EU delegation inspects security on Libyan western border

A European Union delegation made a field visit to the Libyan western borders to inspect the security situation there, Francesca Marretta, the spokesperson of the EU Border Assistance Management (EUBAM) told Xinhua Sunday. In a three-day visit on Nov. 3-5, the delegation held workshops and seminars on the "risk-analysis," which was attended by 27 officers from border guard and customs. Also, a car-search exercise was carried out by all officers participating in the training. Head of Ghadames City Council, Siraj Addedn Abobakr Almwaffag, held the central government responsible for the security chaos in the region. "We look for technical support to monitor the border, logistic support for specialized units, and more training," said Almwaffag. "EUBAM is in Ghadames now for the third time, and we will continue our support for this region," said head of EUBAM in Libya, Antti Hartikainen. Natalya Apostolova, who is leading the EU delegation to Tripoli, underlined that border security is a prerequisite for improvement of social services for the community living in the area social. The old city of Ghadames is a UNESCO Heritage site. The lack of border security hinders the socioeconomic development in the area. EUBAM Libya began operation in May 2013, following an invitation from the Libyan government. The Mission trains and advises their Libyan counterparts on measures to heighten security for Libya's land, sea and air borders.