In Italy

European Union foreign ministers agreed Monday to end Operation Sophia, the bloc's naval mission in the Mediterranean Sea, and launch a new maritime effort focused more on enforcing the UN arms embargo around Libya.

A number of European Union countries are still blocking any move to resume a naval operation in the Mediterranean Sea over concerns that it might encourage migrants to set out from Libya in search of better lives in Europe, the EU's top diplomat said Monday.

Italy is prepared to consider a resumption of maritime patrols in the Mediterranean, a senior official said, but diplomats said Austria is sticking to its objections, in a blow to European efforts to uphold a UN arms embargo on Libya.

The criminal trial of 11 Greek nationals over the deadly fire that broke out inside the Norman Atlantic passenger ferry five years ago will start on April 9, with the accused facing charges of manslaughter and negligent arson, according to the Greek indictment seen by Kathimerini.

The bodies of 25 people killed in a ship fire off the coast of California were found. Authorities are still searching for nine more passengers, who are reported missing.

Earlier, it was reported that rescuers had found the bodies of eight people. The Conception vessel was supposed to depart for an excursion to scenic areas where tourists would dive.