Libya has launched the construction of its first train links, a Libyan official announced. The project consists of linking the western border with Tunisia to the eastern border with Egypt, with another railway due to link Libya's north and south, the unnamed official told the press Saturday, December 8.
He said the first track would run through the country's main coastal resorts while the second would be built between the Mediterranean city of Sirte and serve the borders with Niger and Chad. The official however gave no indication on the cost or timeframe of the project, adding that once it is completed, a network linking Europe to Africa would be possible if a tunnel was dug under the Gibraltar strait.
Unlike its neighbors Egypt, Tunisia and Sudan, Libya has no rail network and only 25,000 kilometers (15,000 miles) of roads. — (AFP, Tripoli)
© Agence France Presse 2001
© 2001 Mena Report (www.menareport.com)
