Italy mulls role in Libya no-fly zone

ROME: Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi early Friday discussed Italy's response after a UN resolution cleared air strikes to halt Libyan strongman Moamer Kadhafi's onslaught on rebels.

Berlsuconi met with Defence Minister Ignazio La Russa, President Giorgio Napolitano, undersecretary of state Gianni Letta and top military officials to discuss the UN decision to impose a no-fly zone , ANSA news agency said.

"Let's hope Italy keeps out of this initiative," Libyan Deputy Foreign Minister Khaled Kaaim told ANSA in Tripoli, referring to the possibility that Italy will allow its territory to be used for bombing raids on Libya.

"We are certain Italy has Libya's integrity and the protection of the population at heart. Let's hope that it doesn't consent to the use of its bases," he added.

Massimo Panizzi, a NATO advisor, told reporters in Brussels that the alliance would examine the UN resolution in detail before taking any action.

"The UN Security Council's resolution will be examined carefully. NATO will act on a clear mandate and with regional support," Panizzi told SKY Italy. (AFP)