Italy and the United States “are working in the same direction” on the main international dossiers, from the Syrian crisis to the Libyan and Afghan transitions. “We acknowledged a complete unity of intent on stabilisation and security reinforcement on all international scenarios from Libya, to Mali to Syria”, Minister Giulio Terzi explained at the end of a meeting in Washington with US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton.
Afghanistan: still problems but many successes, says Terzi
Italy, the United States and the other NATO members engaged in Afghanistan are “maintaining the timetable” outlined during the Alliance’s latest summit in Chicago, Terzi explained, adding that, thanks to the training programme for Afghan security forces that they had now reached “a considerable number of operational staff”. “There are still many problems”, he added, “but we are confident that the stability agenda can be carried forward”. What’s more, “remarkable progress has been made over the past decade”. Clinton expressed “appreciation for the sacrifices by the Italian military and their families” during Italy’s engagement in Afghanistan and recalled the US and Italy’s common commitment to the Afghan “road map”, acknowledging Italy’s “leadership” role and “generosity” in ensuring its support to Afghan security forces after 2014.
Libya: Italy’s role crucial to defence of the population, says Clinton
“Italy has had and continues to have a crucial role in the context of NATO’s recent defence of the Libyan people from Gaddafi’s violence. More than four thousand mission were launched from Sigonella”, Clinton said, pointing out that “Italy’s support was fundamental” also after the attack on the consulate in Benghazi that cost the life of Ambassador Chris Stevens. Clinton thanked Terzi and the Italian government “for what you have done. We will continue to work together to stabilise Libya and give the Libyan people the future they desire”. Terzi reported that “we were shocked in Rome” at the killing of Ambassador Stevens, who “left behind many friends”. Italy considers his “sacrifice” an “encouragement to make a greater commitment to the democratic and peaceful future of Libya” and that “we are working with the US to strengthen political institutions, and a government backed by the people”.
Syria: working with the opposition
“In Syria too”, Terzi went on, “despite the enormous crisis, we are working with various opposition groups toward creating the opportunity for a new future in a country that respects human rights and those of minorities”.
Nobel Prize to the EU: Terzi-Clinton satisfaction
Both Terzi and Clinton hailed the choice of the EU for the Nobel Peace Prize. “My congratulations for an acknowledgement”, Clinton said, “of what was no accident but the fruit of hard work and dedication to a more united and peaceful Europe”. Terzi spoke of the “recognition of the role that Europe plays in the world. The hope is that it will always speak with one voice and, in that way, give ever increasing strength to the common values that regulate transatlantic relations”.
Terzi presents the Year of Italian Culture in the USA
“I have the honour, my dear Hillary, to present 2013, the Year of Italian Culture in the United States”, said Terzi as he introduced this highly important initiative, underscoring how “culture takes on a central role in foreign policy, especially for Italy”. “I can’t wait”, Hillary replied, “I thought that every year was a celebration of Italian culture. I am excited at the very idea of being able to enjoy everything Italian in our American cities”.