"It is true that the time is running out, but we are not on the verge of a lightning war (or a Blitzkrieg). The [Italian] government is aware of its mistakes and is working on the creation of conditions to stabilize Libya. First of all it is a political operation, not a military one and it is a significant challenge for the international community," Gentiloni said in an interview with Italian Il Sole 24 Ore newspaper.
He added that the Italian mission was to prevent Libya from becoming a "failed state" like Somalia, but to help Libya to recover its sovereignty.
Libya has been in turmoil since early 2011, when Arab Spring protests led to a civil war and the overthrow of long-time leader Muammar Gaddafi. The instability in the country has facilitated the emergence of two rival governments in Libya as well as of numerous militant groups in the state, such as the Daesh, which is outlawed in the United States and Russia among others.
