The numbers of migrants coming from Libya indicates that this country is not doing enough to stem the flow. Admittedly Libya has extensive borders on its south and a long coastline on its north; but the entry points in the south and the departures from the coast are more or less known.

The Salvation Government of Libya (SAL) Foreign Minister has warned that Libya has the means and resources to confront any attempts to bomb the traffickers’ boats. If so, then the SAL should apply these resources to address this tragic situation.

It is obvious that entry from the south of Libya is not a problem for these migrants and even less so the departure from the coast in the north, despite the grave risk these crossings involve.

Letting them in from the south and out from the north is just shifting the problem to others. Perhaps very convenient for the SAL inthe circumstances.

If the SAL wants the international community to recognise its legitimacy it should, as a first step, show more resolve and co-operation to solvethis problem. Unless something is done this exodus could develop to biblical proportions.

The migrants are prepared to risk a dangerous journey in over-packed, rickety boats in the knowledge that Italy will not push them back but bail them out and take them to a safe port in Italy.

In this respect one must admire Italy’s solidarity with these migrants irrespective of numbers, colouror religion.

Libya should follow suit.