The EU foreign affairs chief, Josep Borrell has conceded that Operation IRINI will not stop the flow of arms to Libya completely.

Aki news agency quoted Borrell as saying that the operation will contribute in some way in controlling the arms smuggling to Libya and monitor the movement of oil sales, "which are fueling the Libyan conflict".

However, he indicated that monitoring arms smuggling activities via land borders would be very complicated. "Some parties will not permit us to do so, said the EU diplomat.

He confirmed that difficulties exist, and IRINI is facing challenges in terms of equipment and finance, adding that the current capabilities are barely sufficient to start off the operation and cover the first months of the process.

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