'EU Navy' to defend Europe from Africans
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news report 
Wednesday January 29, 2003 14:15
by wred
Is Ireland part of this 'Navy'? How can we find out?
EU starts 'navy' to stop influx from Africa
Isambard Wilkinson
LONDON DAILY TELEGRAPH
Published January 29, 2003
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MADRID — The European Union yesterday launched its own "navy" to patrol the southern shores of Europe and head off the flotillas that ship illegal immigrants from North Africa.
The scheme, called Operation Ulysses, involves five European nations, including Britain, which will contribute a customs cutter, Seeke. The flotilla is viewed as the first step toward a common EU border guard.
The quasi-military fleet is one of a host of measures being sought by countries such as Spain and Italy, which have complained of bearing the bulk of the costs of policing EU borders.
It is made up of naval vessels such as those belonging to Spain's militarized Guardia Civil. Italy, France and Portugal have each sent a vessel to join the fleet, each carrying about 30 sailors.
Altogether seven vessels will now be on patrol in the Mediterranean with the aim of stopping the wave of mafia-operated boats that ply the coasts.