14,000 Residents Libya Has Run to Malta

GENEVA - As many as 14,000 people had fled to Italy and Malta by boat from Libya since the beginning of the conflict and thousands more had been planning to do the same, according to the UN refugee agency on Tuesday (17/05/2011).

"Up to now some 14,000 people had arrived by boat in Italy and Malta from Libya. Of that number, 1669 people arrived on Friday and Saturday," said Melissa Fleming, spokeswoman for the UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR).

"Based on conversations with people who have arrived in Italy, we believe that thousands more people will attempt to do this journey by sea," said Fleming.

Thousands of people who initially fled to Tunisia or Egypt and even returned to Libya with a plan to climb aboard the European destination.

"Among them are refugees, including members of Somalia, Ethiopia and Eritrea in the camps near the border Shousha Tunisia with Libya," said Fleming.

According to the International Organization for Migration (IOM), the refugees had been ready to challenge the danger and returned to Libya in hopes of getting boats European destination, partly because of the agreement Tunisia-European Union recently that prevent them away from the coast of Tunisia.

"One part of the deal say that Europe will invest in the economy and the other states that Tunisia will help to stop the ship departed," said Jemini Pandya, IOM spokesman.

In addition, smugglers Tunisia refused to bring citizens of other countries other than Tunisia. "Around 1,200 people are known to have sought the crossing (to Europe) since March 25 was unaccounted for," UNHCR said.

UN humanitarian coordinator for Libya, Panos Moumtzis said the UN on Wednesday (05/18/2011) will revise the grant request to cover the needs of the country from June to August.

Demand for 310 million dollars (219 million euros) are currently closed needs to end of May. Donors have so far provided 46 percent of the amount requested.

"More long before the conflict, the more significant impact on civilians," said Moumtzis, who had just returned from a mission to Libya.

He also has asked for "time of truce" in the conflict Libya. It is important to evaluate the need for assistance to civilian victims of conflict.