Yesterday, the European Union launched a mission in the Mediterranean to stop the flow of arms to Libya, after reassuring member states that the "IRIN" operation will not encourage migrants to cross from North Africa.
The President of the European Council, Charles Michel, wrote on Twitter that "the decision regarding the Irene process is a step towards a political solution in Libya," expressing his support for the United Nations efforts to resolve the bloody conflict in this country.
European Union officials were keen on agreeing to the new mission before the end of March, when the operation "Sofia" that came before it expired, and the ships of Operation Sofia were stopped a year ago, amid deep divisions between member states over rescue operations for migrants.
It is noteworthy that the operation "IRIN" is the main contribution of the European Union to the international peace efforts in Libya. It includes air and satellite capabilities to monitor the flow of arms violating the UN arms embargo on Libya.
It is reported that the expression "Irene" is a Greek word meaning "peace."
The naval operation will take place in the eastern Mediterranean, far from the transit routes for migrants. Anyone rescued, in accordance with international law, will be landed in Greek ports, and from there it will be sent to other European Union countries.
If the process ultimately encourages the transit of migrants, a decision can be taken to suspend its maritime patrols, and these measures are agreed to allay the concerns expressed by Austria and Hungary in particular.
The mission headquarters will be in Rome, led by Admiral Fabio Agostini, and the initial mandate of the mission will extend for one year.
According to the European Union statement, the operation is also charged with the task of controlling illicit oil exports from Libya, helping to train and develop the Libyan coast guard, and contributing to efforts to disrupt human smuggling and trafficking networks.
The Union’s foreign ministers agreed, in principle, last month to the new mission, but the main details were not resolved.
Austria was the most opposed country for maritime patrols in the Mediterranean, as it saw it as a magnet for migrants wishing to reach Europe.