“We are working on guidelines for an integrated European policy on questions of strategic scope such as defence, energy security, development cooperation, migration policies and freedom of worship”, asserts Minister Giulio Terzi during an interview with Ilsussidiario.net. The head of Italian diplomacy underscores that religious freedom in countries where Christians are being persecuted is at the top of Italy’s agenda: “Italy’s commitment has been decisive also in the assertion of religious freedom as a priority among European themes. On our impetus the new European Strategy on Human Rights, approved in June, places a central focus on defending freedom of worship”.
How is it going to be possible to relaunch a European integration programme currently going through one of the most serious crises ever?
You touch on a pivotal point. Europe is not solely an economy. Recreating the conditions for a new cycle of economic growth is but one of the aspects of the challenge we are facing. We are working intensely towards a leap of quality in terms of policy and to allow Europe to function as a global actor on the main international scenarios. We must offer European citizens, who are making heavy sacrifices today, concrete prospects for a political project capable of protecting their interests in the world and ensuring them security and prosperity. The citizens of Europe must be able to look to Europe as a value and an opportunity.
Do you consider this a reachable goal?
Italy is among the more convinced supporters of the completion of the European institutional architecture, which must have, in addition to tools for better economic governance, also those needed to develop a more complete common foreign policy. I am personally engaged, along with a small group of European foreign ministers, in developing the concrete aspects of proposals on the “Europe of the future” and on a “Political Union”. We are working on guidelines for an integrated European policy on questions of a strategic scope, such as defence, energy security, development cooperation, migration policies and the promotion of human rights, beginning with freedom of worship
Is it right that the ECB should exercise tighter banking supervision over the euro-zone? What would be some of the possible long term implications for Union Members?
Europe has proven its determination to combat speculation by adopting incisive instruments such as the Fiscal Compact and the European Stability Mechanism. Now, thanks not least to Italy’s contribution, the European agenda is focused on a highly ambitious objective: to achieve effective economic governance that unites rigor, reforms and growth by using the right instruments at the right moment.
Do you believe that Greece is doing everything possible not to leave the euro-zone, or do you think it should do more?
Greece is doing what needs to be done to honour its pledges. It is a demanding effort since it means winning back the faith of the markets. The rigorous measures thus far adopted bear witness to Greece’s determination and its people’s, for whose sacrifices we must have profound respect. Italy, also in the context of Europe, supports Greece’s efforts, which must be oriented toward growth and employment. European solidarity, and the interest of the Greek people themselves and all the rest of us in the stability of the euro-zone, are the underpinnings of Italian foreign policy on Greece.
How has Italy acted to defend Christians in countries where they are being persecuted, particularly Nigeria and Pakistan?
Italian foreign policy places a central focus on the defence of religious freedom around the world, which the foreign ministry continues to monitor, striving to raise awareness among the leaders of countries where religious intolerance or persecution persist. Italy’s commitment has also been decisive in bringing religious freedom to the fore as a European focus. Italy has contributed to the EU Task Force on Religious Freedom, and continue in our efforts in the UN, the latest of which will be a workshop we are organising in late September in New York. We are also running specific projects for the training of leaders in countries where religious freedom is most at risk.
The very serious Syrian situation. Are economic sanctions the only way, as we await further developments? Might there be others?
The situation is grave; it is intolerable; the criminal conduct of the Assad regime has triggered a humanitarian tragedy of immense proportions. The crisis risks destabilising neighbouring countries, and of having a negative impact on the Middle East peace process and, consequently, on regional balances in general. Assad must step down, and the members of his regime must be replaced in every way with the sole exception of military intervention. It is our duty, that of the entire international community, to try to accelerate a political transition that is democratic and respectful of human rights and the rights of all minorities. With this in mind we organized a “post-Assad” meeting in Rome on 29 August whose participants included high-level representatives of the Core Group of the Friends of Syria, who dealt with questions of security, institution building, economic reconstruction and humanitarian aspects. We also continue to offer our humanitarian support to the victims of the violence. To date we have donated €3 million in aid and set up a field hospital in Jordan for Syrian refugees. We support the activities of UNICEF in Lebanon and give our maximum attention to possible initiatives offering aid to refugees in Turkey.
The ENI group risks losses of $2 billion through the Iran oil embargo. Why do you consider the anti-nuclear dossier on Iran reliable?
The sanctions against Iran have a legal basis in the resolutions adopted by the UN Security Council and the International Atomic Energy Agency. Teheran’s development of a nuclear prorgamme with a possible military profile is in violation of the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty, and constitutes a serious threat to regional stability and balances, and to global security. It is necessary to proceed along this route in order to convince Iran to comply with the obligations imposed by that treaty and the UN and IAEA resolutions. The sanctions, including those adopted by Europe, are working. It is therefore essential to maintain the pressure on Teheran.
What is Italy doing to support the development of Egypt and to find a reliable interlocutor in President Morsi?
Egypt is a highly strategic partner, with whom we have solid political, economic and cultural bonds. I met with President Morsi in Cairo in July, and will be meeting with him again in the coming days. Italy supports the process under way in Egypt, while underscoring the need for complete respect for human rights, international law and the obligations imposed by treaties in place, and the democratic values of freedom, in keeping with the legitimate expectations of the Egyptian people.
The international community must support Egypt in this phase. Italy is urging Europe to intensify technical, cultural, economic and political exchanges with Egypt along with financial assistance. Italy is the Egypt’s top export market at $756 million. We have launched a new 100 million-dollar debt conversion phase and are ready to finance a new programme for aid to the Egyptian trade budget. The new Egyptian authorities have confirmed their desire to fully restore a climate of free enterprise and foreign investment. Business relations may indeed be a major factor in re-establishing stability in Egypt and the region in general: working together, we can contribute to putting the Egyptian economy back on track by increasing prosperity and creating employment, especially for its young people.
