Libyan lawmaker vows to stop irregular immigrants

Aqila Saleh, the Speaker of the House of Representatives (HoR), Libya has vowed to use everything within it’s powers to stop smuggling of immigrants and save their lives.

The high ranking lawmaker also called for a comprehensive treatment of this issue in consultation with countries of origin, transit, and destination.

A report by Libya Observer said Saleh’s remarks came in his opening speech at the International African Conference on Illegal Immigration, organized by the parallel government on Monday in Benghazi, according to the spokesman for the House of Representatives, Abdullah Blehiq.

Saleh welcomed the President of the African Parliament and the guests participating in the conference, stressing that immigrants had fallen prey to fraudulent acts by smugglers and brokers.

“The Mediterranean witnessed an unprecedented wave of illegal immigration, which led to the loss of lives across the Mediterranean. As we express our sympathy with the families of the victims, we reaffirm our position in support of every international effort that seeks to reduce the risks to which immigrants are exposed.” He added.

He stressed the need for the international effort to be in line with the principles of international law, especially the principles of respect for the sovereignty of states and non-interference in the internal affairs of other states.

The conference activities were attended by a number of members of the House of Representatives, the Speaker of the African Parliament, a number of representatives of the African Parliament, the head of the parallel government, Osama Hammad, a number of representatives of international and regional organizations concerned with immigration, and representatives of 40 African countries, according to the conference organizers.