Brussels, 01/03/2006 (Agence Europe) - Following the visit to Libya of a group of MEPs (see EUROPE 9085), Simon Busuttil (EPP-ED, Malta), in a report presented on 22 February, called on the EU to “seize the opportunity to intensify cooperation with Libya on illegal immigration” since Libya appeared “more favourably disposed” than before. “Lately, there has been a marked shift in Libya's attitude towards the EU even on the issue of immigration,” said Mr Busuttil in a press release. He stressed, however, that “Libya still lacks the organisational capacity and management skills to deal effectively” with the situation. For the moment, Libya only deploys two patrol boats, both donated by Italy, on its 2000 km coastline. “Cooperation is therefore imperative and in Libya's interest as well,” said the MEP. In his report, Mr Busuttil calls on the EP to accept the invitation for a second visit, this time to survey the Southern borders of Libya, something that had not proved possible during the first visit last December. He also called on the issue of EU-Libya cooperation on illegal immigration to be discussed in the respective Parliamentary committees to ensure balance between the need for immigration control and full respect for human rights.