The flight of migrants from
conflict in Africa and the Middle East is the "true European
emergency", President Giorgio Napolitano said Thursday.
"During Italy's six-month duty presidency (of the European
Union) we have managed to make it understood that the momentous
migratory phenomena connected with the tragic events in the
Middle East and Africa represent the true European emergency and
must be tackled as such," Napolitano told diplomats.
"170,000 people have been rescued this year on the Italian
coasts alone," he added.
Last month saw the termination of the Italy's humanitarian
sea search and rescue programme Mare Nostrum, established in
late 2013 in the wake of a boat disaster off the Sicilian island
of Lampedusa in which around 400 people died to intervene on
behalf of the growing number of migrants making the perilous
crossing to Italy in search of a better life in Europe.
It has been replaced by a new maritime patrol mission,
Triton, launched by the European border agency Frontex, but
which has less funding and craft at its disposal and puts the
emphasis firmly on security.
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