Video

Video by Courtesy

NATO’s Maritime Command Chief of Staff on NATO’s Involvement in the Refugee Crisis

Natochannel

Feb. 22, 2016 | 0:57

On February 11th NATO announced plans to contribute maritime assets to assist with the refugee crisis.

In Catania, Italy, during NATO exercise Dynamic Manta, Rear Admiral Giorgio Lazio, NATO’s Maritime Chief of Staff talks about NATO involvement, and what it means to NATO to be part of the international effort.

Footage includes soundbites only.

1. (00:00) SOUNDBITE (ENGLISH) – REAR ADMIRAL GIORGIO LAZIO, CHIEF OF STAFF, NATO MARITIME COMMAND SPEAKING DURING NATO EXERCISE DYNAMIC MANTA - CATANIA, ITALY
“Our Ministers of Defence of the 28 decided on the 11th February that NATO should be involved in supporting the international effort and we made it happen within 12 hours. Our ship, Standing Naval Group 2 was already operating in the Aegean.
What about the future? Well, of course there is room for manoeuvre on how to shape this involvement for the future. It is something that we are waiting in order to make sure, to make best use and best effect of the precious resources that the nations will want to deliver us.
If you are alluding to the migrant crisis, the refugee crisis, it’s a huge human tragedy first of all, so I’m proud quite frankly as a NATO officer to have a small role at least in supporting the international community efforts. It is definitely not a military solution, there is no doubt about that but I’m really proud to do my little bit into the overall effort into it.”