Premier Matteo Renzi on
Monday ruled out the prospect of Italy taking part in a military
intervention in Libya for the time being, amid concerns about
the advances made by Islamist extremists in the North African
country.
"It's not the time for a military intervention," Renzi
told Mediaset television.
The premier stressed, however, that he was happy that most
other political parties had not spoken out when Foreign Minister
Paolo Gentiloni mooted the possibility of Italy being involved
in a UN-mandated intervention in Libya.
"We've been saying at every level that Libya is out of
control for three years and we'll keep doing so," Renzi added.
"The international community has all the necessary
instruments to intervene if it wants to. Our proposal is to wait
for the UN Security Council.
"The strength of the UN is decidedly superior to that of
the radical militias".
The leader of the centre-left Democratic Party (PD) also
appealed for calm.
"Wisdom, prudence and a sense of the situation is needed
with regards to Libya," Renzi said.
"The question is problematic and we're following it with
great concern and attention.
"But you cannot go from total indifference to hysteria".
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