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EU to capture smugglers' boats in Mediterranean: Mogherini

Xinhua, September 4, 2015 Adjust font size:

The European Union (EU) foreign affairs chief Federica Mogherini Thursday said the EU will capture smugglers' vessels in the Mediterranean after an informal meeting of defense ministers.

The main focus of the meeting was the operation EU launched recently in the Mediterranean Sea against smugglers and traffickers.

Mogherini said the operation had fulfilled all its initial military objectives related to the collection of information and intelligence.

"That is why I have proposed to EU defense ministers today to discuss the transition to phase two of the operation. That would mean going to the capture and disposal of vessels, including those escorting the migrants and refugees," she said.

After a round of interventions by defense ministers of the 28 EU member states, a broad consensus on the need to start phase two of the operation was reached.

EU foreign ministers will also discuss strategies to deal with migration in the following days.

"We need a mix of measures and we need most of all Europe to act, fast, in solidarity and taking responsibility," Mogherini said. Endit