Italian Senator, Marinella Pacifico said Libya “can’t be left alone to manage the humanitarian crisis of illegal migration.” She noted that the crisis requires “a serious approach and cooperation between the two shores of the Mediterranean.”
According to Italy’s AgenPress News, Pacifico made her remarks following a meeting in Rome with Mohamed Hamouda, the Spokesman for the Government of National Unity (GNU).
“Hamouda expressed the need for a structural intervention aimed at creating jobs, and improving the standard of living of young people in the countries from which migrants leave. As well as intervening on the Maghreb coast,” the Italian Senator revealed.
“It is clear that Libya cannot be left alone to manage this humanitarian crisis. Common action is needed between countries of origin and transit of migratory flows, because the emergency solutions adopted up to now have not given the desired results,” the Italian Senator added.
Pacifico affirmed the need to continue training and logistical support, in concert with the European mission EUNAVFOR MED IRINI. The mission’s contribution to the stability and security of the area has been praised by the Foreign and Defence commissions of the Italian Senate.
“Closing ports can be a deterrent, but push-backs are just a patch that is turning out to be worse than the hole. The Libyan Coast Guard, albeit with its frailties, has shown great proof of saving lives at sea. As a representative of Coraggio Italia I have drawn up a serious program to be carried out in the next legislature, which will allow us to reduce if not eliminate illegal arrivals, she noted.
Last week, the Italian Senate approved a decree to refinance the Libyan Coast Guard, after the House Foreign Affairs and Defense Committees voted in favour of the decision for six months.
The decree provided for “assistance to the Libyan institutions responsible for monitoring the maritime borders, to gradually make them independent in their technical and operational management.” It has planned to allocate €11 million and 884 thousand euros for Libya’s Coast Guard.