The Minister of State for Migration Affairs in the Government of National Unity, Ajedid Maatouqg Ajedid, revealed that Libya’s cooperation with the European Union countries in order to confront and combat the phenomenon of illegal immigration comes within its collective framework with the European Union, as it is done individually with some European countries that are trying to cooperate as the target of migration.
His remarks came in a press interview conducted by the Italian news agency “Nova”, which dealt with a number of files related to international cooperation in the field of combating illegal immigratio, the situation in the south, and the training of the Coast Guard.
Regarding his opinion of the gradual closure of immigration detention centers, the Minister said: “The matter depends on the flow of migrants across the borders to Libya and the crossing of the sea to Europe. If Libya is supported by modern devices to monitor and follow up this influx of migrants to prevent their flow, the shelters may be gradually closed. Therefore, the matter is up to the current circumstances and the situation of Libya.
Commenting on the developments of the situation in southern Libya, Ajedid added: “The political and security situation in the south is at the core of the competence of the Government of National Unity and its security services. With regard to the situation of the south as a host environment for human smuggling gangs, or temporary residence before smuggling them across the sea to European countries, everyone knows that Libya shares its southern borders with five countries, noting tthe vastness of the longitudinal area that exceeds 2000 kilometers and its weak capabilities.”
He said the weakness of the state as a result of exceptional circumstances is difficult to control the flow of migrants, and this situation requires a serious effort from European countries that have experience in combating migration and supporting Libya in accordance with international conventions so that it can fulfill its obligations regarding combating migration, especially since the phenomenon of migration is one of the human crimes that exploits some non-international entities and states.
Regarding the things that the national unity government and future Libyan governments must do to develop the south, he said: “Libya is facing today an electoral entitlement with distinction to elect a head of state and parliament, and then choose a new government with a full, non-temporary mandate and full powers, and therefore it will have development projects that include all municipalities, and the south will be present with development projects that open up new opportunities for young people to prevent reverse migration from the south to the north in search of job opportunities.”
On the other hand, Ajedid explained that Italy can renew its proposal that it submitted in 2008 regarding a project to set up a radar to track migrants in the south, pointing out that the current government will subject it to study and consider the possibility of implementing it and even work to activate the Libyan-Italian friendship agreement.
As for whether Libya is ready to start cooperation with the EU Operation IRINI in training the coast guard, the minister replied by saying: “Libya has extended bridges of cooperation with everyone, on the way to training the coast guard from developed countries in this field; in order to raise the efficiency of the Coast Guard in the face of the phenomenon of illegal immigration in territorial waters.”
He added: “This item has been proposed on more than one occasion, and we believe that training our cadres in the starting areas, especially in the southern region is considered one of the most important things for the European Union to start with, given that the various security agencies in these areas are the first front line for the influx of migrants.
