France Considering Increasing Aid to Libya For Fight Against Terrorism

Government struggling to deal with militias

French Foreign Minister Laurent Fabius said on Thursday France was considering giving Libya more aid in counter-terrorism, including training more police.

Two years after a NATO-backed revolt ousted Muammar Gaddafi, Libya's government is struggling to control rival militias and al Qaeda-linked Islamist militants who are using lawless southern Libya as a base.

Fabius said the French military presence in Libya's neighbour Mali was needed to help the region. Militants have threatened to attack French interests since Paris sent troops into the country this year.