Italy urges UN role in Libya amid Takfiri threat

Italy has urged the United Nations to find a political settlement to the worsening crisis in Libya, warning of a possible rise in Takfiri-fueled violence in the North African country.

In a Wednesday address to the parliament, Foreign Minister Paolo Gentiloni highlighted that the world body must “double its efforts” to encourage political dialog in Libya, which is currently divided among competing militias, Takfiri groups and tribal rivalries.

Warning of a possible alliance between local militants in Libya and the ISIL terrorists, he said, “The deterioration of the situation on the ground forces the international community to move more quickly before it’s too late.”

The comments came after ISIL militants released a gruesome video on Sunday that showed the beheading of 21 Egyptian Christians by the terrorist group. It showed the handcuffed hostages dressed in orange jumpsuits kneeling down along the seaside near the Libyan capital, Tripoli.

The rise of ISIL militants in Libya has left Italy dangerously exposed to the Takfiri threat, triggering major concern in the European country.

Libya descended into chaos following the 2011 uprising that toppled dictator, Muammar Gaddafi. The ouster of Gaddafi gave rise to a patchwork of heavily-armed militias and deep political divisions.

Gentiloni further expressed Rome’s readiness to help monitor a ceasefire in Libya and train a regular army.