NATO Secretary General Anders Fogh Rasmussen on Saturday condemned Libyan leader Moamer Gaddafi's threat to attack Italy, dpa reported.
"I strongly condemn the statement attributed to Colonel Qadhafi threatening Italy. I reject any threat against Italy or any other ally," Rasmussen said in a statement.
In a televised speech widely quoted by Italian media, Gaddafi said that there are Libyans ready to "move the war to Italy," and added that "they are right."
He made his remarks in the wake of the Italian government's decision to expand its role in NATO's mission in Libya by taking part in air strikes, as well as in no-fly zone and naval embargo operations.
"I cannot veto the decisions of Libyans who want to defend their lives and their country and move the battle into enemy territory," Gaddafi said.
Italy is the closest NATO member to Libya. NATO countries have a legal obligation to come to the assistance of a fellow member which is under attack.
Over his 41-year rule, Gaddafi has been a notorious sponsor of terrorism. Most notably, his regime has been blamed for the Lockerbie plane bombing of 1988, in which 270 people were killed.