The defence ministry on Sunday denied Libyan claims that the three-strong helicopter crew picked up in Libya a week ago were part of a spying mission.

The operation was a ‘consular evacuation’, a ministry spokeman said.
Libyan television said on Saturday the helicopter flight to the port city of Sirte was to drop off or pick up spies.
Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi told French newspaper Journal du Dimanche the three had been arrested because they were in Libya without permission.
The defence ministry spokesman also said the department regretted there was so much speculation about the mission. On Friday, prime minister Mark Rutte said there would be no further comment about the diplomatic efforts to free the three.