European Commission
president-designate Ursula von der Leyen said Tuesday that it
was EU member States' duty to save the lives of people in
difficulty at sea, while stressing that she wants to fight hard
against human trafficking.
"The Mediterranean has become the world's most lethal
frontier," the German told the European Parliament debate on her
ratification, getting a round of applause.
"There is an obligation to save lives at sea.
"We have to save lives, but we also have to reduce illegal
immigration and fight against human traffickers".
Deputy Premier and Interior Minister Matteo Salvini has
adopted a controversial policy of closing Italy's ports to
NGO-run search-and-rescue ships, saying they encourage illegal
immigration.
Salvini said Tuesday that the MEPs for his League party may
vote to ratify the nomination of von der Leyen if she shows she
is committed to combatting human trafficking.
"Her words about the fight against illegal immigration, about
changing the rules that saw Italy as a European reception
centre, are interesting," Salvini told reporters in Genoa when
asked if the League would back von der Leyen.
"We'll see whether she confirms the will to fight human
traffickers".
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