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By Libya Herald staff.
Tripoli, 11 July 2014:
The Libyan government and the European Union (EU) have agreed plans to tackle the challenge of illegal . . .[restrict]migrants passing through Libya to Europe.
Prime Minister Abdullah Al-Thinni met EU officials yesterday at his office. He was joined by Foreign Minister Mohamed Abdulaziz and the Ministers of Communcations and the Interior.
Thinni pointed out that the problem of illegal migration touched on a range of issues in Libya, from politics, to national security and human rights.
The Libyan government wanted to find a multi-faceted solution for the problem, he said, and not just seek a temporary fix.
The Prime Minister suggested that there be partnership with and increased support for the countries from which the migrants are coming, resulting in better border protection and a more streamlined process of housing and deporting illegal migrants back to their home countries.
Looking at specific needs, Thinni asked for EU cooperation especially in training, technology and the construction of new detention centres. He requested that three new centres be built in Libya to house migrants awaiting repatriation .
Thinni pressed for meetings between Libya, its neighbours and the EU to work on a strategy to stop illegal migration.
The Prime Minister made a point of thanking the Italians, whose country, he said, had generously supplied Libya with boats to prevent migrant vessels from leaving Libya’s waters. [/restrict]
