Libya News
Features
2009-11-02 In October, voices from around the Maghreb used the Zawaya discussion forum to comment on crucial issues including religious freedoms, violence in the stands, and fears of a flu pandemic.Continue...
2009-10-30 Libyan bloggers this week talked about attempts to ban Facebook, the new responsibilities of Seif al-Islam al-Kadhafi, and freedom of the press.Continue...
2009-10-28 A set of agreements inked last week in Rabat tightened ties between Morocco and Libya.Continue...
2009-10-02 Leaders from ten Mediterranean countries pledge to improve digital education.Continue...
2009-09-18 Following the killing in Somalia of alleged Al Qaeda leader Saleh Ali Saleh Nabhan, Maghreb analysts are re-examining the stakes of failing to halt the spread of terrorism.Continue...
News Briefs
OPEC production level change unlikely, Libyan petrol chief says
2009-11-19 The Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) should agree at its upcoming Angola meeting to maintain current production levels, Reuters quoted the head of Libya National Oil Corporation (NOC) chief Shokri Ghanem as saying on Wednesday (November 18th). "Prices are not high enough to take an action and not low enough to take an action. So unless in the next month something startling takes place, which I don't expect it will, no decision is the best decision," Ghanem said.
French firms eye Libyan electricity market
2009-11-12 Nine of France's biggest electricity companies presented proposals to Libyan energy officials in Tripoli on Tuesday (November 10th), ANSA reported. Products aimed at the transfer and distribution network in the country include clean energy solutions and electrical substations.
Libya, UN sign accord to combat organised crime
2009-11-12 Libya and the UN Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) agreed to co-operate in the fight against organised crime, money laundering and trafficking, AFP reported on Wednesday (November 11th). Under the agreement signed Tuesday by Interior Minister Abdelfattah Laabidi and UNODC executive director Antonio Maria Costa, a new Tripoli office will provide technical support to Libyan authorities. Algeria, Libya, Mauritania, Morocco and Tunisia will also receive UN assistance with modernising their criminal justice systems, Costa said.
Libya claims major drop in illegal migration
2009-11-10 Libya has seen a dramatic decline in the number of Italy-bound African harragas, Reuters reported on Monday (November 9th). "We are happy to say that we are able to fulfil our commitments to the Italian side by cutting illegal migration by around 90% and dismantling and arresting criminal gangs of people smugglers," Interior Minister Salah Rajab al-Masmari said Monday in Tripoli during a meeting with his Italian counterpart, Roberto Maroni.
Libya launches international book fair
2009-11-09 Libya will open the 9th "Al Jamahiriya" international book fair in Tripoli and Benghazi on Monday (November 9th), PANA reported. Nearly 400 Arab, African, European, Asian and American publishing houses are taking part in the 10-day event. The programme includes musical and theatrical performances, poetry evenings and conferences.
Italy-Libya Trade Show wraps up in Tripoli
2009-11-05 The 2nd Italy-Libya Trade Show concluded in Tripoli on Thursday (November 5th). IT and technology firms, along with businesses specialised in marble, cement, ceramics, aluminium, concrete, and construction, attended the 3-day exposition at the International Convention Centre. For some 60 Italian companies, the event marked their entrance to the Libyan market, ANSA noted.
Libya launches electronic services portal
2009-11-02 In an effort to implement e-government measures, Libya on Saturday (October 31st) inaugurated a national electronic services website, PANA reported. The portal, bawabtlibya.com, will provide public access to databases, geographical statistics and other government information.
EU leaders pursue illegal immigration accord with Libya
2009-11-01 European government leaders on Friday (October 30th) called on the European Commission and the EU presidency to work more closely with Libya to stem the tide of illegal migration, international press reported. According to a statement issued at the EU summit in Brussels, the 27-member bloc asked for greater co-operation with Libya regarding maritime operations, border controls and re-admission policy. The EU summit participants also agreed to consider sharing the cost of charter flights to repatriate illegal immigrants. The proposals are in response to the recent appeal by France and Italy for the EU to reach an immigration accord with Libya.
