Since the start of this year, Italy's interior ministry has tallied 7,100 arrivals via Libya and 3,500 more via Tunisia, Algeria or Greece. According to the UN migration agency IOM, the Libyans have themselves intercepted 6,500 people seeking to reach the southernmost tip of Europe. Whereas previously the Italian coast guard coordinated rescue operations from Rome, operational authority now largely resides with Tripoli. If we do not obey, we risk not being able to bring the migrants to Italy or see our vessel seized by Italian authorities." That would see Italy simply refuse to take in migrants picked up by European, military or humanitarian rescue vessels.

Source: Bangkok Post May 21, 2018 03:22 UTC