EU-trained Libyan Coast Guard flies with Austrian Air Force

(B2) A Austrian C130 HERCULES aircraft transported 22 members of the Libyan Navy and Coast Guard from Chania airport (Crete) to Tunis. These sailors had just received training given by the Hellenic Navy, with the support of the European operation in the Mediterranean (EUNAVFOR MED / Sophia).

NB: A session held rather discreetly, unlike previous training sessions, which had given rise to more extensive press communication. The training of the Libyan Coastguard is a key point in the European strategy to strengthen the rule of law in Libya and stem the migration crisis from Africa. But it is increasingly contested by NGOs and human rights organizations which denounce the non-respect by the Libyan Coast Guard of the basic rules of the law of the sea (rescue at sea) as well as the reception and the right of refugees to choose their country of asylum.

Austria has agreed to donate a number of flight hours as well as the aircraft to support the EU maritime mission in the Central Mediterranean to demonstrate its commitment to the mission. The flight was initiated and planned by the Austrian officer of the CJ4 branch of Operation Sophia responsible for logistics operations and the German staff officer responsible for movements and transport in the same branch” specifies the press officer of Operation Sophia.

(NGV)

Photo credit: EUNAVFOR Med/Sophia