Undersecretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in the Government of National Unity, Omar Katti, said during his interview with the Italian Nova Agency that his country will not be Europe’s policeman to confront illegal immigration.
Katti added that Libya will not be Europe’s policeman to stop the waves of migration, and that it is coordinating with Italy to develop a Mediterranean strategy on the issue of migration through clear mechanisms.
He pointed out that the file of illegal immigration is complex and has many aspects and requires study and participation from all countries. “For us it is a matter of national security”.
He continued by saying that even before 2011, our position had always been to develop countries of origin, i.e. countries in sub-Saharan Africa, and to create job opportunities with projects funded by destination countries by European countries without placing migrants in countries of transit.
He added that Libya for all intents and purposes views itself as a transit nation for migrants trying to reach Europe, even if it often becomes a destination country.
Katti explained that countries must cooperate strongly to put an end to illegal immigration flows, but away from opportunism, because this file is sensitive and vulnerable to corruption and illegal actions by some countries, and there is ongoing coordination with Italy to develop a Mediterranean strategy on the issue of immigration.
