Iranian sanctions framework updated. EU adopts temporary measures

The Joint Plan of Action (JPA) agreed to by Iran and the international community in Geneva on 24 November was activated today. In response to the limits set by Iran on the development of its nuclear programme, the European Union approved a series of measures that loosen the sanctions, laid down by and in strict […]

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Weapons of Mass Destruction-Free area in the Middle East: Dassù-Laajava meeting

Deputy Minister Marta Dassù met today at the foreign ministry in Rome with Finnish Under-Secretary of State Jaakko Laajava, appointed to facilitate the convening of a conference on the establishment of a weapons of mass destruction-free area in the Middle East. The topics of discussion included the latest development in the consultations conducted by facilitator […]

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Panama Canal: Minister Bonino speaks with Spanish colleague and Vice President Tajani

Within the context of the Italian government’s efforts to protect the interests of Italian firms participating in international consortium for the widening of the Panama Canal, Minister Bonino met with her Spanish counterpart Garcia-Margallo, with whom she discussed possible common initiatives for resolving the dispute between the consortium of European firms and the Panamanian authorities. […]

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DEI/Sole 24 Ore – Algeria: Air Algérie boosts fleet with the purchase of 3 ATR 600

Air Algérie signed a contract for the purchase of three ATR 72-600 valued at an approximate 75 million euro. The operation falls within the broader sector growth strategy outlined in the company’s 5-year 2013-2017 development plan, which aims to increase air links with the African continent and eastward. On the same occasion contracts were also […]

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G8/G20 – Young Ambassadors recruit Italian delegations

Recruitment has begun for Italian delegations of the Young Ambassadors Society (YAS) who will take part in the official events parallel to the G8/G20 in Russia and Australia. With the support of the MFA, YAS is in search of 5 talented students or young professionals to represent Italy at the “Y8/Y20” meant to mirror the […]

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Valensise, Egypt key to area stability

“I delivered the Egyptian authorities Minister Bonino’s invitation to participate in the international conference on Libya being organised by the foreign ministry for 6 March”, reported Secretary General of the MFA Ambassador Michele Valensise at the end of a two-day mission to Egypt, where he had a busy agenda of meetings. Valensise added that he […]

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Giro: «Ue, il semestre italiano e l’ora delle scelte» (l’Unità)

L’imminenza delle elezioni europee e del semestre italiano di presidenza, rimette al centro del dibattito pubblico il tema dell’integrazione europea, così complesso e poco frequentato. È già un risultato che con la crisi finanziaria si sia parlato più di Europa, anche se limitandosi all’Euro. Posizioni divergenti su come uscire dalla crisi hanno dato vita ad […]

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EU: FAC on Syria, Central Africa and nuclear question – Bonino raises case of marines – Brussels confirms interest

The Iranian nuclear programme, the Syrian crisis ahead of the Geneva 2 meeting of 22 January and the crisis in the Central African Republic were among the principal topics addressed by the Foreign Affairs Council (FAC) in Brussels. Minister for Foreign Affairs Emma Bonino raised the issue of the case of the two marines – […]

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The main themes of the Foreign Affairs Council in Brussels

The Southern Neighbourhood (particularly Syria and Egypt), Middle East peace process, Afghanistan, Iran, preparations for the EU-Russia summit, the Central African Republic and South Sudan will make up the agenda of the EU foreign ministers at the Foreign Affairs Council meeting (FAC) to be held in Brussels tomorrow. The ministers will discuss the political and […]

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Syria: OPCW Director General, generous contribution from Italy

“Italy has made an important contribution to international efforts to eliminate the Syrian chemical arsenal, the latest being its permission to use the port of Gioia Tauro” for transboarding the chemical agents to the U.S. ship the Cape Ray, which will then destroy them. With these words, as he accepted the University of Bologna’s Sigillum […]

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New Consulates in China and Vietnam – Farnesina, growth diplomacy opens new missions

The foreign ministry confirmed it would be opening two new Consulates General, one in Ho Chi Minh City, the financial capital of Vietnam, and one in Chongking in south-central China, a city of over 30 million inhabitants. “The openings fall within the scope of the growth diplomacy programme promoted by Minister Emma Bonino and aimed […]

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Aprono due nuovi Consolati a Ho Chi Minh e Chongqing (in translation)

Due nuovi consolati in Vietnam e Cina. La Farnesina ha formalizzato l’apertura di due rappresentanze diplomatica a Ho Chi Minh City, capitale economica del Vietnam, e Chongqing, municipalità di oltre 30 milioni di abitanti situato nel Centro-Sud della Cina. L’attuale stato della rete diplomatica-consolare nel mondo è stata inoltre oggetto dell’audizione della Vice Ministro degli […]

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