Italy will help Libyan authorities protect the North African country's borders and oil facilities, Reuters quoted Libyan Prime Minister Abdurrahim al-Keib as saying Saturday. "The defence ministers (of Libya and Italy) signed a letter related to creating a system to control borders managed by Libya and provide training, especially for (protecting) oil installations," Keib told a joint news conference with Italian Prime Minister Mario Monti. "(The letter is) asserting Libyan sovereignty and that no Italian troops will be present," he said. Monti is in Libya at the head of a diplomatic, economic and military delegation which is hoping to lay the groundwork for contracts for reconstruction projects worth billions of dollars over the next few years. Projects include building major roads, expanding and rehabilitating airports and seaports and training the armed forces and police, which need new border security and reconnaissance equipment.
