Human trafficking

Italy secures backing of Libyan mayors to curb human trafficking

Italian Interior Minister Marco Minniti has met with the mayors of ten towns in Libya’s southern desert region to convince them to overcome differences and back the struggle against migrant smuggling through Libyan territory into Europe.

“The meeting took place in Rome,” the Interior Ministry’s chief communications officer, Felice Colombrino, told RT, confirming reports about the talks.

The Libyan officials who came to Rome “signed an agreement to reconcile conflicts and try to reduce illegal immigration from Libya,” Colombrino stressed.

The discussions apparently took place as the Italian-Libyan commission, which is tasked with activating joint operations to combat illegal immigration, met in Italy’s capital following a deal reached by both sides earlier this month.