France rules out Libya air strikes, says could help secure new government

France's foreign minister on Friday ruled out launching air strikes or sending troops on the ground to tackle Daesh group in Libya, but said it could help secure the UN-brokered national unity government in Tripoli, the Daily Mail reported.

There are fears that direct military intervention could worsen the situation especially if a political vacuum remains in the country.

"We shouldn't make the same mistakes as in the past. If you're imagining air strikes, ground troops, that's not on the table. It's not France's position anyway," Jean-Marc Ayrault told France Info radio.

"However, to secure the government, if Mr (Fayez) Seraj (head of the unity government) asks for international help then we'll study it," he added.

Diplomatic sources have said that so far there has been no request from Seraj other than to help him leave the country should the security situation in Tripoli deteriorate.

Western powers are backing the unity government, hoping it will seek foreign support to confront Daesh militants, deal with migrant flows from Libya to Europe and restore oil production to shore up Libya's economy.

"Yesterday, I spoke to Mr Seraj, who invited me to come to Libya. As soon as the conditions are right, I shall go," Ayrault said.

Ayrault said this week France hoped to reopen its embassy in as soon as possible as a sign of support for Libya's new unity government.

Source : MENA