The Government of National Accord (GNA), headed by Fayez al-Sarraj, rejected on Wednesday threats by Italy to return illegal migrants back to Libya.
Italian far-right Interior Minister Matteo Salvini on Wednesday threatened to return migrants back to the point from where they sailed unless the European Union was able to protect Italy’s southern borders.
GNA Foreign Minister Mohammed Siyala said that his government will never accept threats to return illegal migrants back to their departure points in North Africa.
“Libya does not and will not accept these unjust and illegal measures,” he added.
Moreover, he revealed that more than 700,000 illegal migrants were currently on Libyan soil.
“They pose a heavy burden on the government,” he stated. “They should be returned from the countries they came from. Libya is a transit point and it has suffered and is still suffering from many of the repercussions of illegal immigration.”
The issue of illegal migrants has taken center stage in European politics as the numbers of asylum-seekers escaping poverty and war has spiked in recent years. Libya has been their main departure point to reach Europe by sea.
Many ride in flimsy inflatables and hope to make the treacherous journey to Europe. Recent measures, taken in coordination with the European Union, have seen the Libyan coast guard seize illegal boats and return them to the north African country.
The migration movement has decreased in July as smuggling networks have been partially disbanded in wake of huge pressure from Italy.
Meanwhile, widely informed security sources in Tripoli, told Asharq Al-Awsat that armed militias in the Libyan capital have received threats that they could come under heavy international sanctions if they did not cease meddling in the affairs of the GNA.
A security official revealed that the United Nations and European Union were preparing a list of militia leaders that the UN mission in Libya and GNA believe are negatively affecting the work of government institutions, especially the National Oil Corporation and central bank.
The EU had previously sanctioned Libyan political figures after they were accused of obstructing efforts aimed at reaching a political settlement in the country.
