Italy to continue to fight maritime crime

ITALY stressed its commitment to working with its partners, especially African countries, in fighting transnational organised crime at sea.

Speaking at the Security Council debate on “Transnational Organised Crime at Sea as a Threat to International Peace and Security”, Stefano Stefanile, deputy permanent representative of Italy to the UN, said organised crime at sea was a threat to international security, and international and regional cooperation were important to tackle this scourge in all its forms, including trafficking of people, weapons, drugs and cultural artefacts.

“Maritime security is a priority interest of Italy and we are involved in fostering security and supporting the development of related capabilities of partner countries, particularly in Africa,” Stefanile said.

The Italian diplomat said actions to be taken to disrupt criminal networks which took advantage of migrants, promoted development and capacity building in countries of departure and transit and addressed the root causes, thus preventing the smuggling of migrants and the trafficking of people at sea. |