More than 4,000 migrants on their way to Italy after being rescued

More than 5,800 migrants were rescued and 10 bodies recovered off the Libyan coast over the weekend of 2-3 May 2015, the Italian coastguard said on the 3 May 2015. Italian and French navy ships took part in the rescue.

On the 4 May 2015 Italy reacted to the arrival of the latest thousands of new migrants at its southern ports by demanding that its European Union partners meet the cost of taking them in.

Foreign Minister Paolo Gentiloni said 'In particular, as well as the reinforcement of (border agency) Frontex, Italy expects an extraordinary economic commitment from the European Union to help it meet the urgent needs linked to the reception of migrants'.

Frontex reported on the 4 May 2015 that more than 5,500 migrants had been rescued near the Libyan coast since 30 April 2015. Some 1,200 lives were saved with the direct participation of vessels and aircraft taking part in the Frontex-coordinated Triton operation, including newly deployed assets from EU Member States.

• Primary Source

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BBC News, 03.05.15: Mediterranean migrant crisis: Thousands of migrants rescued at sea http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-32573389

ESO: Background information: Extraordinary European Council, Brussels, 23 April 2015 http://www.europeansources.info/record/extraordinary-european-council-brussels-23-april-2015/

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EUObserver, 04.05.15: Thousands of migrants rescued in Mediterranean https://euobserver.com/justice/128560

EurActiv, 04.05.15: Big rescue mission saves 4,500 boat migrants http://www.euractiv.com/sections/justice-home-affairs/big-rescue-mission-saves-4500-boat-migrants-314277

EUObserver, 04.05.15: EU Triton mission yet to receive extra cash and boats https://euobserver.com/justice/128566

The Local.it, 05.05.15: Italy demands EU stumps up for saved migrants http://www.thelocal.it/20150505/italy-demands-eu-stumps-up-for-saved-migrants

BBC News, 05.05.15: 'Dozens die' as migrant boat deflates in Mediterranean http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-32593187

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EurActiv, 05.05.15: EU won’t adopt Australian model of turning back immigrant boats http://www.euractiv.com/sections/global-europe/eu-wont-adopt-australian-model-turning-back-immigrant-boats-314312

ESO: Information Guide: European Migration Challenges http://www.europeansources.info/record/information-guide-european-migration-challenges/

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