Libyan military sources revealed that the Libyan forces managed to achieve notable advance in the surrounding area of Darna, as they attacked sites controlled by extremist Darna’s Shura Council. Libyan military leader Salah Al Abeidi revealed that the military force managed to control a crossroad near the Libyan city of Darna, as the Libyan Armed Forces intensified their raids on the strongholds of terrorist groups.
The Libyan air forces resumed targeting the strongholds of extremist groups in the surrounding area of Darna paving the way for the Libyan ground troops to achieve notable advance in the city. Sources revealed that the Libyan forces targeted the stores of ammunition possessed by the extremists, adding that the air bombardment of the extremists’ strongholds are still continued.
On the political side, Moscow expressed its appreciation to Rome’s interest in developing bilateral cooperation, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said opening talks with Italian Foreign Minister Angelino Alfano on Monday.
"We value the interest of our Italian partners in developing cooperation," Lavrov said. "We appreciate that Italy has a special place in the system of foreign policy ties relying on successful experience in different areas." He added, “Russia and Italy have been taking part in the activity of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe, the Council of Europe and in the formats created to settle the crises in Syria and Libya.”
On his hand, Italian Foreign Minister Angelino Alfano expressed his country’s readiness to cooperate with Russia on Libya, as Moscow's role in solving the crisis in the war-torn country is vitally important.
"Russia has always been in favor of maintaining stability in this country. Italy also believes in maintaining integrity and Libya's unity. We have always believed that Russia should play an important role in Libya Italy, as a non-permanent UN member, is ready to cooperate with Russia on Libya," Alfano said after a meeting with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov.
The Italian foreign minister emphasized that the two countries should cooperate in solving the Libyan crisis at all levels, including within the United Nations. Alfano noted that the situation in Libya might have an impact on the migration flow and security situation in the region.