ITALY: OVER TWO-THOUSAND REFUGEES RESCUED – Fewer refugee flows to Greece

Two thousand three hundred immigrants were rescued today at the south of Sicily during 22 separate operations, coordinated by the Italian coastguard and the Rome Ministry of Transport.

Immigrants and refugees rescued in twelve lifeboats and ten boats and the operations were carried out with the participation of the Italian Coastguard, Eunavformed units, and non-governmental organizations.

In the last month, refugee flows have risen in Italy, while at the same time Greece has declining trends.

According to data released by the Greek Coast Guard Headquarters for April, in 38 incidents facing the port authorities, 1,117 refugees, 8 traffickers were seized and 9 vessels seized.

In contrast, 51 cases were dealt with in March, 1,723 refugees, 12 traffickers were arrested and 10 vessels seized.