Italy says will back UN, EU, NATO decisions on Libya

Italy, whose bases are likely to play a key role in any military action regarding Libya, will back any decisions taken by the United Nations, the European Union or NATO, the president's office said.

A statement made after an emergency meeting of the country's Supreme Defence Council said Rome would activate any decisions taken by the three organisations.

The meeting was chaired by President Giorgio Napolitano and was attended by Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi, his defence and foreign ministers and the head of the military joint chiefs of staff.

"Italy is ready to give its active contribution to greater definition and consequent activation of any decisions now being studied by the United Nations, the European Union and the Atlantic Alliance," the statement said.

Italy, which has Europe's most extensive trade and energy relations with its former colony, has said it will not take any unilateral action.

But Rome has already suspended a 2008 "friendship treaty" that prohibited Italian bases from being used in any military action against Libya, which would allow it to take part in decisions by the international community.

Rome says it could support a no-fly zone that has the mandate of the United Nations and the umbrella of NATO.

But Rome also believes that it would be important to have a political agreement on a no-fly zone from Libya's neighbours and particularly by the Arab League.

Italy wants a general framework of agreement since Italian bases would most likely be involved in logistic support if NATO decides on a no-fly zone.

British Prime Minister David Cameron said earlier that London was seeking international support for any measures to be taken against the Libyan leadership, including a no-fly zone.