EU could start to train forces outside country - German minister

April 17, 2016 8:12 AM

Diplomats say there has yet to be detailed discussion with the new U.N.-brokered Libyan government in defining what kind of assistance it wants from the European Union.

A member of the Presidential Council of Government of National Accord, Ahmed Maiteeq (C) stands next to German Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier (L) and French Foreign Minister Jean-Marc Ayrault (R) dueing a joint news conference in Tripoli, Libya, April 16, 2016. REUTERS/Ismail Zitouny TPX IMAGES OF THE DAY

European training for Libyan forces could more realistically be started outside the country in the initial stages as part of efforts to rebuild the North African state, German Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier said on Saturday.

Steinmeier and French Foreign Minister Jean-Marc Ayrault visited Tripoli for talks with the new Libyan unity government in a show of support to end fighting among rival factions, and combat militants and migrant trafficking.

"I think it is realistic enough to say we have to start training measures from my point of view outside of Libya," Steinmeier told reporters, when asked about European training plans. He said training could be in Libya later.