EU urges Libya to open up to foreign aid workers

The European Union's aid chief urged Libya today to let humanitarian workers enter the country as she voiced concern about the plight of refugees on the Libyan side of the border with Tunisia.

"I am increasingly worried about the humanitarian situation on the Libyan side of the border," EU crisis response commissioner Kristalina Georgieva said after visiting the border region.

"Information about the developments there is scarce, the number of those trying to cross is unknown, and their needs could be substantial. Restricted humanitarian access is putting even more people at risk and is prolonging suffering," she said.

"I call on the Libyan authorities and on those who control parts of Libya to allow humanitarian workers in the country and to facilitate their access to those who need our help."

Heavily armed pro-regime forces are manning the Libyan side of the border with Tunisia, the UN refugees agency said, expressing concern that the security situation was preventing people from crossing the border.

Fewer than 2,000 people crossed the border today, the agency said, noting that on previous days between 10,000 and 15,000 people had made it across.

"The humanitarian community must be able to provide aid without deterrent and threat, in line with the humanitarian principles of neutrality and impartiality," Georgieva said.

She said the executive European Commission was "ready to help meet humanitarian needs in Libya too -- we are on stand-by with contingency stocks of supplies and financial aid."

The commission has pledged 30 million euros in aid to provide food, blankets, tents and medicines for refugees in Tunisia, many of them foreigners from as far as Egypt, Nigeria, Bangladesh and Vietnam.

The European Union is coordinating a vast evacuation operation, with France, Britain and other countries sending planes and ships to return people to their home countries.