«In the case of the marines, I am more hopeful than ever that our road map will lead to the expected results. We are awaiting the end of the inquest, and then the opening of the trial in a special court in September. I think we will be able to bring them home before Christmas”. Every day has its trials for Emma Bonino who, at the helm of the foreign ministry, has been finding herself managing the crises left by others, such as the case of the marines, or the Shalabayeva mess. But she’s tenacious.
Minister Bonino, the arrest of Ablyazov raises some uncomfortable suspicions that countries like Italy and France are a bit too sensitive to Kazakh pressure…
«The two cases are different. Interpol had a warrant out for Ablyazov, and now it’s up to France to decide on extradition. Shalabayeva’s is another story: the rapid expulsion of a woman and her child for whom no arrest warrant had been issued. And it was done in a way that is still unclear and is still under investigation, but the picture forming is of a situation where haste led to mistakes. We only found out about it after the fact, and have done everything we could to help the woman».
How can a repetition of this sort of thing be avoided?
«There has to be more coordination between ministries»
Have you asked Premier Letta for that?
«Of course. Personally and in writing. And Letta reminded our colleagues in the government to involve us systematically in anything that could have international repercussions».
The southern Mediterranean is having a difficult season. What can Europe do?
«In the first place we mustn’t think of ourselves as omnipotent. Some simplistically saw the Arab revolutions as a spring that would effortlessly evolve into democracy. But it has never happened that way. The processes are more complicated. What is taking place is an enormous clash within the Arab world, first of all within the Sunni family. So it’s difficult to pretend that Egypt play a determining role, even with all the best intentions».
The situation in Egypt seems to be at a dead end.
«It is clearly explosive; we are doing everything possible to reach a solution inclusive of transition. But we’re not there yet».
Hence your appeal yesterday to Italian tourists.
«No need to panic, but use good sense. We are asking anyone vacationing at Egyptian seaside resorts not to go on excursions; and to register at www.dovesiamonelmondo.it. That way we know where they are and how to reach them, inform them, in case of need».
If things are bad in Egypt, they’re not much better in Libya.
«We have been and continue to be very proactive in Libya. But the situation there is very complex. There are tensions that risk fragmenting the country. That makes it easier for the criminal organizations exploiting migrants: we are going to have to expect another wave toward our coasts. And I plan to put the case today to the Committee for Public Order and Security».
What are the prospects for the Syrian situation?
«If it were possible to come up with solutions alternative to and more rapid than a Geneva 2, I would be very happy. I continue to think that there is no military solution, and that the only option is political. I believe that one point of leverage could be dialogue with the Russians, because the whole region risks exploding, and it is in everyone’s interests to avoid that. I will be discussing this with them at the upcoming summit».
Any news of the journalist Quirico?
«None. We really are trying every possible contact. What gives me hope is that we haven’t had any bad news».
Afghanistan: what to do in 2014? Under what conditions would it be right to stay?
«I think it would make sense to stay under conditions marked by Afghans’ shouldering of responsibility and change. For example, it would be useful to have a new UN Security Council resolution stating the opening of a new phase, not of disengagement but of different engagement; and then, naturally, there is the need for a regional accord. But just leaving would not be the best choice, after everything we’ve invested both humanly and financially. We owe it also to the dozens of our troops who gave their lives to give Afghanistan hope for a better future».