Populist premier Giuseppe Conte on Monday urged a negotiated solution to the escalating conflict in oil-rich Libya between the internationally recognised government in Tripoli and forces loyal to eastern military strongman Khalifa Haftar.
'Armed conflict is not the solution. We have a precise strategy and want a political solution," Conte told reporters upon his arrival in the southern Italian city of Campobasso for talks with local officials.
"I will do my utmost to ensure that all Libyan stakeholders as well as members of the international community work together for a peaceful solution in Libya and its permanent stability," Conte added.
Italy's first priority is a truce in the fighting and talks are taking place in Rome Monday between the government, Qatar's deputy premier Mohammad Al Thani and Libya's UN-backed prime minister Fayez al-Sarraj's deputy Ahmed Maitig, Conte confirmed.
"We are following the unfolding events in Libya and are worried because we must stem this armed conflict without fail," Conte said.
The warfare in Italy's former colony has intensified this month since Haftar began a military offensive against "terrorist" groups in the capital in which at least 160 civilians have been killed and 16,000 have fled their homes, according to the UN.
The tripartite talks in Rome on Monday are a sign of Italy's eagerness to play a greater role in Libya, according to observers.
.jpg)
