Italy may deploy a 500-strong contingent to the European Union's new Irini military operation to enforce an international arms embargo against war-torn Libya, foreign minister Luigi Di Maio said on Wednesday.
"We are currently assessing the participation of a contingent of around 500, a ship and three planes," Di Maio told lawmakers during parliamentary question-time.
Any such deployment will have to be approved by the Italian parliament, Di Maio underlined.
EU foreign ministers approved the launch of Operation Irini at the end of March. The mission aims to operate in the air and sea and with satellites. Irini will also monitor illegal oil exports, prevent human trafficking and help train Libya's coast guard and navy as a complementary task.
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