Italy to give Libyan rebels 500 mn euros

Italy has decided to increase its initial funding to the Libyan rebel National Transitional Council to 500 million euros (around $714 million) from an earlier announced 350 million euros, officials said.

Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi Thursday informed Libyan rebel leader Mahmoud Jibril about the decision over phone, Xinhua reported.

Italy has also vowed to provide trainers for the new Libyan police and military forces, and for the reconstruction of all other sectors including education, health and energy infrastructure.

Italy Thursday also reopened its embassy in Tripoli and nominated Giuseppe Maria Buccino Grimaldi as the new ambassador to Libya.

Foreign Minister Franco Frattini said a team of diplomats, experts and officials was already operating in Tripoli and was closely working together with the rebel forces.