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<p>The decision to phase out the Mare Nostrum search and rescue arrangements in the
Mediterranean was taken by Italy with support of all EU Member States, including the
UK. <br><br>While the situation is complex, the doubling in numbers attempting the
crossing this year has included a rise in numbers from countries with no major current
conflict. There is also clear evidence of the exploitation of Mare Nostrum by people
smugglers and traffickers who are sending migrants to sea without sufficient fuel
or resources to make the crossing. We have seen the Italians draw closer and closer
to the Libyan coast, with migrants in some cases using a satellite phone shortly after
setting sail to call the Italian Navy to rescue them. We have also seen a recent trend
of migrants now flying from Turkey to North Africa in order to make the sea crossing
to Italy. Since Mare Nostrum began, UNHCR estimates that over 3,000 migrants have
died in the Mediterranean Sea in 2014, compared to 600 for the whole of 2013.<br><br>The
EU’s previous experience of a surge in crossings, following enhanced Frontex operations
in 2008, also suggests that a withdrawal of enhanced maritime operations may lead
to a decrease in numbers attempting the crossing. On that basis, the Government believes
that the JHA Council was right to conclude that we need to pursue a different approach.</p><p
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