The Libyan embassy in Valetta has refuted news about striking a secret deal with Malta on migrants' interception.
The embassy said Libyan and Maltese governments are cooperating transparently in illegal immigration issues and in combatting human trafficking via the Mediterranean as per the 5+5 partnership and commitment to international humanitarian law.
It added that the cooperation continues with Malta, Italy and European countries to save the lives of innocent people taking the risky Mediterranean route.
Times of Malta said Sunday that the Maltese armed forces started collaborating with Libyan coastguards to intercept and return migrants to Libyan shores as part of a clandestine deal that says Libyans should intercept boats before reaching international waters.
Reuters reported that Maltese authorities didn't comment on the deal, but said they are still normally cooperating with Libyan coastguards as they have been for years as per the law.
SOURCE: Libya Observer
