Operation Triton won't replace Mare Nostrum, Malmstrom says

(ANSA) Brussels, October 7 - The EU Frontex naval Operation Triton starting next month to support Italy's efforts to cope with migrations will not substitute the Italian Navy's Mare Nostrum search-and-rescue, European Home Affairs Commissioner Cecilia Malmstrom said Tuesday.
    "Triton can't substitute Mare Nostrum," she said, "In any case the future of Mare Nostrum remains an Italian decision".
    "Italy has done a formidable job with Mare Nostrum helping thousands and thousands of refugees who risked their lives trying to cross the Mediterranean on flimsy boats," Malmstrom said.
    Triton "will not influence the responsibility of member states for control of their part of the external EU frontiers," she added, "or their obligations with regard to research and saving people in difficulty".
    "I am confident Italy will continue to fulfil its European and international obligations and the European Commission is ready to continue supplying European assistance for such initiatives". Italian Interior Minister Angelino Alfano has said Mare Nostrum, which has rescued some 90,000 people, will be wrapped up shortly.