Italy welcomed the news of the 24 August signing in Maputo of an accord between the Mozambican government and Renamo aimed at ending political and military tensions, halting the hostilities and reinstating conditions for peace and stability.
“This is a victory”, declared Deputy Foreign Minister Lapo Pistelli, “for all Mozambicans, and a major step toward bolstering the trust of Mozambique’s international partners. The accord establishes the conditions necessary for the full participation of all the country’s political forces in the upcoming 15 October elections, which we hope will be able to take place in an atmosphere of serenity, openness and transparency”.
“Italy will not fail”, Pistelli continued, “to retain a prominent role – as Prime Minister Matteo Renzi underscored while on a recent visit to Maputo – in fostering the maintenance of peace and stability in Mozambique, which are indispensable prerequisites for the continued pursuit of economic and social growth”.
