Control of the Libyan arms and oil embargo. The latest assessment of Operation Irini
(B2) The EU maritime operation to monitor traffic in the Mediterranean continues its surveillance off the Libyan coast, Rear Admiral Fabio Agostini assured Italian parliamentarians
Maritime surveillance
The maritime operation has carried out since the beginning of its activities (April 2020) control over 1560 merchant ships (by radio contacts), 62 'friendly approaches' (by invitation and with the consent of the ship's captain) and six real inspections ( with timely boarding and checking of vessel and cargo). In all, more than 1600 ships have been inspected, directly or indirectly. In one case, the inspection resulted in the vessel being diverted to port for further investigation. In two cases, these visits prompted a veto by the flag State (Turkey), if necessary by force. In one case, the visit provoked an official protest (Russia).
155 suspicious thefts spotted
Irini also put under surveillance 16 Libyan sites, including ports and oil-related structures. The operation also carried out checks (remotely, by satellite or air) of 25 airports and runways and on 155 suspicious flights to and from Libya.
436 sets of images provided by SatCen and 18 reports
For this, the operation was able to benefit from satellite images provided, at Irini's request, by EUSATCEN (a total of 436 series of images). Finally, Last but not least, the operation sent 18 reports to the UN's Libya Panel of Experts, describing violations " possible or proven of the embargo. " Potential arms embargo violations are roughly balanced between the 'Government of National Accord' and the Libyan National Army indicated Rear Admiral Fabio Agostini, Commander of Operation EUNAVFOR Med Irini.
Two ships and three planes in the area
The operation currently has two ships in the area: the Greek frigate Adrias (flagship) and the Italian high seas patrol boat Borsini (P-491), which took over on January 20 from its counterpart Cigala Fulgosi. In the air, three patrol planes, provided by Luxembourg, Poland and Germany, are on duty as well as an Italian drone. Two other planes, Greek and French, are made available on an occasional basis. Too little to verify such a vast area insisted F. Agostini.
(Nicolas Gros-Verheyde)
NB: Report drawn up during a hearing before the 'defence' committees of the Camera (Chamber of Deputies) and the Italian Senate, meeting on Thursday (28.01), followed remotely by B2. Figures updated as of December 31, 2020.
