The EU will also step up cooperation with and assistance to Libyan regional and local communities. "According to Reuters, leaders would agree to provide and fund more training, equipment and support to the Libyan national coastguard, and seek to break smugglers' networks; they would also seek to ensure "adequate reception capacities and conditions in Libya for migrants". The EU hopes it could provide funding to the UNHCR and IOM to set up such sites.The EU, Reuters adds, would attempt to step up voluntary returns by migrants, and tell them along their route across Africa about the perils of the journey, to discourage them from trying. It also said that “the EU would help police Libya's land borders by offering financing, training or equipment to help ensure fewer people get into Libya. The only sustainable and responsible way to address migration flows is to offer safe and legal routes to protection.”

Source: Libya Today January 30, 2017 17:26 UTC