Minister Alfano: “Italy understands the reasons of a US military action, proportionate in time and manner, in response to an unacceptable sense of impunity, and as a sign of deterrence against the risk of a further use of chemical weapons by Assad, in addition to the cases already ascertained by the United Nations.”The Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Angelino Alfano: “Italy understands the reasons of a US military action, proportionate in time and manner, in response to an unacceptable sense of impunity and as a sign of deterrence against the risk of a further use of chemical weapons by Assad, in addition to the cases already ascertained by the United Nations.”The air raids conducted on Khan Sheikhoun on 4 April were ruthless and cruel for the high death toll they caused, including many children. They are vile actions that Italy and the European Union have firmly condemned and that add on to Assad’s reiterated violations of the ceasefire and the atrocious violence repeatedly perpetrated by his Armed Forces on civilians.Our Government is closely following the events unfolding in the Mediterranean, in consideration of its many and direct interests in the security and stability of the region.It is now necessary and urgent to reactivate the UN Security Council and make it fully functional in reaching a consensual Resolution in order to identify the parties responsible and avert future atrocities. As a member of the Security Council, Italy will continue to work towards this end.Moreover Italy strongly wishes for the international community to resume its commitment – on the basis of a renewed USA-Russia dialogue – to achieve a UN-led political transition in Syria in compliance with Resolution 2254 of the UN Security Council and the 2012 Geneva Communiqué. In this perspective, Italy looks with interest at the upcoming visit to Moscow of US Secretary of State Tillerson.It is necessary that Russia leverage its influence to facilitate a real ceasefire, ensure full access to humanitarian aid and promote a process aimed at progressively building trust between the Syrian parties.Situations such as these can only further strengthen the commitment made by Italy, the European Union and the international community towards achieving this strategic goal. In this respect, the upcoming meeting of the G7 Foreign Ministers in Lucca will represent a further opportunity to jointly take stock of the situation and confirm our collective will.”