The European Commission refused Tuesday to react to Libyan leader Moammer Gaddafi's request for 5 billion euros (6.4 billion dollars) a year to stop illegal immigrants from Africa entering the European Union, DPA reported.
"We are not commenting on statements by Mr Gaddafi," Commission spokesman Matthew Newman said in Brussels.
He said only that "through dialogue and comprehensive cooperation the EU can improve the situation ... in particular with regards to prevention of irregular migration."
The European Commission has in recent years been negotiating a partnership agreement with Tripoli following the lifting of the North African country's international pariah status. The partnership is likely to involve substantial aid.