General News of Tuesday, 27 February 2007

Source: Ghanaian Times

Libya Embassy Denies Report

The Libyan People’s Bureau in Accra has denied knowledge of the death of 100 Ghanaians resident in Libya early this month as published by this paper.

A statement issued by the Bureau in Accra and signed by the Ambassador, Mohamed T. Gaudi, said the story is a fabrication peddled by some illegal Ghanaian immigrants in Libya to create confusion between Ghana and Libya.

The statement read: "The Libyan People’s Bureau is astonished at the news that over 100 Ghanaians have died in an accident in a desert in Libya as such false information could jeopardise the cordial relations between Libya and Ghana.

"Following a thorough investigation into the so-called accident by the Bureau, it has been authoritatively established that no such accident occurred and that no Ghanaians died.

"Consequently, we would like to emphasise that this fabricated information was peddled by some gangsters related to some illegal Ghanaian immigrants in Libya whose intention was to create an atmosphere of distrust and accusations between the two authorities in Libya and Ghana, which has never existed due to the excellent cooperation and understanding in handling the issue of illegal immigrants and human trafficking.

"The Bureau takes this opportunity to stress the importance of bi-lateral coordination and cooperation between Libya and Ghana in handling the issue of illegal immigrants as it is the objective of the African Union in the interest of the African peoples.

"The Bureau wishes to advise the media and journalists to be careful about such allegations and to always verify before coming out with them," the statement said.