Tripoli, 31 December:
The first batch of new navy recruits from Derna celebrated their graduation at a small ceremony in the town yesterday.
Graduates had received part of their training in Holland, where they had been instructed in navigation techniques, communications and surveillance systems and naval gunnery.
In recent months, a number of foreign navies have offered assistance to Libya to help rebuild their armed forces. Earlier this month, the captain of a visiting French frigate discussed boosting training aid to the Libyan navy. [/restrict]
