Mogherini Urges EU To Redeploy Warships In Mediterranean
Sumaira FH Published April 17, 2019 | 12:00 AM
Strasbourg, France, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 16th Apr, 2019 ) :EU diplomatic chief Federica Mogherini on Tuesday urged European countries to change course and send warships back to the Mediterranean to tackle migrant trafficking and the arms and oil smuggling fuelling Libya's conflict.
The European Union last month suspended naval patrols that had rescued tens of thousands of migrants in the Mediterranean and brought them to Italy, where a populist government now fights the practice.
The EU decision came before Libyan warlord Khalifa Haftar, based in eastern Libya, launched a military offensive two weeks ago on the UN- and EU-backed government in Tripoli.
"I have always argued for the naval assets to remain in the international waters because they have proven to be a very effective deterrent for the (migrant) smugglers and traffickers," Mogherini told the European Parliament.
The naval assets were part of Operation Sophia, which Mogherini said has helped slash migrant arrivals to Europe by more than 80 percent.
"I still hope they (EU countries) can reconsider their decision and decide to redeploy naval assets in the international waters," the former Italian foreign minister said.
Mogherini said it makes sense to send warships to deter not only the migrant smugglers but alsofulfil the "responsibilities we have taken of implementing the UN Security resolutions when it comes to the arms and oil embargo." Mogherini warned the Members of the European Parliament in Strasbourg that Haftar's military offensive on Tripoli could become a long-running conflict fuelled by illegal weapons.
EU diplomats last month decided to extend Operation Sophia by six months beyond its March 31 expiry date, but without new ship deployments.
Instead, the operation will rely on air missions and close coordination with Libya.
Related Topics
Recent Stories
PTI to stage nationwide protests against alleged electoral frauds
Senate continues discussion on Presidential address to Joint Sitting of Parliame ..
Masood Khan calls for Pak-US cooperation for regional peace
Interior Minister starts Margalla Trail Patrol for security
Currency Rate In Pakistan - Dollar, Euro, Pound, Riyal Rates On 26 April 2024
Today Gold Rate in Pakistan 26 April 2024
ICC Womens T20 World Cup Qualifier, Match 2: Ireland Women open with Comfortable ..
Robinson, bowlers help New Zealand go 2-1 up against Pakistan
Shahzeb Chachar to hold khuli kachehri on April 26
Heatwave amid Israel's aggression in Gaza brings new misery, disease risk
Tourism must change, mayor says as Venice launches entry fee
Court adjourns Judicial Complex attack case till May 17
More Stories From Miscellaneous
-
Modern Education Techniques: A pathway to achieve economic development
4 hours ago -
Kite Flying: From cultural festival to deadly sport
4 hours ago -
PDMA predicts gusty wind, rain with thunder, hails
3 days ago -
Iranian president Raisi given guard of honour at PM House
4 days ago -
Intellectuals, writers accolades Naseer Mirza on his literary contribution
5 days ago -
Bahawalpur Adabi Sangat hosts memorable mushaira
5 days ago
-
Cattle farming vital to alleviate poverty in rural areas
5 days ago -
Pakistan: A land of tourism, archeological wonders
5 days ago -
Transforming education sector: from job hunters to job creators
7 days ago -
Amjad Bobby remembered on 19th death anniversary for timeless contributions to music
11 days ago -
Legendary actor Nadeem’s 26 films released on Eid-ul-Fitr days in 50 years
12 days ago -
Besant Hall Cultural Centre to celebrate evening with Sanam Marvi on 26 April
12 days ago