This
was a speech aimed at rallying nations outside of the EU to galvanise their
wider support in tackling the migrant crisis. It was also an attempt to
determine a legal basis for the search-and-destroy operations to be carried out
on empty, Libyan, smuggling boats.
But
the difficulty lies in telling the difference between a fishing boat and a
trafficker's vessel, whilst at the same time ensuring the safety of migrants.
The ways to achieve this are still being deliberated. EU officials tell me the
approach they are considering is "unorthodox, and something that hasn't been
tried before".
The
complexities are expected to be worked out by next week, which is why the UN
speech was relevant - any military plan will need to work in accordance with
international law. Diplomats are said to be drafting a resolution which will
need to be agreed by the five permanent members of the EU Security Council:
Britain, France, China, Russia and the US.
Considering
the strained international relations between Moscow and the West, it will take
an extraordinary act of unity for this operation to go ahead.
…………..By
Faith Gabriella.
