EU launches a maritime operation against immigrant smugglers across Libya coast.

Brussels, 19.06.2015 - (Lana) An EU sources said , that a maritime operation against cartels for smuggling immigrants from Libya , will start on next Monday , and it will be limited to assemble information at the present time , due to lack of UN authorization , as well as the Libyan authorities approval. Diplomats said , that its expected for the EU foreign ministers' meeting will agree to launch this operation as a first stage , where planes and ships will be used to gather intelligence information about activities of immigrant smugglers in the international waters. This operation is considered as part of the EU plans to face the flow of thousands of immigrants from Africa and the middle-east , who are doing this perilous journey from Libya to Europe. Second stage of the operation , boarding the ships for inspection , arresting smugglers and damaging boats on high seas. The third stage could include similar operations in Libyan waters , or special forces operations against smugglers' boats. A diplomat at the EU said ; "the Ministers will only launch the first stage which include collecting information on high seas , and they will only have legal mandate to begin the first stage , in the absence of a UN security council resolution. European members in the security council - which is consists of 15 countries - are working on the formation of a draft resolution for the operation under Chapter VII of the UN Charter , which authorizes the use of force. =Lana=