http://www.voanews.com/content/un-backs-eu-migrant-operation-near-libya-in-mediterranean/2999032.html
UN Backs Military Action Against Migrant Smugglers Near Libya
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Migrants arrive on the British vessel HMS Enterprise before
disembarking in the Sicilian harbour of Catania, Italy, Oct. 6, 2015.
Margaret Besheer
October 09, 2015 3:07 PM
UNITED NATIONS—
The U.N. Security Council has given the go-ahead to a European Union
military operation targeting human traffickers and smugglers in
international waters near Libya. The operation aims to stem the rising
flow of migrants and refugees making the often deadly trip across the
Mediterranean from Libya to Europe.
The European operation, called Sophia, after a migrant baby, began
Wednesday, but received near unanimous council-backing on Friday. Only
Venezuela broke the consensus, abstaining in the vote.
Under the British-drafted resolution, European naval forces are
authorized for one year to stop and search vessels in international
waters off the coast of Libya that they suspect of smuggling migrants
and refugees.
They may also seize and dispose of empty boats to make it harder for
criminal networks to repeat their illicit activities.
Refugees and migrants found on the boats will be taken to safety in
Europe, while smugglers will be prosecuted.
Migrants prepare for a night's sleep on the deck of the Medecins sans
Frontieres (MSF) ship Bourbon Argos off the coast of Libya, August 7,
2015.
British Ambassador Matthew Rycroft said the measure would be one part
of the solution to a huge challenge.
“Sadly, action against the smugglers on the high seas won’t solve this
crisis alone; but, it will send a message that people cannot profit
from this evil trade with impunity. It will save lives,” he said.
Council members agreed on the need for a comprehensive approach that
deals with the root causes spurring a half-million people to flee
their homes for Europe so far this year — conflicts in the Middle East
and Africa, poverty and extremism.
In the past, the EU focused on search-and-rescue operations in the
Mediterranean Sea — but with this year's overwhelming flood of
migrants from Syria, Iraq, and other hot spots in the world, thousands
have ended up dying at sea while trying to reach European shores.
Perilous journey
Libya’s envoy said his government would cooperate with the European
operation, but urged that it be carried out with full respect for his
country’s sovereignty.
According to the latest figures of the International Organization for
Migration, 2,989 migrants have died in 2015 while attempting to cross
the Mediterranean Sea and 580,238 have landed on European shores.
Also Friday, Italy flew the first group of migrants to be resettled
throughout Europe as part of a new EU relocation program to share the
burden of Europe's migrant crisis. Nineteen migrants from Eritrea were
flown from Italy to Sweden, part of a plan to resettle an estimated
160,000 refugees from Italy and Greece.
Received on Fri Oct 09 2015 - 19:56:57 EDT