TRIPOLI, Jan. 15 (Xinhua) -- Libya on Monday launched its first model police station here to enhance security by addressing local conflicts and strengthening municipal capacities, the UN Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL) said.
The move, with the help of the United Nations (UN) and the European Union (EU), "marks the return of state authority in Tripoli and its police, to combat crime and disorder in partnership with the communities," the UNSMIL said in a statement.
The initiative is part of a three-year EU-funded program implemented by UNDP (UN Development Programme) with an aim to help Libyan authorities protect citizens, provide better services, and create jobs and entrepreneur opportunities, the statement added.
At the launch ceremony, Libyan Interior Minister Fat'hi Bashagh expressed the hope to establish similar projects in other Libyan cities.
EU Ambassador to Libya Alan Bugeja stressed the importance of well-trained police officers, modern facilities and equipment for establishing efficient police forces, adding that the project aims "to deliver on both these aspects as well as strengthen the trust of the local community in the police."
Despite signing a UN-sponsored political agreement later in 2015 by the Libyan political factions and the appointment of a unity government, Libya still suffers insecurity and chaos and remains politically divided.
