A European Union naval mission to
stop the departure of migrants and refugees from north Africa
would have to be approved unanimously by all member states, lead
spokesperson for foreign affairs and security policy Peter Stano
said on Wednesday.
"We do not go into details and we do not comment on ideas or
proposals that emerge at national level," said Stano in relation
to the proposal mooted by Italian Interior Minister Matteo
Piantedosi to launch a mission along the lines of the
now-defunct Operation Sophia, which in an unimplemented third
phase provided for the return of migrants and refugees
intercepted at sea on the basis of specific agreements.
"I remind you that any European mission is an instrument of the
Common Foreign and Security Policy. Any decision on these
missions is in the hands of the 27 member states and must be
taken by unanimity," he added.
"Right now no decision has been taken at European level on naval
missions," he added.
Premier Giorgia Meloni repeatedly evoked introduction of a
'naval blockade' to prevent migrant boat arrivals during last
year's election campaign.
On Tuesday Piantedosi said in reality Operation Sophia, launched
in 2015 to combat people smuggling and prevent loss of life in
the Mediterranean, had contemplated such a possibility.
"This would be the full implementation of the naval blockade,"
Piantedosi said.
Photo: Italian Interior Minister Matteo Piantedosi
ALL RIGHTS RESERVED © Copyright ANSA
