Italian Premier Seeks EU Support Over Irregular Migration

Italian Prime Minister Mario Draghi said on Friday that Europe should pay more attention to the issue of irregular migration.

Speaking at the Mediterranean Dialogues forum in Rome, Draghi said over 63,000 irregular migrants arrived in Italy this year, six times the number in 2019.

Stressing that Italy cannot control migration flows alone, he said more participation from all European countries is required in this matter.

The country will continue to support European progress towards collective problem management that strikes a balance between responsibility and solidarity, he said.

On the Libyan crisis, he said Italy supports the reconciliation and transition process in the North African country.

He said the forthcoming elections in Libya are of "vital importance for both the Libyans and the democratic future of the country."

Italy's Foreign Minister Luigi Di Maio said the stabilization of Libya is their priority, adding that Libya's leading figures should work to ensure free, fair, inclusive, and reliable elections on Dec. 24.

Libya's presidential and parliamentary elections will be held under the terms of an UN-sponsored agreement reached between rivals last year.

Libyans are hoping that the elections will help to end a long-running armed conflict in the oil-rich country.

*Writing by Gozde Bayar in Ankara -