal organizations' availability. The Operation has saved 32.081 migrants, among whom 1888 children.<br />
<br />
On February 2nd 2017 Italian Premier Paolo Gentiloni and Prime Minister of the U.N. backed Libyan government Fayez al-Serraj signed a memorandum of understanding on cooperation to combat illegal migration, human trafficking and contraband and on reinforcing the border between Libya and Italy. The following day, as EU leaders meet in Malta for a summit, European Council President Donald Tusk said after talks with Serraj, that “it is time to close the (migrant) route from Libya to Italy” and that “the EU has shown it is able to close the routes of irregular migration, as it has done in the eastern Mediterranean.”  Tusk said the Central Mediterranean route was “not sustainable either for the EU or for Libya”, where he said traffickers were undermining
    CIPG_20170208_NYT-Libya__M3_9712.jpg
  • VALLETTA, MALTA - 8 FEBRUARY 2017: 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: Petty officials of the Libyan Navy Coastguard repair a marine engine during a mechanics course in the hangar of the San Giorgio, an amphibious transport dock of the Italian Navy, in Valetta, Malta, on Febuary 8th 2017.<br />
<br />
As a consequence of the April 2015 Libya migrant shipwrecks, the EU launched a military operation known as European Union Naval Force Mediterranean (EUNAVFOR Med), also known as Operation Sophia, with the aim of neutralising established refugee smuggling routes in the Mediterranean. The aim of this new operation launched by Europe is to undertake systematic efforts to identify, capture and dispose of vessels as well as enabling assets used or suspected of being used by migrant smugglers or traffickers. On 20 June 2016, the Council of the European Union extended Operation Sophia’s mandate reinforcing it by supporting the training of the Libyan coastguard.<br />
Thus far, following EUNAVFOR MED operation Sophia’s activities, 101 suspected smugglers and traffickers have been apprehended and transferred to the Italian<br />
authorities and 380 boats were removed from the criminal organizations' availability. The Operation has saved 32.081 migrants, among whom 1888 children.<br />
<br />
On February 2nd 2017 Italian Premier Paolo Gentiloni and Prime Minister of the U.N. backed Libyan government Fayez al-Serraj signed a memorandum of understanding on cooperation to combat illegal migration, human trafficking and contraband and on reinforcing the border between Libya and Italy. The following day, as EU leaders meet in Malta for a summit, European Council President Donald Tusk said after talks with Serraj, that “it is time to close the (migrant) route from Libya to Italy” and that “the EU has shown it is able to close the routes of irregular migration, as it has done in the eastern Mediterranean.”  Tusk said the Central Mediterranean route was “not sustainable either for the EU or for Libya”, where he said traffickers were undermin
    CIPG_20170208_NYT-Libya__M3_9548.jpg
  • VALLETTA, MALTA - 8 FEBRUARY 2017: 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: A halal food sign, for the 89 officials and petty officials of the Libyan Navy Coastguard and Libyan Navy, is seen here by the mess hall of the San Giorgio, an amphibious transport dock of the Italian Navy, in Valetta, Malta, on Febuary 8th 2017.<br />
<br />
As a consequence of the April 2015 Libya migrant shipwrecks, the EU launched a military operation known as European Union Naval Force Mediterranean (EUNAVFOR Med), also known as Operation Sophia, with the aim of neutralising established refugee smuggling routes in the Mediterranean. The aim of this new operation launched by Europe is to undertake systematic efforts to identify, capture and dispose of vessels as well as enabling assets used or suspected of being used by migrant smugglers or traffickers. On 20 June 2016, the Council of the European Union extended Operation Sophia’s mandate reinforcing it by supporting the training of the Libyan coastguard.<br />
Thus far, following EUNAVFOR MED operation Sophia’s activities, 101 suspected smugglers and traffickers have been apprehended and transferred to the Italian<br />
authorities and 380 boats were removed from the criminal organizations' availability. The Operation has saved 32.081 migrants, among whom 1888 children.<br />
<br />
On February 2nd 2017 Italian Premier Paolo Gentiloni and Prime Minister of the U.N. backed Libyan government Fayez al-Serraj signed a memorandum of understanding on cooperation to combat illegal migration, human trafficking and contraband and on reinforcing the border between Libya and Italy. The following day, as EU leaders meet in Malta for a summit, European Council President Donald Tusk said after talks with Serraj, that “it is time to close the (migrant) route from Libya to Italy” and that “the EU has shown it is able to close the routes of irregular migration, as it has done in the eastern Mediterranean.”  Tusk said the Central Mediterranean route was “not sustainable either for the EU or for Libya”, where he sa
    CIPG_20170208_NYT-Libya__M3_9236.jpg
  • VALLETTA, MALTA - 8 FEBRUARY 2017: 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:  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:  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 member of the Order of Malta walks away from the  deck of the San Giorgio, an amphibious transport dock of the Italian Navy, before the graduation ceremony of the first training package of the Libyan Navy Coastguard and Libyan Navy  in Valetta, Malta, on Febuary 8th 2017.<br />
<br />
As a consequence of the April 2015 Libya migrant shipwrecks, the EU launched a military operation known as European Union Naval Force Mediterranean (EUNAVFOR Med), also known as Operation Sophia, with the aim of neutralising established refugee smuggling routes in the Mediterranean. The aim of this new operation launched by Europe is to undertake systematic efforts to identify, capture and dispose of vessels as well as enabling assets used or suspected of being used by migrant smugglers or traffickers. On 20 June 2016, the Council of the European Union extended Operation Sophia’s mandate reinforcing it by supporting the training of the Libyan coastguard.<br />
Thus far, following EUNAVFOR MED operation Sophia’s activities, 101 suspected smugglers and traffickers have been apprehended and transferred to the Italian<br />
authorities and 380 boats were removed from the criminal organizations' availability. The Operation has saved 32.081 migrants, among whom 1888 children.<br />
<br />
On February 2nd 2017 Italian Premier Paolo Gentiloni and Prime Minister of the U.N. backed Libyan government Fayez al-Serraj signed a memorandum of understanding on cooperation to combat illegal migration, human trafficking and contraband and on reinforcing the border between Libya and Italy. The following day, as EU leaders meet in Malta for a summit, European Council President Donald Tusk said after talks with Serraj, that “it is time to close the (migrant) route from Libya to Italy” and that “the EU has shown it is able to close the routes of irregular migration, as it has done in the eastern Mediterranean.”  Tusk said the Central Mediterranean route was “not sustainable either for the EU
    CIPG_20170208_NYT-Libya__M3_1526.jpg
  • VALLETTA, MALTA - 8 FEBRUARY 2017: An official of the Italian Navy steps on the deck of the San Giorgio, an amphibious transport dock of the Italian Navy, before the graduation ceremony of the first training package of the Libyan Navy Coastguard and Libyan Navy  in Valetta, Malta, on Febuary 8th 2017.<br />
<br />
As a consequence of the April 2015 Libya migrant shipwrecks, the EU launched a military operation known as European Union Naval Force Mediterranean (EUNAVFOR Med), also known as Operation Sophia, with the aim of neutralising established refugee smuggling routes in the Mediterranean. The aim of this new operation launched by Europe is to undertake systematic efforts to identify, capture and dispose of vessels as well as enabling assets used or suspected of being used by migrant smugglers or traffickers. On 20 June 2016, the Council of the European Union extended Operation Sophia’s mandate reinforcing it by supporting the training of the Libyan coastguard.<br />
Thus far, following EUNAVFOR MED operation Sophia’s activities, 101 suspected smugglers and traffickers have been apprehended and transferred to the Italian<br />
authorities and 380 boats were removed from the criminal organizations' availability. The Operation has saved 32.081 migrants, among whom 1888 children.<br />
<br />
On February 2nd 2017 Italian Premier Paolo Gentiloni and Prime Minister of the U.N. backed Libyan government Fayez al-Serraj signed a memorandum of understanding on cooperation to combat illegal migration, human trafficking and contraband and on reinforcing the border between Libya and Italy. The following day, as EU leaders meet in Malta for a summit, European Council President Donald Tusk said after talks with Serraj, that “it is time to close the (migrant) route from Libya to Italy” and that “the EU has shown it is able to close the routes of irregular migration, as it has done in the eastern Mediterranean.”  Tusk said the Central Mediterranean route was “not sustainable either for the EU or for
    CIPG_20170208_NYT-Libya__M3_1522.jpg
  • VALLETTA, MALTA - 8 FEBRUARY 2017:  Rear Admiral Enrico Credendino (54, center), the Operation Commander of EUNAVFOR Med, poses for a portrait on the deck of the San Giorgio, an amphibious transport dock of the Italian Navy, before the graduation ceremony of the first training package of the Libyan Navy Coastguard and Libyan Navy  in Valetta, Malta, on Febuary 8th 2017.<br />
<br />
As a consequence of the April 2015 Libya migrant shipwrecks, the EU launched a military operation known as European Union Naval Force Mediterranean (EUNAVFOR Med), also known as Operation Sophia, with the aim of neutralising established refugee smuggling routes in the Mediterranean. The aim of this new operation launched by Europe is to undertake systematic efforts to identify, capture and dispose of vessels as well as enabling assets used or suspected of being used by migrant smugglers or traffickers. On 20 June 2016, the Council of the European Union extended Operation Sophia’s mandate reinforcing it by supporting the training of the Libyan coastguard.<br />
Thus far, following EUNAVFOR MED operation Sophia’s activities, 101 suspected smugglers and traffickers have been apprehended and transferred to the Italian<br />
authorities and 380 boats were removed from the criminal organizations' availability. The Operation has saved 32.081 migrants, among whom 1888 children.<br />
<br />
On February 2nd 2017 Italian Premier Paolo Gentiloni and Prime Minister of the U.N. backed Libyan government Fayez al-Serraj signed a memorandum of understanding on cooperation to combat illegal migration, human trafficking and contraband and on reinforcing the border between Libya and Italy. The following day, as EU leaders meet in Malta for a summit, European Council President Donald Tusk said after talks with Serraj, that “it is time to close the (migrant) route from Libya to Italy” and that “the EU has shown it is able to close the routes of irregular migration, as it has done in the eastern Mediterranean.”  Tusk said the Centra
    CIPG_20170208_NYT-Libya__M3_1488.jpg
  • VALLETTA, MALTA - 8 FEBRUARY 2017:  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: 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_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_0059.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: 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
  • 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
  • COMO, ITALY - 21 JUNE 2017: Barrialfa Karavate, a 21 years-old migrant from Guinea, looks at the water of Lake Como in Como, Italy, on June 21st 2017. Mr Karavate's wish is to join a girl he met during his journey throughout Africa to reach Europe, and who now is in Germany.<br />
<br />
Residents of Como are worried that funds redirected to migrants deprived the town’s handicapped of services and complained that any protest prompted accusations of racism.<br />
<br />
Throughout Italy, run-off mayoral elections on Sunday will be considered bellwethers for upcoming national elections and immigration has again emerged as a burning issue.<br />
<br />
Italy has registered more than 70,000 migrants this year, 27 percent more than it did by this time in 2016, when a record 181,000 migrants arrived. Waves of migrants continue to make the perilous, and often fatal, crossing to southern Italy from Africa, South Asia and the Middle East, seeing Italy as the gateway to Europe.<br />
<br />
While migrants spoke of their appreciation of Italy’s humanitarian efforts to save them from the Mediterranean Sea, they also expressed exhaustion with the country’s intricate web of permits and papers and European rules that required them to stay in the country that first documented them.
    CIPG_20170621_NYT_Como__M3_2469.jpg
  • COMO, ITALY - 21 JUNE 2017: A Sub-Saharan migrant (left) is seen here walking by Lake Como while tourists enjoy the water, in Como, Italy, on June 21st 2017.<br />
<br />
Residents of Como are worried that funds redirected to migrants deprived the town’s handicapped of services and complained that any protest prompted accusations of racism.<br />
<br />
Throughout Italy, run-off mayoral elections on Sunday will be considered bellwethers for upcoming national elections and immigration has again emerged as a burning issue.<br />
<br />
Italy has registered more than 70,000 migrants this year, 27 percent more than it did by this time in 2016, when a record 181,000 migrants arrived. Waves of migrants continue to make the perilous, and often fatal, crossing to southern Italy from Africa, South Asia and the Middle East, seeing Italy as the gateway to Europe.<br />
<br />
While migrants spoke of their appreciation of Italy’s humanitarian efforts to save them from the Mediterranean Sea, they also expressed exhaustion with the country’s intricate web of permits and papers and European rules that required them to stay in the country that first documented them.
    CIPG_20170621_NYT_Como__M3_2453.jpg
  • COMO, ITALY - 21 JUNE 2017: Sandra Obodo (left), 26), a Nigerian migrant, is seen here as one friend braids her hair  in the center ran by priest Giusto della Valle in Como, Italy, on June 21st 2017. Ms. Obodo said she crossed over from Libya nine months ago after escaping retribution murders at home and that a second boat she departed with was lost at sea.<br />
<br />
Residents of Como are worried that funds redirected to migrants deprived the town’s handicapped of services and complained that any protest prompted accusations of racism.<br />
<br />
Throughout Italy, run-off mayoral elections on Sunday will be considered bellwethers for upcoming national elections and immigration has again emerged as a burning issue.<br />
<br />
Italy has registered more than 70,000 migrants this year, 27 percent more than it did by this time in 2016, when a record 181,000 migrants arrived. Waves of migrants continue to make the perilous, and often fatal, crossing to southern Italy from Africa, South Asia and the Middle East, seeing Italy as the gateway to Europe.<br />
<br />
While migrants spoke of their appreciation of Italy’s humanitarian efforts to save them from the Mediterranean Sea, they also expressed exhaustion with the country’s intricate web of permits and papers and European rules that required them to stay in the country that first documented them.
    CIPG_20170621_NYT_Como__M3_2179.jpg
  • COMO, ITALY - 21 JUNE 2017: Sandra Obodo (left), 26), a Nigerian migrant, is seen here as one friend braids her hair  in the center ran by priest Giusto della Valle in Como, Italy, on June 21st 2017. Ms. Obodo said she crossed over from Libya nine months ago after escaping retribution murders at home and that a second boat she departed with was lost at sea.<br />
<br />
Residents of Como are worried that funds redirected to migrants deprived the town’s handicapped of services and complained that any protest prompted accusations of racism.<br />
<br />
Throughout Italy, run-off mayoral elections on Sunday will be considered bellwethers for upcoming national elections and immigration has again emerged as a burning issue.<br />
<br />
Italy has registered more than 70,000 migrants this year, 27 percent more than it did by this time in 2016, when a record 181,000 migrants arrived. Waves of migrants continue to make the perilous, and often fatal, crossing to southern Italy from Africa, South Asia and the Middle East, seeing Italy as the gateway to Europe.<br />
<br />
While migrants spoke of their appreciation of Italy’s humanitarian efforts to save them from the Mediterranean Sea, they also expressed exhaustion with the country’s intricate web of permits and papers and European rules that required them to stay in the country that first documented them.
    CIPG_20170621_NYT_Como__M3_2156.jpg
  • INTERNATIONAL WATERS BETWEEN MALTA AND SICILY - 8 FEBRUARY 2017: Officials and petty officials of the Libyan Navy Coastguard and Libyan Navy play foosball at the end of the day in the hangar of the San Giorgio, an amphibious transport dock of the Italian Navy, in international waters between Malta and Sicily, on Febuary 8th 2017.<br />
<br />
As a consequence of the April 2015 Libya migrant shipwrecks, the EU launched a military operation known as European Union Naval Force Mediterranean (EUNAVFOR Med), also known as Operation Sophia, with the aim of neutralising established refugee smuggling routes in the Mediterranean. The aim of this new operation launched by Europe is to undertake systematic efforts to identify, capture and dispose of vessels as well as enabling assets used or suspected of being used by migrant smugglers or traffickers. On 20 June 2016, the Council of the European Union extended Operation Sophia’s mandate reinforcing it by supporting the training of the Libyan coastguard.<br />
Thus far, following EUNAVFOR MED operation Sophia’s activities, 101 suspected smugglers and traffickers have been apprehended and transferred to the Italian<br />
authorities and 380 boats were removed from the criminal organizations' availability. The Operation has saved 32.081 migrants, among whom 1888 children.<br />
<br />
On February 2nd 2017 Italian Premier Paolo Gentiloni and Prime Minister of the U.N. backed Libyan government Fayez al-Serraj signed a memorandum of understanding on cooperation to combat illegal migration, human trafficking and contraband and on reinforcing the border between Libya and Italy. The following day, as EU leaders meet in Malta for a summit, European Council President Donald Tusk said after talks with Serraj, that “it is time to close the (migrant) route from Libya to Italy” and that “the EU has shown it is able to close the routes of irregular migration, as it has done in the eastern Mediterranean.”  Tusk said the Central Mediterranean route was “not sustaina
    CIPG_20170208_NYT-Libya__M3_0079_2.jpg
  • INTERNATIONAL WATERS BETWEEN MALTA AND SICILY - 8 FEBRUARY 2017: Officials and petty officials of the Libyan Navy Coastguard and Libyan Navy play foosball at the end of the day in the hangar of the San Giorgio, an amphibious transport dock of the Italian Navy, in international waters between Malta and Sicily, on Febuary 8th 2017.<br />
<br />
As a consequence of the April 2015 Libya migrant shipwrecks, the EU launched a military operation known as European Union Naval Force Mediterranean (EUNAVFOR Med), also known as Operation Sophia, with the aim of neutralising established refugee smuggling routes in the Mediterranean. The aim of this new operation launched by Europe is to undertake systematic efforts to identify, capture and dispose of vessels as well as enabling assets used or suspected of being used by migrant smugglers or traffickers. On 20 June 2016, the Council of the European Union extended Operation Sophia’s mandate reinforcing it by supporting the training of the Libyan coastguard.<br />
Thus far, following EUNAVFOR MED operation Sophia’s activities, 101 suspected smugglers and traffickers have been apprehended and transferred to the Italian<br />
authorities and 380 boats were removed from the criminal organizations' availability. The Operation has saved 32.081 migrants, among whom 1888 children.<br />
<br />
On February 2nd 2017 Italian Premier Paolo Gentiloni and Prime Minister of the U.N. backed Libyan government Fayez al-Serraj signed a memorandum of understanding on cooperation to combat illegal migration, human trafficking and contraband and on reinforcing the border between Libya and Italy. The following day, as EU leaders meet in Malta for a summit, European Council President Donald Tusk said after talks with Serraj, that “it is time to close the (migrant) route from Libya to Italy” and that “the EU has shown it is able to close the routes of irregular migration, as it has done in the eastern Mediterranean.”  Tusk said the Central Mediterranean route was “not sustaina
    CIPG_20170208_NYT-Libya__M3_0063_2.jpg
  • INTERNATIONAL WATERS BETWEEN MALTA AND SICILY - 8 FEBRUARY 2017: Officials and petty officials of the Libyan Navy Coastguard and Libyan Navy play foosball at the end of the day in the hangar of the San Giorgio, an amphibious transport dock of the Italian Navy, in international waters between Malta and Sicily, on Febuary 8th 2017.<br />
<br />
As a consequence of the April 2015 Libya migrant shipwrecks, the EU launched a military operation known as European Union Naval Force Mediterranean (EUNAVFOR Med), also known as Operation Sophia, with the aim of neutralising established refugee smuggling routes in the Mediterranean. The aim of this new operation launched by Europe is to undertake systematic efforts to identify, capture and dispose of vessels as well as enabling assets used or suspected of being used by migrant smugglers or traffickers. On 20 June 2016, the Council of the European Union extended Operation Sophia’s mandate reinforcing it by supporting the training of the Libyan coastguard.<br />
Thus far, following EUNAVFOR MED operation Sophia’s activities, 101 suspected smugglers and traffickers have been apprehended and transferred to the Italian<br />
authorities and 380 boats were removed from the criminal organizations' availability. The Operation has saved 32.081 migrants, among whom 1888 children.<br />
<br />
On February 2nd 2017 Italian Premier Paolo Gentiloni and Prime Minister of the U.N. backed Libyan government Fayez al-Serraj signed a memorandum of understanding on cooperation to combat illegal migration, human trafficking and contraband and on reinforcing the border between Libya and Italy. The following day, as EU leaders meet in Malta for a summit, European Council President Donald Tusk said after talks with Serraj, that “it is time to close the (migrant) route from Libya to Italy” and that “the EU has shown it is able to close the routes of irregular migration, as it has done in the eastern Mediterranean.”  Tusk said the Central Mediterranean route was “not sustaina
    CIPG_20170208_NYT-Libya__M3_0059_2.jpg
  • INTERNATIONAL WATERS (OFF THE COASTS OF SICILY, ITALY) - 9 FEBRUARY 2017: The San Giorgio, an amphibious transport dock of the Italian Navy, is seen here from a helicopter of the Italian Navy in international waters off the coast of Sicily, Italy, on Febuary 9th 2017.<br />
<br />
As a consequence of the April 2015 Libya migrant shipwrecks, the EU launched a military operation known as European Union Naval Force Mediterranean (EUNAVFOR Med), also known as Operation Sophia, with the aim of neutralising established refugee smuggling routes in the Mediterranean. The aim of this new operation launched by Europe is to undertake systematic efforts to identify, capture and dispose of vessels as well as enabling assets used or suspected of being used by migrant smugglers or traffickers. On 20 June 2016, the Council of the European Union extended Operation Sophia’s mandate reinforcing it by supporting the training of the Libyan coastguard.<br />
Thus far, following EUNAVFOR MED operation Sophia’s activities, 101 suspected smugglers and traffickers have been apprehended and transferred to the Italian<br />
authorities and 380 boats were removed from the criminal organizations' availability. The Operation has saved 32.081 migrants, among whom 1888 children.<br />
<br />
On February 2nd 2017 Italian Premier Paolo Gentiloni and Prime Minister of the U.N. backed Libyan government Fayez al-Serraj signed a memorandum of understanding on cooperation to combat illegal migration, human trafficking and contraband and on reinforcing the border between Libya and Italy. The following day, as EU leaders meet in Malta for a summit, European Council President Donald Tusk said after talks with Serraj, that “it is time to close the (migrant) route from Libya to Italy” and that “the EU has shown it is able to close the routes of irregular migration, as it has done in the eastern Mediterranean.”  Tusk said the Central Mediterranean route was “not sustainable either for the EU or for Libya”, where he said trafficker
    CIPG_20170209_NYT-Libya__M3_0862.jpg
  • INTERNATIONAL WATERS (OFF THE COASTS OF SICILY, ITALY) - 9 FEBRUARY 2017: The San Giorgio, an amphibious transport dock of the Italian Navy, is seen here from a helicopter of the Italian Navy in international waters off the coast of Sicily, Italy, on Febuary 9th 2017.<br />
<br />
As a consequence of the April 2015 Libya migrant shipwrecks, the EU launched a military operation known as European Union Naval Force Mediterranean (EUNAVFOR Med), also known as Operation Sophia, with the aim of neutralising established refugee smuggling routes in the Mediterranean. The aim of this new operation launched by Europe is to undertake systematic efforts to identify, capture and dispose of vessels as well as enabling assets used or suspected of being used by migrant smugglers or traffickers. On 20 June 2016, the Council of the European Union extended Operation Sophia’s mandate reinforcing it by supporting the training of the Libyan coastguard.<br />
Thus far, following EUNAVFOR MED operation Sophia’s activities, 101 suspected smugglers and traffickers have been apprehended and transferred to the Italian<br />
authorities and 380 boats were removed from the criminal organizations' availability. The Operation has saved 32.081 migrants, among whom 1888 children.<br />
<br />
On February 2nd 2017 Italian Premier Paolo Gentiloni and Prime Minister of the U.N. backed Libyan government Fayez al-Serraj signed a memorandum of understanding on cooperation to combat illegal migration, human trafficking and contraband and on reinforcing the border between Libya and Italy. The following day, as EU leaders meet in Malta for a summit, European Council President Donald Tusk said after talks with Serraj, that “it is time to close the (migrant) route from Libya to Italy” and that “the EU has shown it is able to close the routes of irregular migration, as it has done in the eastern Mediterranean.”  Tusk said the Central Mediterranean route was “not sustainable either for the EU or for Libya”, where he said trafficker
    CIPG_20170209_NYT-Libya__M3_0848.jpg
  • INTERNATIONAL WATERS (OFF THE COASTS OF SICILY, ITALY) - 9 FEBRUARY 2017: 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: 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: 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 is seen here in the pilot house of the San Giorgio, an amphibious transport dock of the Italian Navy, as it sets out of the harbor of Valetta, Malta, on Febuary 8th 2017.<br />
<br />
As a consequence of the April 2015 Libya migrant shipwrecks, the EU launched a military operation known as European Union Naval Force Mediterranean (EUNAVFOR Med), also known as Operation Sophia, with the aim of neutralising established refugee smuggling routes in the Mediterranean. The aim of this new operation launched by Europe is to undertake systematic efforts to identify, capture and dispose of vessels as well as enabling assets used or suspected of being used by migrant smugglers or traffickers. On 20 June 2016, the Council of the European Union extended Operation Sophia’s mandate reinforcing it by supporting the training of the Libyan coastguard.<br />
Thus far, following EUNAVFOR MED operation Sophia’s activities, 101 suspected smugglers and traffickers have been apprehended and transferred to the Italian<br />
authorities and 380 boats were removed from the criminal organizations' availability. The Operation has saved 32.081 migrants, among whom 1888 children.<br />
<br />
On February 2nd 2017 Italian Premier Paolo Gentiloni and Prime Minister of the U.N. backed Libyan government Fayez al-Serraj signed a memorandum of understanding on cooperation to combat illegal migration, human trafficking and contraband and on reinforcing the border between Libya and Italy. The following day, as EU leaders meet in Malta for a summit, European Council President Donald Tusk said after talks with Serraj, that “it is time to close the (migrant) route from Libya to Italy” and that “the EU has shown it is able to close the routes of irregular migration, as it has done in the eastern Mediterranean.”  Tusk said the Central Mediterranean route was “not sustainable either for the EU or for Libya”, where he said traffickers were undermini
    CIPG_20170208_NYT-Libya__M3_9881.jpg
  • VALLETTA, MALTA - 8 FEBRUARY 2017: A petty official of the Libyan Navy Coastguard is seen here in the pilot house of the San Giorgio, an amphibious transport dock of the Italian Navy, as it sets out of the harbor of Valetta, Malta, on Febuary 8th 2017.<br />
<br />
As a consequence of the April 2015 Libya migrant shipwrecks, the EU launched a military operation known as European Union Naval Force Mediterranean (EUNAVFOR Med), also known as Operation Sophia, with the aim of neutralising established refugee smuggling routes in the Mediterranean. The aim of this new operation launched by Europe is to undertake systematic efforts to identify, capture and dispose of vessels as well as enabling assets used or suspected of being used by migrant smugglers or traffickers. On 20 June 2016, the Council of the European Union extended Operation Sophia’s mandate reinforcing it by supporting the training of the Libyan coastguard.<br />
Thus far, following EUNAVFOR MED operation Sophia’s activities, 101 suspected smugglers and traffickers have been apprehended and transferred to the Italian<br />
authorities and 380 boats were removed from the criminal organizations' availability. The Operation has saved 32.081 migrants, among whom 1888 children.<br />
<br />
On February 2nd 2017 Italian Premier Paolo Gentiloni and Prime Minister of the U.N. backed Libyan government Fayez al-Serraj signed a memorandum of understanding on cooperation to combat illegal migration, human trafficking and contraband and on reinforcing the border between Libya and Italy. The following day, as EU leaders meet in Malta for a summit, European Council President Donald Tusk said after talks with Serraj, that “it is time to close the (migrant) route from Libya to Italy” and that “the EU has shown it is able to close the routes of irregular migration, as it has done in the eastern Mediterranean.”  Tusk said the Central Mediterranean route was “not sustainable either for the EU or for Libya”, where he said traffickers were undermini
    CIPG_20170208_NYT-Libya__M3_9877.jpg
  • VALLETTA, MALTA - 8 FEBRUARY 2017: A petty official of the Libyan Navy Coastguard is seen here in the pilot house of the San Giorgio, an amphibious transport dock of the Italian Navy, as it sets out of the harbor of Valetta, Malta, on Febuary 8th 2017.<br />
<br />
As a consequence of the April 2015 Libya migrant shipwrecks, the EU launched a military operation known as European Union Naval Force Mediterranean (EUNAVFOR Med), also known as Operation Sophia, with the aim of neutralising established refugee smuggling routes in the Mediterranean. The aim of this new operation launched by Europe is to undertake systematic efforts to identify, capture and dispose of vessels as well as enabling assets used or suspected of being used by migrant smugglers or traffickers. On 20 June 2016, the Council of the European Union extended Operation Sophia’s mandate reinforcing it by supporting the training of the Libyan coastguard.<br />
Thus far, following EUNAVFOR MED operation Sophia’s activities, 101 suspected smugglers and traffickers have been apprehended and transferred to the Italian<br />
authorities and 380 boats were removed from the criminal organizations' availability. The Operation has saved 32.081 migrants, among whom 1888 children.<br />
<br />
On February 2nd 2017 Italian Premier Paolo Gentiloni and Prime Minister of the U.N. backed Libyan government Fayez al-Serraj signed a memorandum of understanding on cooperation to combat illegal migration, human trafficking and contraband and on reinforcing the border between Libya and Italy. The following day, as EU leaders meet in Malta for a summit, European Council President Donald Tusk said after talks with Serraj, that “it is time to close the (migrant) route from Libya to Italy” and that “the EU has shown it is able to close the routes of irregular migration, as it has done in the eastern Mediterranean.”  Tusk said the Central Mediterranean route was “not sustainable either for the EU or for Libya”, where he said traffickers were undermini
    CIPG_20170208_NYT-Libya__M3_9866.jpg
  • VALLETTA, MALTA - 8 FEBRUARY 2017: A petty official of the Libyan Navy Coastguard is seen here in the pilot house of the San Giorgio, an amphibious transport dock of the Italian Navy, as it sets out of the harbor of Valetta, Malta, on Febuary 8th 2017.<br />
<br />
As a consequence of the April 2015 Libya migrant shipwrecks, the EU launched a military operation known as European Union Naval Force Mediterranean (EUNAVFOR Med), also known as Operation Sophia, with the aim of neutralising established refugee smuggling routes in the Mediterranean. The aim of this new operation launched by Europe is to undertake systematic efforts to identify, capture and dispose of vessels as well as enabling assets used or suspected of being used by migrant smugglers or traffickers. On 20 June 2016, the Council of the European Union extended Operation Sophia’s mandate reinforcing it by supporting the training of the Libyan coastguard.<br />
Thus far, following EUNAVFOR MED operation Sophia’s activities, 101 suspected smugglers and traffickers have been apprehended and transferred to the Italian<br />
authorities and 380 boats were removed from the criminal organizations' availability. The Operation has saved 32.081 migrants, among whom 1888 children.<br />
<br />
On February 2nd 2017 Italian Premier Paolo Gentiloni and Prime Minister of the U.N. backed Libyan government Fayez al-Serraj signed a memorandum of understanding on cooperation to combat illegal migration, human trafficking and contraband and on reinforcing the border between Libya and Italy. The following day, as EU leaders meet in Malta for a summit, European Council President Donald Tusk said after talks with Serraj, that “it is time to close the (migrant) route from Libya to Italy” and that “the EU has shown it is able to close the routes of irregular migration, as it has done in the eastern Mediterranean.”  Tusk said the Central Mediterranean route was “not sustainable either for the EU or for Libya”, where he said traffickers were undermini
    CIPG_20170208_NYT-Libya__M3_9834.jpg
  • VALLETTA, MALTA - 8 FEBRUARY 2017: A petty official of the Libyan Navy Coastguard is seen here in the pilot house of the San Giorgio, an amphibious transport dock of the Italian Navy, as it sets out of the harbor of Valetta, Malta, on Febuary 8th 2017.<br />
<br />
As a consequence of the April 2015 Libya migrant shipwrecks, the EU launched a military operation known as European Union Naval Force Mediterranean (EUNAVFOR Med), also known as Operation Sophia, with the aim of neutralising established refugee smuggling routes in the Mediterranean. The aim of this new operation launched by Europe is to undertake systematic efforts to identify, capture and dispose of vessels as well as enabling assets used or suspected of being used by migrant smugglers or traffickers. On 20 June 2016, the Council of the European Union extended Operation Sophia’s mandate reinforcing it by supporting the training of the Libyan coastguard.<br />
Thus far, following EUNAVFOR MED operation Sophia’s activities, 101 suspected smugglers and traffickers have been apprehended and transferred to the Italian<br />
authorities and 380 boats were removed from the criminal organizations' availability. The Operation has saved 32.081 migrants, among whom 1888 children.<br />
<br />
On February 2nd 2017 Italian Premier Paolo Gentiloni and Prime Minister of the U.N. backed Libyan government Fayez al-Serraj signed a memorandum of understanding on cooperation to combat illegal migration, human trafficking and contraband and on reinforcing the border between Libya and Italy. The following day, as EU leaders meet in Malta for a summit, European Council President Donald Tusk said after talks with Serraj, that “it is time to close the (migrant) route from Libya to Italy” and that “the EU has shown it is able to close the routes of irregular migration, as it has done in the eastern Mediterranean.”  Tusk said the Central Mediterranean route was “not sustainable either for the EU or for Libya”, where he said traffickers were undermini
    CIPG_20170208_NYT-Libya__M3_9700.jpg
  • VALLETTA, MALTA - 8 FEBRUARY 2017: Two petty officials of the Libyan Navy Coastguard are seen here in the pilot house of the San Giorgio, an amphibious transport dock of the Italian Navy, as it sets out of the harbor of Valetta, Malta, on Febuary 8th 2017.<br />
<br />
As a consequence of the April 2015 Libya migrant shipwrecks, the EU launched a military operation known as European Union Naval Force Mediterranean (EUNAVFOR Med), also known as Operation Sophia, with the aim of neutralising established refugee smuggling routes in the Mediterranean. The aim of this new operation launched by Europe is to undertake systematic efforts to identify, capture and dispose of vessels as well as enabling assets used or suspected of being used by migrant smugglers or traffickers. On 20 June 2016, the Council of the European Union extended Operation Sophia’s mandate reinforcing it by supporting the training of the Libyan coastguard.<br />
Thus far, following EUNAVFOR MED operation Sophia’s activities, 101 suspected smugglers and traffickers have been apprehended and transferred to the Italian<br />
authorities and 380 boats were removed from the criminal organizations' availability. The Operation has saved 32.081 migrants, among whom 1888 children.<br />
<br />
On February 2nd 2017 Italian Premier Paolo Gentiloni and Prime Minister of the U.N. backed Libyan government Fayez al-Serraj signed a memorandum of understanding on cooperation to combat illegal migration, human trafficking and contraband and on reinforcing the border between Libya and Italy. The following day, as EU leaders meet in Malta for a summit, European Council President Donald Tusk said after talks with Serraj, that “it is time to close the (migrant) route from Libya to Italy” and that “the EU has shown it is able to close the routes of irregular migration, as it has done in the eastern Mediterranean.”  Tusk said the Central Mediterranean route was “not sustainable either for the EU or for Libya”, where he said traffickers were under
    CIPG_20170208_NYT-Libya__M3_9682.jpg
  • VALLETTA, MALTA - 8 FEBRUARY 2017: Italian Navy staff is seen here at work during a maneuver in the pilot house of the San Giorgio, an amphibious transport dock of the Italian Navy, as it sets out of the harbor of Valetta, Malta, on Febuary 8th 2017.<br />
<br />
As a consequence of the April 2015 Libya migrant shipwrecks, the EU launched a military operation known as European Union Naval Force Mediterranean (EUNAVFOR Med), also known as Operation Sophia, with the aim of neutralising established refugee smuggling routes in the Mediterranean. The aim of this new operation launched by Europe is to undertake systematic efforts to identify, capture and dispose of vessels as well as enabling assets used or suspected of being used by migrant smugglers or traffickers. On 20 June 2016, the Council of the European Union extended Operation Sophia’s mandate reinforcing it by supporting the training of the Libyan coastguard.<br />
Thus far, following EUNAVFOR MED operation Sophia’s activities, 101 suspected smugglers and traffickers have been apprehended and transferred to the Italian<br />
authorities and 380 boats were removed from the criminal organizations' availability. The Operation has saved 32.081 migrants, among whom 1888 children.<br />
<br />
On February 2nd 2017 Italian Premier Paolo Gentiloni and Prime Minister of the U.N. backed Libyan government Fayez al-Serraj signed a memorandum of understanding on cooperation to combat illegal migration, human trafficking and contraband and on reinforcing the border between Libya and Italy. The following day, as EU leaders meet in Malta for a summit, European Council President Donald Tusk said after talks with Serraj, that “it is time to close the (migrant) route from Libya to Italy” and that “the EU has shown it is able to close the routes of irregular migration, as it has done in the eastern Mediterranean.”  Tusk said the Central Mediterranean route was “not sustainable either for the EU or for Libya”, where he said traffickers were undermining
    CIPG_20170208_NYT-Libya__M3_9676.jpg
  • VALLETTA, MALTA - 8 FEBRUARY 2017: Italian Navy staff is seen here at work during a maneuver in the pilot house of the San Giorgio, an amphibious transport dock of the Italian Navy, as it sets out of the harbor of Valetta, Malta, on Febuary 8th 2017.<br />
<br />
As a consequence of the April 2015 Libya migrant shipwrecks, the EU launched a military operation known as European Union Naval Force Mediterranean (EUNAVFOR Med), also known as Operation Sophia, with the aim of neutralising established refugee smuggling routes in the Mediterranean. The aim of this new operation launched by Europe is to undertake systematic efforts to identify, capture and dispose of vessels as well as enabling assets used or suspected of being used by migrant smugglers or traffickers. On 20 June 2016, the Council of the European Union extended Operation Sophia’s mandate reinforcing it by supporting the training of the Libyan coastguard.<br />
Thus far, following EUNAVFOR MED operation Sophia’s activities, 101 suspected smugglers and traffickers have been apprehended and transferred to the Italian<br />
authorities and 380 boats were removed from the criminal organizations' availability. The Operation has saved 32.081 migrants, among whom 1888 children.<br />
<br />
On February 2nd 2017 Italian Premier Paolo Gentiloni and Prime Minister of the U.N. backed Libyan government Fayez al-Serraj signed a memorandum of understanding on cooperation to combat illegal migration, human trafficking and contraband and on reinforcing the border between Libya and Italy. The following day, as EU leaders meet in Malta for a summit, European Council President Donald Tusk said after talks with Serraj, that “it is time to close the (migrant) route from Libya to Italy” and that “the EU has shown it is able to close the routes of irregular migration, as it has done in the eastern Mediterranean.”  Tusk said the Central Mediterranean route was “not sustainable either for the EU or for Libya”, where he said traffickers were undermining
    CIPG_20170208_NYT-Libya__M3_9629.jpg
  • VALLETTA, MALTA - 8 FEBRUARY 2017: Italian Navy staff is seen here at work during a maneuver in the pilot house of the San Giorgio, an amphibious transport dock of the Italian Navy, as it sets out of the harbor of Valetta, Malta, on Febuary 8th 2017.<br />
<br />
As a consequence of the April 2015 Libya migrant shipwrecks, the EU launched a military operation known as European Union Naval Force Mediterranean (EUNAVFOR Med), also known as Operation Sophia, with the aim of neutralising established refugee smuggling routes in the Mediterranean. The aim of this new operation launched by Europe is to undertake systematic efforts to identify, capture and dispose of vessels as well as enabling assets used or suspected of being used by migrant smugglers or traffickers. On 20 June 2016, the Council of the European Union extended Operation Sophia’s mandate reinforcing it by supporting the training of the Libyan coastguard.<br />
Thus far, following EUNAVFOR MED operation Sophia’s activities, 101 suspected smugglers and traffickers have been apprehended and transferred to the Italian<br />
authorities and 380 boats were removed from the criminal organizations' availability. The Operation has saved 32.081 migrants, among whom 1888 children.<br />
<br />
On February 2nd 2017 Italian Premier Paolo Gentiloni and Prime Minister of the U.N. backed Libyan government Fayez al-Serraj signed a memorandum of understanding on cooperation to combat illegal migration, human trafficking and contraband and on reinforcing the border between Libya and Italy. The following day, as EU leaders meet in Malta for a summit, European Council President Donald Tusk said after talks with Serraj, that “it is time to close the (migrant) route from Libya to Italy” and that “the EU has shown it is able to close the routes of irregular migration, as it has done in the eastern Mediterranean.”  Tusk said the Central Mediterranean route was “not sustainable either for the EU or for Libya”, where he said traffickers were undermining
    CIPG_20170208_NYT-Libya__M3_9610.jpg
  • VALLETTA, MALTA - 8 FEBRUARY 2017: Petty officials of the Libyan Navy Coastguard repair a marine engine during a mechanics course in the hangar of the San Giorgio, an amphibious transport dock of the Italian Navy, in Valetta, Malta, on Febuary 8th 2017.<br />
<br />
As a consequence of the April 2015 Libya migrant shipwrecks, the EU launched a military operation known as European Union Naval Force Mediterranean (EUNAVFOR Med), also known as Operation Sophia, with the aim of neutralising established refugee smuggling routes in the Mediterranean. The aim of this new operation launched by Europe is to undertake systematic efforts to identify, capture and dispose of vessels as well as enabling assets used or suspected of being used by migrant smugglers or traffickers. On 20 June 2016, the Council of the European Union extended Operation Sophia’s mandate reinforcing it by supporting the training of the Libyan coastguard.<br />
Thus far, following EUNAVFOR MED operation Sophia’s activities, 101 suspected smugglers and traffickers have been apprehended and transferred to the Italian<br />
authorities and 380 boats were removed from the criminal organizations' availability. The Operation has saved 32.081 migrants, among whom 1888 children.<br />
<br />
On February 2nd 2017 Italian Premier Paolo Gentiloni and Prime Minister of the U.N. backed Libyan government Fayez al-Serraj signed a memorandum of understanding on cooperation to combat illegal migration, human trafficking and contraband and on reinforcing the border between Libya and Italy. The following day, as EU leaders meet in Malta for a summit, European Council President Donald Tusk said after talks with Serraj, that “it is time to close the (migrant) route from Libya to Italy” and that “the EU has shown it is able to close the routes of irregular migration, as it has done in the eastern Mediterranean.”  Tusk said the Central Mediterranean route was “not sustainable either for the EU or for Libya”, where he said traffickers were undermin
    CIPG_20170208_NYT-Libya__M3_9594.jpg
  • VALLETTA, MALTA - 8 FEBRUARY 2017: Officials and petty officials of the Libyan Navy Coastguard and Libyan Navy attend a first-aid course held by an Italian Navy medic instructor in a container in the hangar of the San Giorgio, an amphibious transport dock of the Italian Navy, in Valetta, Malta, on Febuary 8th 2017.<br />
<br />
As a consequence of the April 2015 Libya migrant shipwrecks, the EU launched a military operation known as European Union Naval Force Mediterranean (EUNAVFOR Med), also known as Operation Sophia, with the aim of neutralising established refugee smuggling routes in the Mediterranean. The aim of this new operation launched by Europe is to undertake systematic efforts to identify, capture and dispose of vessels as well as enabling assets used or suspected of being used by migrant smugglers or traffickers. On 20 June 2016, the Council of the European Union extended Operation Sophia’s mandate reinforcing it by supporting the training of the Libyan coastguard.<br />
Thus far, following EUNAVFOR MED operation Sophia’s activities, 101 suspected smugglers and traffickers have been apprehended and transferred to the Italian<br />
authorities and 380 boats were removed from the criminal organizations' availability. The Operation has saved 32.081 migrants, among whom 1888 children.<br />
<br />
On February 2nd 2017 Italian Premier Paolo Gentiloni and Prime Minister of the U.N. backed Libyan government Fayez al-Serraj signed a memorandum of understanding on cooperation to combat illegal migration, human trafficking and contraband and on reinforcing the border between Libya and Italy. The following day, as EU leaders meet in Malta for a summit, European Council President Donald Tusk said after talks with Serraj, that “it is time to close the (migrant) route from Libya to Italy” and that “the EU has shown it is able to close the routes of irregular migration, as it has done in the eastern Mediterranean.”  Tusk said the Central Mediterranean route was “not sustainable either for
    CIPG_20170208_NYT-Libya__M3_9422.jpg
  • VALLETTA, MALTA - 8 FEBRUARY 2017: Officials and petty officials of the Libyan Navy Coastguard and Libyan Navy attend a first-aid course held by an Italian Navy medic instructor in a container in the hangar of the San Giorgio, an amphibious transport dock of the Italian Navy, in Valetta, Malta, on Febuary 8th 2017.<br />
<br />
As a consequence of the April 2015 Libya migrant shipwrecks, the EU launched a military operation known as European Union Naval Force Mediterranean (EUNAVFOR Med), also known as Operation Sophia, with the aim of neutralising established refugee smuggling routes in the Mediterranean. The aim of this new operation launched by Europe is to undertake systematic efforts to identify, capture and dispose of vessels as well as enabling assets used or suspected of being used by migrant smugglers or traffickers. On 20 June 2016, the Council of the European Union extended Operation Sophia’s mandate reinforcing it by supporting the training of the Libyan coastguard.<br />
Thus far, following EUNAVFOR MED operation Sophia’s activities, 101 suspected smugglers and traffickers have been apprehended and transferred to the Italian<br />
authorities and 380 boats were removed from the criminal organizations' availability. The Operation has saved 32.081 migrants, among whom 1888 children.<br />
<br />
On February 2nd 2017 Italian Premier Paolo Gentiloni and Prime Minister of the U.N. backed Libyan government Fayez al-Serraj signed a memorandum of understanding on cooperation to combat illegal migration, human trafficking and contraband and on reinforcing the border between Libya and Italy. The following day, as EU leaders meet in Malta for a summit, European Council President Donald Tusk said after talks with Serraj, that “it is time to close the (migrant) route from Libya to Italy” and that “the EU has shown it is able to close the routes of irregular migration, as it has done in the eastern Mediterranean.”  Tusk said the Central Mediterranean route was “not sustainable either for
    CIPG_20170208_NYT-Libya__M3_9408.jpg
  • VALLETTA, MALTA - 8 FEBRUARY 2017: International maritime signal flags are seen here in the hangar of the San Giorgio, an amphibious transport dock of the Italian Navy, in Valetta, Malta, on Febuary 8th 2017.<br />
<br />
As a consequence of the April 2015 Libya migrant shipwrecks, the EU launched a military operation known as European Union Naval Force Mediterranean (EUNAVFOR Med), also known as Operation Sophia, with the aim of neutralising established refugee smuggling routes in the Mediterranean. The aim of this new operation launched by Europe is to undertake systematic efforts to identify, capture and dispose of vessels as well as enabling assets used or suspected of being used by migrant smugglers or traffickers. On 20 June 2016, the Council of the European Union extended Operation Sophia’s mandate reinforcing it by supporting the training of the Libyan coastguard.<br />
Thus far, following EUNAVFOR MED operation Sophia’s activities, 101 suspected smugglers and traffickers have been apprehended and transferred to the Italian<br />
authorities and 380 boats were removed from the criminal organizations' availability. The Operation has saved 32.081 migrants, among whom 1888 children.<br />
<br />
On February 2nd 2017 Italian Premier Paolo Gentiloni and Prime Minister of the U.N. backed Libyan government Fayez al-Serraj signed a memorandum of understanding on cooperation to combat illegal migration, human trafficking and contraband and on reinforcing the border between Libya and Italy. The following day, as EU leaders meet in Malta for a summit, European Council President Donald Tusk said after talks with Serraj, that “it is time to close the (migrant) route from Libya to Italy” and that “the EU has shown it is able to close the routes of irregular migration, as it has done in the eastern Mediterranean.”  Tusk said the Central Mediterranean route was “not sustainable either for the EU or for Libya”, where he said traffickers were undermining the Libyan state’s authority for their
    CIPG_20170208_NYT-Libya__M3_9388.jpg
  • VALLETTA, MALTA - 8 FEBRUARY 2017: Shoes are left outside a makeshift mosque in the hangar of the San Giorgio, an amphibious transport dock of the Italian Navy, during the prayer of of a Libyan Navy Coastguard official in Valetta, Malta, on Febuary 8th 2017.<br />
<br />
As a consequence of the April 2015 Libya migrant shipwrecks, the EU launched a military operation known as European Union Naval Force Mediterranean (EUNAVFOR Med), also known as Operation Sophia, with the aim of neutralising established refugee smuggling routes in the Mediterranean. The aim of this new operation launched by Europe is to undertake systematic efforts to identify, capture and dispose of vessels as well as enabling assets used or suspected of being used by migrant smugglers or traffickers. On 20 June 2016, the Council of the European Union extended Operation Sophia’s mandate reinforcing it by supporting the training of the Libyan coastguard.<br />
Thus far, following EUNAVFOR MED operation Sophia’s activities, 101 suspected smugglers and traffickers have been apprehended and transferred to the Italian<br />
authorities and 380 boats were removed from the criminal organizations' availability. The Operation has saved 32.081 migrants, among whom 1888 children.<br />
<br />
On February 2nd 2017 Italian Premier Paolo Gentiloni and Prime Minister of the U.N. backed Libyan government Fayez al-Serraj signed a memorandum of understanding on cooperation to combat illegal migration, human trafficking and contraband and on reinforcing the border between Libya and Italy. The following day, as EU leaders meet in Malta for a summit, European Council President Donald Tusk said after talks with Serraj, that “it is time to close the (migrant) route from Libya to Italy” and that “the EU has shown it is able to close the routes of irregular migration, as it has done in the eastern Mediterranean.”  Tusk said the Central Mediterranean route was “not sustainable either for the EU or for Libya”, where he said traffickers were und
    CIPG_20170208_NYT-Libya__M3_9383.jpg
  • VALLETTA, MALTA - 8 FEBRUARY 2017: A petty official of the Libyan Navy Coastguard relaxes in the stern of the San Giorgio, an amphibious transport dock of the Italian Navy, after their graduation ceremony for their first training package, in Valetta, Malta, on Febuary 8th 2017.<br />
<br />
As a consequence of the April 2015 Libya migrant shipwrecks, the EU launched a military operation known as European Union Naval Force Mediterranean (EUNAVFOR Med), also known as Operation Sophia, with the aim of neutralising established refugee smuggling routes in the Mediterranean. The aim of this new operation launched by Europe is to undertake systematic efforts to identify, capture and dispose of vessels as well as enabling assets used or suspected of being used by migrant smugglers or traffickers. On 20 June 2016, the Council of the European Union extended Operation Sophia’s mandate reinforcing it by supporting the training of the Libyan coastguard.<br />
Thus far, following EUNAVFOR MED operation Sophia’s activities, 101 suspected smugglers and traffickers have been apprehended and transferred to the Italian<br />
authorities and 380 boats were removed from the criminal organizations' availability. The Operation has saved 32.081 migrants, among whom 1888 children.<br />
<br />
On February 2nd 2017 Italian Premier Paolo Gentiloni and Prime Minister of the U.N. backed Libyan government Fayez al-Serraj signed a memorandum of understanding on cooperation to combat illegal migration, human trafficking and contraband and on reinforcing the border between Libya and Italy. The following day, as EU leaders meet in Malta for a summit, European Council President Donald Tusk said after talks with Serraj, that “it is time to close the (migrant) route from Libya to Italy” and that “the EU has shown it is able to close the routes of irregular migration, as it has done in the eastern Mediterranean.”  Tusk said the Central Mediterranean route was “not sustainable either for the EU or for Libya”, where he said
    CIPG_20170208_NYT-Libya__M3_9357.jpg
  • VALLETTA, MALTA - 8 FEBRUARY 2017: 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: 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:  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: 89 officials and petty officials of the Libyan Navy Coastguard and Libyan Navy are seen here during their graduation ceremony of their first training package, here on the deck of the San Giorgio, an amphibious transport dock of the Italian Navy, in Valetta, Malta, on Febuary 8th 2017.<br />
<br />
As a consequence of the April 2015 Libya migrant shipwrecks, the EU launched a military operation known as European Union Naval Force Mediterranean (EUNAVFOR Med), also known as Operation Sophia, with the aim of neutralising established refugee smuggling routes in the Mediterranean. The aim of this new operation launched by Europe is to undertake systematic efforts to identify, capture and dispose of vessels as well as enabling assets used or suspected of being used by migrant smugglers or traffickers. On 20 June 2016, the Council of the European Union extended Operation Sophia’s mandate reinforcing it by supporting the training of the Libyan coastguard.<br />
Thus far, following EUNAVFOR MED operation Sophia’s activities, 101 suspected smugglers and traffickers have been apprehended and transferred to the Italian<br />
authorities and 380 boats were removed from the criminal organizations' availability. The Operation has saved 32.081 migrants, among whom 1888 children.<br />
<br />
On February 2nd 2017 Italian Premier Paolo Gentiloni and Prime Minister of the U.N. backed Libyan government Fayez al-Serraj signed a memorandum of understanding on cooperation to combat illegal migration, human trafficking and contraband and on reinforcing the border between Libya and Italy. The following day, as EU leaders meet in Malta for a summit, European Council President Donald Tusk said after talks with Serraj, that “it is time to close the (migrant) route from Libya to Italy” and that “the EU has shown it is able to close the routes of irregular migration, as it has done in the eastern Mediterranean.”  Tusk said the Central Mediterranean route was “not sustainable either
    CIPG_20170208_NYT-Libya__M3_1730.jpg
  • VALLETTA, MALTA - 8 FEBRUARY 2017: Federica Mogherini,  High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and Vice-President of the European Commission in the Juncker Commission, addresses the 89 officials and petty officials of the Libyan Navy Coastguard and Libyan Navy during the  graduation ceremony of their first training package, here on the deck of the San Giorgio, an amphibious transport dock of the Italian Navy, in Valetta, Malta, on Febuary 8th 2017.<br />
<br />
As a consequence of the April 2015 Libya migrant shipwrecks, the EU launched a military operation known as European Union Naval Force Mediterranean (EUNAVFOR Med), also known as Operation Sophia, with the aim of neutralising established refugee smuggling routes in the Mediterranean. The aim of this new operation launched by Europe is to undertake systematic efforts to identify, capture and dispose of vessels as well as enabling assets used or suspected of being used by migrant smugglers or traffickers. On 20 June 2016, the Council of the European Union extended Operation Sophia’s mandate reinforcing it by supporting the training of the Libyan coastguard.<br />
Thus far, following EUNAVFOR MED operation Sophia’s activities, 101 suspected smugglers and traffickers have been apprehended and transferred to the Italian<br />
authorities and 380 boats were removed from the criminal organizations' availability. The Operation has saved 32.081 migrants, among whom 1888 children.<br />
<br />
On February 2nd 2017 Italian Premier Paolo Gentiloni and Prime Minister of the U.N. backed Libyan government Fayez al-Serraj signed a memorandum of understanding on cooperation to combat illegal migration, human trafficking and contraband and on reinforcing the border between Libya and Italy. The following day, as EU leaders meet in Malta for a summit, European Council President Donald Tusk said after talks with Serraj, that “it is time to close the (migrant) route from Libya to Italy” and that “the EU has shown i
    CIPG_20170208_NYT-Libya__M3_1720.jpg
  • VALLETTA, MALTA - 8 FEBRUARY 2017: Italian Minister of Defence Roberta Pinotti addresses the 89 officials and petty officials of the Libyan Navy Coastguard and Libyan Navy during the  graduation ceremony of their first training package, here on the deck of the San Giorgio, an amphibious transport dock of the Italian Navy, in Valetta, Malta, on Febuary 8th 2017.<br />
<br />
As a consequence of the April 2015 Libya migrant shipwrecks, the EU launched a military operation known as European Union Naval Force Mediterranean (EUNAVFOR Med), also known as Operation Sophia, with the aim of neutralising established refugee smuggling routes in the Mediterranean. The aim of this new operation launched by Europe is to undertake systematic efforts to identify, capture and dispose of vessels as well as enabling assets used or suspected of being used by migrant smugglers or traffickers. On 20 June 2016, the Council of the European Union extended Operation Sophia’s mandate reinforcing it by supporting the training of the Libyan coastguard.<br />
Thus far, following EUNAVFOR MED operation Sophia’s activities, 101 suspected smugglers and traffickers have been apprehended and transferred to the Italian<br />
authorities and 380 boats were removed from the criminal organizations' availability. The Operation has saved 32.081 migrants, among whom 1888 children.<br />
<br />
On February 2nd 2017 Italian Premier Paolo Gentiloni and Prime Minister of the U.N. backed Libyan government Fayez al-Serraj signed a memorandum of understanding on cooperation to combat illegal migration, human trafficking and contraband and on reinforcing the border between Libya and Italy. The following day, as EU leaders meet in Malta for a summit, European Council President Donald Tusk said after talks with Serraj, that “it is time to close the (migrant) route from Libya to Italy” and that “the EU has shown it is able to close the routes of irregular migration, as it has done in the eastern Mediterranean.”  Tusk said the Central Mediter
    CIPG_20170208_NYT-Libya__M3_1683.jpg
  • VALLETTA, MALTA - 8 FEBRUARY 2017: Italian Minister of Defence Roberta Pinotti addresses the 89 officials and petty officials of the Libyan Navy Coastguard and Libyan Navy during the  graduation ceremony of their first training package, here on the deck of the San Giorgio, an amphibious transport dock of the Italian Navy, in Valetta, Malta, on Febuary 8th 2017.<br />
<br />
As a consequence of the April 2015 Libya migrant shipwrecks, the EU launched a military operation known as European Union Naval Force Mediterranean (EUNAVFOR Med), also known as Operation Sophia, with the aim of neutralising established refugee smuggling routes in the Mediterranean. The aim of this new operation launched by Europe is to undertake systematic efforts to identify, capture and dispose of vessels as well as enabling assets used or suspected of being used by migrant smugglers or traffickers. On 20 June 2016, the Council of the European Union extended Operation Sophia’s mandate reinforcing it by supporting the training of the Libyan coastguard.<br />
Thus far, following EUNAVFOR MED operation Sophia’s activities, 101 suspected smugglers and traffickers have been apprehended and transferred to the Italian<br />
authorities and 380 boats were removed from the criminal organizations' availability. The Operation has saved 32.081 migrants, among whom 1888 children.<br />
<br />
On February 2nd 2017 Italian Premier Paolo Gentiloni and Prime Minister of the U.N. backed Libyan government Fayez al-Serraj signed a memorandum of understanding on cooperation to combat illegal migration, human trafficking and contraband and on reinforcing the border between Libya and Italy. The following day, as EU leaders meet in Malta for a summit, European Council President Donald Tusk said after talks with Serraj, that “it is time to close the (migrant) route from Libya to Italy” and that “the EU has shown it is able to close the routes of irregular migration, as it has done in the eastern Mediterranean.”  Tusk said the Central Mediter
    CIPG_20170208_NYT-Libya__M3_1672.jpg
  • VALLETTA, MALTA - 8 FEBRUARY 2017: 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: 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: 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:  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
  • 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
  • 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
  • LAMPEDUSA, ITALY - APRIL 2: A restless Tunisian migrant faces an Italian policeman after he was told to stay quiet and wait together with other migrants to be transferred to mainland Italy on April 2, 2011 in Lampedusa, Italy. Tension rised among Tunisian migrants as transfers to mainland are slowly resumed on the quay of the harbor on  in Lampedusa. Three days after Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi visited the island of Lampedusa and promised to remove all migrants within 60 hours, no migrants have been transferred because of the bad see conditions. Transfers are resumed after high winds blocked ferries from taking migrants away from Lampedusa, frustrating the migrants who have been protesting about a lack of food, water and shelter.???Thousands of people, many who left North Africa following recent unrest, are stranded on the Italian island of Lampedusa in appalling conditions.  About 22,000 immigrants have arrived on the island since January, most of them from Tunisia. with many already having been moved to other parts of Italy...Many on Lampedusa have not been provided with the most basic humanitarian assistance such as shelter, medical care, mats, blankets and access to sanitary facilities, while thousands continue to sleep outdoors...(Photo by Gianni Cipriano / Getty Images)
    Lampedusa_18.jpg
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