EU: October report on ‘Irini’ operation in Mediterranean ‘burns’ Turkey – How many times it has refused controls

Details of the activities of the “Irini” company are reported in the October report.

The main task of this operation is to implement the UN arms embargo on Libya. Secondary tasks include being mandated to contribute to the implementation of UN measures to prevent the illegal export of oil from Libya, to disrupt a business model of human trafficking networks, to develop the capacity and training of the Libyan Coast Guard and Navy.

“Irini” is the only international player that implements the relevant UN Security Council resolutions on the arms embargo in Libya and does so in an effective, impartial and balanced manner, the statement said.

Since its inception, Operation Irini has boarded and inspected 20 suspicious vessels. One of the 20 vessels was diverted to the port of an EU Member State where its cargo was seized. In six cases, one state (Turkey) refused consent to board and inspect suspicious vessels. 4,498 merchant ships have been inspected while 201 ships have been visited with the consent of their master (the so-called friendly approaches).

In addition, Operation Irini investigated 634 suspicious flights, 25 airports and 16 ports and provided 31 special reports to the UN Expert Group on Libya, 26 of which concerned violations or possible breaches of arms embargoes and illicit trade activities. in the West and East of the country. The company also issued 51 recommendations to the law enforcement agencies to inspect suspicious vessels in ports of EU Member States, of which 42 were carried out.

In particular, during the month of October, the company “Irini” inspected 496 merchant ships by radio (from 4,498), made 18 visits to ships with the consent of the master (from 201).

In October, the Company also monitored 22 suspicious flights (out of 634) and continued to monitor 25 airports and 16 ports (and oil terminals). At the same time, the Company issued 5 (out of 51) inspections of suspicious vessels in ports of EU Member States while 2 (out of 42) were completed.

Finally, all inspections or friendly approaches are always carried out in accordance with the relevant framework of UN Security Council resolutions and in full respect of international law.

Source: AMPE