The Head of the Presidential Council Fayez Al-Sirraj has tied continuing his government's efforts to curb illegal immigration and human trafficking to the urgent need to lift the United Nations' ban on arms purchase by Libya.

"The step would absolutely boost the security of our land and maritime borders." Al-Sirraj told Le Monde.

He went on to say that there is no such thing as a deal between Italy and armed groups involved in human smuggling in Sabratha.

Al-Sirraj indicated that the only agreement that holds Italy to an official deal with Libya aims at assisting municipalities in northern and southern Libya to develop economy and create opportunities.

"Clashes in Sabratha that ended two days ago were not a violation of the ceasefire agreed upon in Paris with Khalifa Haftar in last July. Plus, there is no evidence that Haftar's forces were involved in the fighting in Sabratha." He remarked.

Al-Sirraj also elaborated on the migration issue, saying it had never been tied to a certain time or date and did not started in 2011.

He also added that there must be a consensus around the world that Libya is not the source for migration but rather it is the crossing point, saying that the country is really being affected by the ramifications of the phenomenon as are other countries.