EUROPEAN Union leaders discussed yesterday how to help conflict-torn Libya regain stability.

The EU is concerned about migrants using Libya as a jumping-off point for entry to the continent, but many of the EU’s 28 member states are reluctant to send troops or resources while Libya remains unsettled.

However, EU foreign policy chief Federica Mogherini said Europe was “planning all possible ways of supporting a future national unity government.”

She has previously said Europe could mount a military and border operation and help build police and justice systems.

Meanwhile, Libyan army chief General Khalifa Haftar, warned that Europe would face infiltration by Islamic State (Isis) militants from Libya if the West failed to support his forces.

Isis has seized control of at least two cities along Libya’s Mediterranean coast and has been able to expand by taking advantage of the chaos in Libya, where rival governments are seeking power.Gen Haftar is a controversial figure.

Supporters see him as the country’s saviour, while opponents accuse him of looking to grab power.He was recently named military chief by the internationally recognised Tobruk-based parliament.

Gen Haftar said his forces need backing from the West. “We want weapons and ammunition only. We have the men. The army is increasing every day,” he said.

The extremists, he said, “will head with the illegal migrants to Europe … and there it will be hard to confront them.”

by Our Foreign Desk