Libya 'stops' illegal migration operations

A group of 29 illegal immigrants were escorted to Malta by the armed forces yesterday morning, bringing this year's total to 932.

The influx of illegal immigration is putting a lot of strain on the security forces, with some 80 policemen being assigned duties in connection with detained immigrants.

A welcome piece of news came via the Libyan Press agency Jana, which announced that the Libyan coastguard had stopped 414 immigrants who were trying to leave Libya by sea in two separate operations.

The press agency reported that 193 and 221 immigrants of different nationalities were stopped between late last week and early this week.

Libyan security agencies were reported to be interrogating the detainees to find out who was behind the network.

Libya has been under pressure to stem the flow of immigrants into Europe.

Contacted for his reaction, Foreign Minister Michael Frendo said the news was very positive. "We recognise the difficulties the Libyans have to guard all their coast. This further emphasises the importance of states to work together to combat the phenomenon of illegal immigration," Dr Frendo said.

Malta is still waiting for a date to be set by Libya for a Maltese technical mission on illegal immigration to visit the North African country.