Libya calls for border talks to prevent weapons smuggling

North African countries are to meet Sunday to discuss measures to curb weapons smuggling across national borders, Libya's Prime Minister Abdel Rahim al-Keib said at the United Nations, DPA reported.

Al-Keib Wednesday told the UN Security Council at UN headquarters in New York that the illegal traffic in weapons in the post-Moammer Gaddafi period has become a major concern for the transitional government in Tripoli.

He said ministers from all North African countries, Sudan and other African nations will meet Sunday to coordinate control over borders. Libya's long borders require cooperation from neighbouring countries, he said.

The UN has warned that the traffic in weapons from Libya may contribute to insecurity in other countries in the region.

Al-Keib said the Transitional National Council is firmly in control of the stocks of chemical weapons, nuclear materials and conventional weapons left by the Gaddafi regime. He said that international organizations have been helping the transitional government to deal with all types of weapons.

He asked the council to lift the arms embargo imposed on Libya last year so Tripoli can buy new arms for its army and police.

The prime minister briefed the council on progress to restore security and order and build democratic institutions and human rights in Libya.