Libyan mayors says Europe's migration crisis should not be dumped on them

FILE PHOTO: Illegal migrants, who have been detained after trying to get to Europe, look out of barred door of a detention hut at a detention camp in Gheryan, outside Tripoli, Libya December 1, 2016. REUTERS/Hani Amara/File Photo

TRIPOLI (Reuters) - Mayors from Libya's desert south to northern shores fear a deal struck between Tripoli and Rome to fund migrant holding centres in the north African country will simply shift Europe's migration crisis onto Libyan soil.

The Mediterranean sea between Libya and Italy has become the main crossing point for asylum seekers and economic migrants seeking a better life in Europe. Last year Italy recorded its record number of migrant arrivals.