A “well-considered decision” by the Italian Government, a return to the negotiating table, Italy’s firm friendship with Israel. These are the key elements of Foreign Minister Giulio Terzi’s response to journalists’ questions in the margins of the conference at the MFA on combating sexual violence against children, the day after the UN’s decision to accept Palestine as an observer state.
Now the talks must resume
The Palestinians “must now undertake to return to the negotiating table” with Israel, “without pre-conditions”, said Minister Terzi. The Palestinian victory at the UN must not be exploited “to open proceedings against Israel in the International Criminal Court” and there must be “a commitment to view the Security Council’s resolutions as a key element in taking the negotiations forward”.
“Firm friendship” with Israel
The Minister underscored that Italy “stands firm in its friendship with Israel and with the Palestinians. And our relationship with the United States is also a priority. […] Italy supports the consolidation of the democratic foundations of the Palestinian state, which are embodied in the Palestinian Authority. Speculation as to Palestinian domestic policy must be avoided”.
A well-considered decision
Italy’s “yes” vote was “most certainly a well-considered decision. The Italian government’s line was expressed by the Prime Minister’s Office and was set out clearly yesterday in the Premier’s communiqué”.
