Defence Minister Roberta Pinotti
defended the humanitarian Navy-led operation Mare Nostrum (Our
Sea) patrolling Italy's southernmost borders on Wednesday,
saying 27,790 illegal immigrants have been rescued and more than
200 human traffickers arrested.
Among the thousands the Mare Nostrum task force has rescued
while trying to reach Italy by sea from Africa were 3,034
minors, the minister told the Chamber of Deputies in response to
criticism from the Northern League party, which said the funds
would be better spent on encouraging businesses.
The Mare Nostrum operation was set up in October 2013
spearheaded by 782 Italian Navy personnel aboard a flotilla of
vessels supported by Carabinieri, Coast Guard, police and Air
Force units.
An increasing proportion of the illegal immigrants to Italy
are political refugees, Pinotti added.
"Two thirds of them qualify to ask for political asylum,"
she said.
In all 93% of illegal immigrants pass through Libya on
their way to Italy.
Mare Nostrum is a short-term operation and the EU should do
more to help Italy, Pinotto said, adding that Rome will
underline that position when Italy takes over the rotating
chairmanship of the EU.
"After the European elections the interlocutors will change
since the (European) Parliament and the Commission will be
renewed," Pinotti said.
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