Italy’s Renzi says won’t send troops to Libya due to security risk

The Italian Prime Minister, Matteo Renzi said Monday that Italy will not send troops to Libya due to high security risks.

“While under pressure to intervene in Libya, we have chosen a different approach” Renzi said in a statement.

The Italian Prime Minister pointed out that although Rome hopes to lead the international force that will be stationed in Libya, but noted this will only happen when the situation stabilizes there.

Renzi stressed that his country will continue to provide support to the Libyan unity government led by Prime Minister, Fayez Sarraj, noting that at this stage the efforts will be focused on humanitarian assistance.

The Prime Minister explained that the decision was made in close consultation with President, Sergio Mattarella.

Meanwhile, leading foreign ministers from Europe and the Middle East will meet in Vienna on Monday under the joint chairmanship of the US and Italy to discuss ways to bolster support for the UN-backed Libyan government.