“Italy is Italy is following the dramatic events in Yemen – a country that must also tackle the threat of terrorism and a dramatic economic and social crisis – with keen concern”. These were Minister for Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Paolo Gentiloni’s words on the latest developments in the crisis and on the military operations led by the coalition of Arab states. Gentiloni also expressed his “full understanding of Saudi Arabia’s security concerns”.
In the hope that these operations remain limited in scope, the Minister “condemns the offensive actions undertaken by the Houthis and their allies, who have put the democratic transition and the country’s pacification at risk”.
Gentiloni reiterated the need to “reverse the current recourse to violence and relaunch the political process to enable the country to return to stability. This should be done on the basis of the Gulf Cooperation Council’s initiative, the results of the National Dialogue Conference and the Peace and National Partnership Agreement”.
“Italy recognises Saudi Arabia’s right to defend its security”, concluded the Minister. “In line with the other European countries, Italy also confirms its support for the difficult task of the United Nations Special Envoy, Benomar, to find an inclusive political solution, resume the democratisation process as soon as possible with the support of the international community, and prevent any further spread of terrorism”.
