ROME (AP) — Italy's defense minister says her government is ready to "positively evaluate" any request for air base or airspace use in the U.S. airstrikes against Islamic State militants in Libya if those measures would yield "a more rapid and effective end" to the campaign.

Roberta Pinotti made the comment to the Chamber of Deputies. Italy had previously said its base at Signonella, Sicily, could be used for U.S. armed drones if they are needed to defend U.S. forces.