Europe seeks to reassure Libya over plans to stem migrant flow

The European Union sought to reassure Libya on Tuesday that any action being considered by the 28-nation bloc to stem the deadly flow of migrants across the Mediterranean should not be perceived as an attack against the Libyan people. After up to 900 people drowned trying to reach Europe from Libya last week, EU leaders tripled a naval search mission and agreed to “undertake systematic efforts to identify, capture and destroy vessels before they are used by traffickers.” It is unclear how that may be achieved and several leaders said they would need a U.N. Security Council mandate in the absence of a viable Libyan government.

I want to make it very clear there is nothing the European Union is preparing or thinking of that is to be intended against Libyan people or the Libyan authorities in all their complexity.

European Union foreign policy chief Federica Mogherini

Nearly 40,000 migrants fleeing war and poverty in Asia, Africa and the Middle East have made it to Italy so far this year, but almost 2,000 have died at sea. Sea crossings to Italy quadrupled to 170,000 last year as the anarchy in Libya opened opportunities for people-smuggling gangs. Libya has descended into factional fighting, leaving the country almost lawless nearly four years after the fall of Muammar Gaddafi. Two competing governments backed by militia brigades are scrambling for control of the oil-producing country and the chaos has created havens for Islamist militants.

Mediterranean Europe