“We are following the escalation in the Gulf region with great concern and fully understand the apprehension of the countries in the region, to which we have expressed and continue to express our solidarity. No more missiles, no more drones!”
This is one of the excerpts from Foreign Minister Tajani’s interview with Sky News Arabia.
The Minister recalled that approximately 100,000 Italian citizens live in the conflict area, many of whom in the United Arab Emirates, and thanked the Emirates’ authorities for their support to the Italian community and for their cooperation in providing assistance to our fellow citizens during the attacks.
Minister Tajani reaffirmed the strong friendship that binds Italy to the Gulf countries and Italy’s willingness to contribute to the region’s security. He said: “We have promptly responded to requests from some Gulf countries, including the Emirates, for assistance in defending the airspace. We have informed Parliament of our intention to provide assistance, including through military means, with the aim of protecting our partners and the Italian citizens and military personnel living and operating in that area.”
During the interview, the Foreign Minister also reaffirmed Italy’s position in favour of a diplomatic solution to the crisis: “We are always on the side of peace, political dialogue, and negotiated solutions, not the use of weapons. Italy has always supported the negotiated path; we want to soon enter a new phase in which diplomacy and politics return to the fore.”
With specific reference to the European strategy, Minister Tajani also noted that “Europe has firmly condemned the attacks. There is a document signed by the 27 EU Member States and the Gulf countries – hence there is a common stance. Europe is working for peace; it wants the goal of two peoples – two States to be achieved in Palestine. It is opposed to Israel taking over parts of the West Bank, but Europe is also opposed to the idea of Iran having a nuclear bomb.”
Referring to a possible attack on Europe, Minister Tajani also said: “I hope this will never happen; it would be unacceptable. We have made it clear that Cyprus shall never be attacked again; it is no coincidence that military ships from half of Europe have been sent in.” “Do not touch Europe,” Tajani stated clearly.
The Minister finally highlighted that the current crisis is having repercussions on energy markets and the prospects for regional stability. “The repercussions could be felt within a month; at the moment, there is only international speculation to drive up gas and oil prices,” the Minister said. “The energy issue is fundamental. We need to work to prevent an energy crisis, to ensure that the Strait of Hormuz is reopened and that oil-exporting countries can continue to do so.”
Minister Tajani expressed his hope that the conflict could end quickly and that a path of dialogue and negotiation could prevail as soon as possible. “We want peace and stability,” he reiterated on Sky News Arabia, concluding with a clear message to Iran: “No more missiles, no more drones.”
