Italy pledges support to Libya’s unity government

Libyan News + Agencies

Italy has pledged its “firm support” to Libya‘s new national unity government, amid the possibility that the former colonial power and other Western nations could bomb Islamic State targets on Libyan territory.

“The new Libya can count on the firm support that Italy, in coordination with the international community, is committed to offer,” Prime Minister Matteo Renzi said Monday in Rome after meeting Libya‘s premier-designate Fayez Sarraj.

Assistance would be made available to resume basic services, support economic and social development and “stabilize the country, with a focus on fighting terrorism and human trafficking,” the Italian government statement said.

“Italy is ready to respond promptly, and within the necessary bounds of international rule of law, to any possible requests for help Libya may address” to the international community, it added.