Merkel looks to tame illegal migration from Africa

BRUSSELS, Nov 29 (KUNA) -- German Chancellor Angela Merkel said Wednesday that she will hold several meetings with African leaders shortly before the Africa-EU Summit in Ivory Caost to discuss illegal migration.
"This topic is of paramount importance here in the African continent, because there are reports that young African men are being sold as slaves in Libya," she told reporters as she arrived for the meeting.
"This triggers, in my opinion, a common interest in ending illegal migration and to offer legal possibilities for African people to study and receive an education in Europe," said the German leader." "But what is important is also to support the Africans in stopping illegal migration so that people won't have to endure terrible conditions in refugee camps in Libya," she added.
The two-day Africa-EU Summit is expected to focus on migration, youth and jobs.
On a related note, the EU's High Representative Federica Mogherini and the Prime Minister of the Government of National Accord of Libya Fayez Al-Sarraj met on the sidelines of the summit Wednesday. (end) nk.nam