Italy-Libya: New "Control Centre against transnational crime, human smuggling and terrorism" links Italian and Libyan agencies
15 January 2018
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Italy-Libya
New "Control Centre against transnational crime, human smuggling and terrorism" links Italian and Libyan agencies
15.1.18
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"On Friday, Italy revealed that a new Control Centre against transnational crime, human smuggling and terrorism was set in motion in Rome by Italy and Libya in presence of the Italian Interior Minister Marco Minniti.
This Centre will result in enhanced judicial and police cooperation, strengthened rule of law, rights and guarantees, and increased information exchange. It will consist of representatives from the coastguard, the illegal migration department, the Libyan Attorney General and the intelligence services, along with their Italian counterparts.
It is also reported in the Italian press that in 2018 Italy will deploy 375 soldiers to Libya, a hundred more than last year, at an expected cost of 34 million euros in the first nine months of the year. Italian Air Force technicians are also restoring Libyan C-130H cargo planes and a new contingent of army instructors and advisors will train the GNA army.
The Italian efforts to stem illegal migratory flows, of which Libya is the first victim, will concentrate not only on the coast, but also in the south and neighbouring countries such as Niger, Mali and Somalia."
The article also notes, amongst other things, that Italy is to due to provide six more patrol boats to the Libyan Coast Guard, including "assistance in the long-term maintenance of the boats".
See:Serraj visits Libyan naval ship fixed by Italians(Libya Herald, link)
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