Updated

Libya says it has sent a special envoy to speak with the European Union about the EU's proposed plan to destroy the boats of migrant smugglers who increasingly set off for Europe from the chaotic north African country.

A statement shared Tuesday by Libya's mission to the United Nations says the country's internationally recognized government "confirms its total eagerness to do its effective role in controlling the mass migration which claimed the lives of thousands of people."

Some kind of consent from Libya is needed if the EU wants to operate in the country's territorial waters. But the country is split into two governments, the other backed by Islamist-allied militias.

Libya's U.N. ambassador this month said his government had not been consulted on the EU plan and largely rejected it.