The Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Angelino Alfano, said: “The nation-wide cease-fire between the Syrian parties is an encouraging result. The truce between Assad and the Syrian rebels is indeed an important step forward, but further efforts are required to consolidate it”.
“Italy remains convinced that there cannot be a military solution to the Syrian crisis. Bearing this in mind, we hope that the ceasefire will be fully respected by all parties involved, which is also an essential condition for the humanitarian operations to be carried out – especially in the areas under siege – and for the resumption of a credible and inclusive political process that may put an end to the conflict in full respect for the unity of the Country,” said Minister Alfano.
While reaffirming that Resolution 2254 remains the fundamental point of reference for ensuring a successful transition in Syria, Alfano pointed out that “our Government welcomes the commitment made by the Russian and Turkish governments to have the warring parties respect the ceasefire, and the announced Astana initiative, provided that it succeeds in bringing the Syrian parties back to the negotiation table in Geneva under the auspices of the UN.”
This was the comment made by Minister Alfano, who in the last few days, during his telephone conversations with his Turkish counterpart, Mevlut Cavusoglu, and the United Nations Special Envoy, Staffan De Mistura, emphasized that Italy “is in the front line with a view to strengthening cooperation in the fight against terrorism also in light of the upcoming presidency of the G7.” Alfano also maintained that ” it is necessary for the United Nations to be able to monitor the evacuation of civilians from East Aleppo”.
Finally, Minister Alfano pointed out that “starting from 1 January, Italy, as a non-permanent member of the Security Council, will give an even more effective contribution to the achievement of a negotiated solution in Syria”.
