Libya was offered up to €60 million over three years by the European Commission this month in order to help it deal with the problem of illegal immigration. This sum is a drop in the ocean compared to the €5 billion Qadhafi demanded during his recent visit to Italy.
However, Libya agreed to the sum under the border management deal that was struck during a visit by EU commissioners to Libya in early October. According to an EU spokesperson, under the agreement the money will be spent on assisting migrants and refugees (although Libya still does not recognise refugees or have any asylum policy), promoting better manage¬ment of migration, and funding initiatives related to border surveillance.
This deal does not mean that Libya will drop its demands for more cash in order to deal with the problem. Foreign Affairs Secretary Musa Kusa reiterated to the EU officials during their visit that 'Libya is asking the EU for €5 billion per annum to definitively stop clandestine emigra¬tion to Europe.'
Meanwhile, Libya has invested in a $28 million coastal radar system to monitor its coastline. The system, which has been provided by marine technology supplier Transas Marine, will cover almost 2,000 km and is expected to be installed within 16 months.
For more news and expert analysis about Libya, please see Libya Focus and Libya Politics & Security.
© 2010 Menas Associates
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