Italy has done "good work"
in trying to stabilise Libya but there will be no direct US role
in the North African country, President Donald Trump told
Premier Paolo Gentiloni at the White House Thursday.
Gentiloni said the fight against ISIS was a"priority" and
concurred on the need to raise NATO spending to 2% of GDP.
Gentiloni was given a warm welcome to the White House with
Trump saying "I can't wait" to come to Italy for the May 26-27
Taormina G7 summit.
During the course of talks news of the Paris terror attack
arrived with Trump saying "it never ends".
The issue of the common fight against terrorism dominated the
talks.
On Libya, Gentiloni said US commitment, "also political", was
was "fundamental" to avert a division of the country under the
influence of other powers.
Trump recognised Italy's lead role in Libyan stabilisation
but stressed "I don't see a US role in Libya".
The two leaders also concurred that "Assad cannot be the
future in Syria".
Finally, Gentiloni told Trump that "a strong Europe is
important for the United States".
ALL RIGHTS RESERVED © Copyright ANSA
