Italy, Libya reach deal to curb migrant trafficking
(VOVworld) - Italy and Libya have struck a deal in an effort to stop migrants setting out for Europe from Libyan shores.
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| Italian Prime Minister Paolo Gentiloni (right) and Libyan leader Fayez al-Sarraj (left) signed a deal to prevent illegal migration. |
After meeting Libyan leader Fayez al-Sarraj in Rome as Thursday, Italian Prime Minister Paolo Gentiloni said they had signed an agreement to increase co-operation in fighting migrant trafficking. Mr. Gentiloni said the agreement is part of a master plan to be discussed at the EU summit in Malta on Friday and requires an economic commitment from EU members. Mr. Al Serraj said the agreement calls for further support for Libyan coast guard forces to carry out patrols off Libya’s coast and for the return of refugees to their homeland.
Nearly 1,400 refugees were rescued off the coast of Italy by the Italian coast guard on Thursday. Donald Tusk, President of the European Council, vowed to close the Mediterranean route linking Libya and Italy to prevent illegal migration.