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Frontex mission to curb illegal immigration begins
By MaltaMedia News
May 18, 2008 - 10:04:40 AM
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An EU-led patrol mission against illegal immigration in the Mediterranean has begun. The mission, which commenced on Saturday, is scheduled to last 23 weeks in a bid to assist and possibly halt the voyage of hundreds of fleeing Africans reaching Europe by boat.
Malta, Italy, France and Germany will be the main EU states participating in the operation contributing various naval and aeronautic assets to cover the region, particularly the strait between southern Italy, Malta and Libya.
The start of this year's mission was postponed by almost a month following initial disagreement over who should take final responsibility for illegal immigrants saved in the search and rescue area off Libya. The North African country has once again refused to participate in the Frontex mission.
On Friday, an AFM tugboat rescued 28 illegal immigrants. Read more.
See also:
Simon Busuttil calls for launch of Frontex mission
Source:
Deutsche Welle
© Copyright 2008 by MaltaMedia.com
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Latest update:
May 19, 2008 - 6:22:20 PM CET
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