Italy its taking part in the allied actions against Libya.
An allied response was launched this weekend to enforce a United Nations-sanctioned no-fly zone over Libyan airspace. The Italian government announced that it would have fully backed any agreed upon measures and made seven airbases available to international forces.
Italy’s unconditional backing comes in spite of the country’s close business ties to Libya, which is a former Italian colony. Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi was also known to have been a personal acquaintance of Libyan leader Maummar Gaddafi before the international crisis.
Despite the formerly close international relationship, Italy has suspended a 2008 friendship treaty signed with Libya. The Italian government is asking NATO for assistance with protection from possible Libyan retaliations.
