NEW YORK — “I bring the voice of the Italian people, a generous people and one that is committed to saving thousands of brothers and sisters in the heart of the Mediterranean” said Matteo Renzi at the UN General Assembly. 

  He also acknowledged that we must act against ISIS, “now that they are on our doorstep.”

  Italy is ready to take a leading role in Libya to address the issue of immigration and stabilise the crisis in that area. The Prime Minister spoke for 20 minutes to the General Assembly of the United Nations, where he called for greater commitment from the international community to address those crises that are likely to divide and overwhelm Europe. 

In front of world leaders, the prime minister reiterated that Italy will play its part, starting with regional conflicts in Africa and in the Middle East, terrorism, and the unprecedented flow of refugees.”

  “We are ready to take the lead in Libya” announced Renzi, explaining that “Italy is ready to work with a national unity government in key sectors, and if the Libyan government asks, to take the lead in an assistance mechanism and stabilisation with the support of the international community.”

  The Prime Minister wants to focus on communication between nations, saying “only through dialogue and negotiations can we give a future to the new generation”, also highlighting that “Europe was created to break down walls, not build them.”

  Renzi finally raised the candidacy of Italy as a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council, with the aim also to have more influence on issues, such as human rights, women’s rights and the death penalty.