EU border agency sees 2017 migrant arrivals via Libya same as last yearThe European Union should expect as many migrants crossing from Libya this year as last, when a record number disembarked in Italy, the head of the bloc's border agency said on Wednesday. But these would only bear fruit in time, Leggeri said, adding that for now the EU had to ensure Italy had enough support and capacity to handle high arrivals. Frontex said fewer than a half of migrants disembark in official sites in Italy that ensure security screening and basic identification. About a fifth of the search and rescue operations between Italy and Libya are now carried out by NGOs. "A year or two ago, they were taking place half way between Libya and Italy.

Source: Libya Today February 15, 2017 15:05 UTC