Mare Nostrum to be replaced by Frontex Plus says Alfano

(ANSA) - Brussels, August 27 - Italy's Mare Nostrum migrant search-and-rescue operation will be replaced by an expanded version of European Union border control agency Frontex, Interior Minister Angelino Alfano said Wednesday after meeting with EU Home Affairs Commissioner Cecilia Malmstrom.
    "Mare Nostrum will be replaced by Frontex Plus, which will merge and expand existing operations," the minister said.
    "As well, human traffickers' vessels will be destroyed so they can't be reused," Alfano added.
    Italy set up Mare Nostrum in October 2013 after 400 people perished in two migrant boat disasters off the coast of Sicily. The operation costs nine million euros a month, taking up the bulk of the Navy's budget. Italy has been calling for the EU to step in to shoulder some of the burden.