Page 117 - A Helping Hand for Refugees

This shocking justification is actually just an excuse given by EU
countries to avoid receiving more migrants or people seeking refuge
in those countries. However, migrants reaching Italy and Greece from
North Africa in particular, or Bulgaria from the Middle East, can easily
make use of the right to free movement within the EU. Following a
tragic accident in October 2013 in which 500 people lost their lives, Italy
set up a rescue operation called Mare Nostrum, which rescued more

than 150,000 people in one year. The average daily number of people
rescued by Italy from that operation was 400.

Italy, however, citing financial constraints halted the Mare Nos-
trum rescue operation as of Nov. 1. The new operation to be set up to
replace it within the borders of the EU is Triton, with a budget just one-
third the size of Mare Nostrum. It would be a mistake to regard Triton
as a rescue operation, as it merely provides protection up to 60 miles
from the EU coastline, using maritime police. No interest will be taken
in migrant boats approaching that border in difficulties.

Commenting on the UK's decision, the British writer, Robin Lustig,
said: "No, we won't help to fund an operation that rescues drowning migrants,

because it might encourage others to embark on equally perilous journeys. As
in: No, I won't rescue a child running across a busy road, because it might
encourage other children to do the same." Lustig then goes on to add, "I
understand why politicians need to win votes - but by deliberately letting people
die? I'm not easily shocked - but I do find that truly shocking." 8

As a matter of fact, there are many other equally shocking mea-
sures in place with regard to the migrants. People who rescue those
on sinking migrant vessels are regarded as criminals in many EU coun-
tries. Italian fishermen who rescued migrants have been put on trial
in recent years and their boats confiscated. Those welcoming these
people into their homes or renting property to them have also found

themselves guilty of offenses. 9
No individual with good conscience can obstruct the rescue of a

Adnan Oktar (Harun Yahya) 115