Ahmad 
Italian Interior Minister Matteo Piantidosi praised the close cooperation with Tunisia and Libya in efforts to reduce illegal migration flows to Italian coasts.
In statements reported by the Italian “Nova” news agency, Piantidosi pointed out that “the decrease in the number of landings is due to a decrease in the number of illegal departures, and reducing illegal departures can also mean reducing the risk of tragedies occurring.”
“The fight against human trafficking in any form aims first and foremost to save lives,” Piantidosi stressed.
Piantidosi said: “We are working to strengthen cooperation in several directions, from preventing departures on the mainland to rescue operations at sea, but most importantly is a complex program for assistance in voluntary repatriation, which Libya and Tunisia are implementing from their territories, where thousands of migrants are offered.” Alternative opportunities for resettlement in their countries of origin, in cooperation between us and international humanitarian organizations.”
Piantidosi stressed that this cooperation is being developed on the basis of approved, joint and often supported programs, pointing out the importance of this cooperation in strengthening efforts to combat illegal immigration and protect the rights of migrants.
Italian authorities arrest a Libyan coast guard officer on charges of cigarette smuggling