UPDATE 1-Italy says air force can bomb Libya military targets

[jakeXT]

Source: Reuters

Italy says air force can bomb Libya military targets

ROME, April 25 (Reuters) - Italy, which has been playing a reduced role in operations in Libya, decided on Monday that its air force will be allowed to bomb selected military targets in the former Italian colony.

A statement from Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi's office said he had informed U.S. President Barack Obama in a telephone conversation of the government's decision and that he would call other European leaders to tell them personally as well.

The statement said the government had decided to "increase the operative flexibility of its aircraft with actions aimed at specific military targets on Libyan territory with the aim of protecting the civilian population".

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Berlusconi, who once considered Libya's Muammar Gaddafi a close friend, said he would inform British Prime Minister David Cameron and NATO Secretary-General Anders Fogh Rasmussen soon and would discuss the decision with French President Nicolas Sarkozy, who visits Italy on Tuesday.


Read more: http://af.reuters.com/article/libyaNews/idAFLDE73O0HR20110425