Migrants: Wagner mercenaries 'an element' - Tajani

(ANSA) - ROME, MAR 15 - Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani on Wednesday reiterated the government's assertion that the Russian Wagner mercenary group, which has a presence in Syria and several African States, has had a hand in the rise in the number of refugees and migrants trying to reach Italy, while stressing that this is not the only factor.
    "There's a complicated international situation and things happening at the same time that create migratory pressure," Tajani told Sky television.
    "I'm thinking of the earthquake in Turkey and Syria, with the easing of Ankara's immigration controls, a difficult situation in the Horn of Africa.
    "There is, I repeat, the presence of the Wagner mercenaries, which is not the only element, but one of many elements.
    "The whole situation is complicated".
    Tajani, who is also deputy premier, reiterated Rome's calls for the European Union to overhaul its approach so that Italy and the other countries most exposed to migrant flows due to their geographical position are not left to bear the whole burden.
    "Europe must intervene," he said.
    "Italy can't do it all on its own.
    "It is necessary to invest in Africa.
    "An immediate reaction is needed because the situation risks crashing every day.
    "It is necessary to act and support Tunisia in particular to stop a financial collapse". (ANSA).