Brussels, 23/09/2009 (Agence Europe) - The European agency in charge of external controls, Frontex, on Monday 21 September categorically denied any involvement in diversions of migrants to Libya. "We would like to state categorically that the agency has not been involved in diversion activities to Libya", stated Frontex. The agency explained that these diversions had been carried out by virtue of a bilateral agreement between Italy and Libya. In a recent report, Human Rights Watch nonetheless accused Frontex of involvement in controversial operations whereby migrants were sent back to Libya. According to the NGO, a German helicopter operating under the aegis of Frontex is believed to have helped the Italian coastguards on 18 June to intercept a boat with 75 migrants on board. It is further alleged that these migrants were then delivered to a Libyan patrol vessel. In its defence, Frontex pointed out that the German helicopter in question was carrying out a mission on behalf of the agency in another region of the Mediterranean. The agency also added that "in general", the role of helicopters in operations coordinated by Frontex is solely to patrol the operational zone and "not to divert" migrants. (B.C./trans.fl)