Italy Ready to Lead Libyan Crisis Resolution - Defense Minister

Italy is ready to lead the effort in resolving the unstable situation in Libya, Italy's Defense Minister Roberta Pinotti said Wednesday.

ROME (Sputnik) – While Libya's two rival governments are expected to form an interim unity government by as early as mid-February, the country remains plagued by violence and is home to the largest Daesh enclave outside of the Middle East.

"Italy has always said that it is prepared to take on a leading role in the stabilization of Libya," Pinotti said live on the Italian La7 television channel. "There is a UN resolution, which states that the Libyan authorities can ask for help. If they do so, we are ready [to help]."

Any military intervention in Libya must be approved by its authorities, Pinotti stressed, adding that the current situation has the potential to turn the country into another Somalia.

Daesh has been increasing its presence in Libya, she warned, expressing hope that a unity government would be formed as soon as possible.

Libya has been in a state of turmoil since its longtime leader Muammar Gaddafi was deposed and killed in 2011. Daesh, which is outlawed in many countries including Russia, seized a pocket of Libyan territory centered on Gaddafi's hometown of Sirte in November 2014.