ROME – Italy is working on two open fronts “with a single objective”: to reach a “ceasefire” in Gaza also with the help of our soldiers, starting with the Carabinieri, for a “two peoples, two states – Israel and Palestine” solution; and to re-establish international law, to avoid civilian casualties, and to prevent “an escalation that would have dramatic outcomes for the regions involved and, from an economic development and growth point of view, for the entire world”. This is why Italian Minister of Foreign Affairs Antonio Tajani is toning down his words but is not ceasing to keep every diplomatic channel open to resolve the Middle East crisis and the conflict between Russia and Ukraine. He is following with a “very attentive” eye the situation in Venezuela, which involves “Italian nationals, with and without dual citizenship, who are being arrested and subjected to violence by Maduro’s Government, which has yet to prove its victory in the elections”. He also made a strong request on a somewhat related topic, affirming that “In such a difficult global situation, it is time for the ECB to undergo a transformation, also from an institutional point of view. It cannot only control inflation, it should also stimulate the economy. This can be done immediately by decisively lowering interest rates.”
You are currently in Switzerland to meet your Swiss counterpart. What is your objective? “I want to exchange views on the topic of the peace summit to resolve the conflict between Russia and Ukraine: we will agree to remain in close contact in order to cooperate to create the best possible conditions for a second peace summit involving all parties, including Russia, and all relevant global actors. We will also invite all international actors to spare no effort towards establishing a shared negotiating platform, based on respect for international law and for the territorial integrity and sovereignty of all States, as enshrined in the UN Charter, while taking into account the proposals made so far by several parties to end the conflict.”
On this subject, what is your position on the Ukrainian advance and the attacks on Russian territory? There are those who hope for such a development and those who fear it.
“We have always been clear on this point. We support Ukraine without ifs and buts, and we can understand their desire to defend themselves even by counter-attacking, but we are not at war with Russia. The weapons we have provided cannot be used to attack Russia on its territory.”
Have you told this to Zelensky?
“We will officially discuss this with Ukrainian Minister Kuleba at the end of the month at the EU Foreign Affairs Council. We will ask for clarifications and then evaluate how to act. It is certain that we will not send our soldiers to fight and we urge everyone to exercise the utmost caution.”
You are doing the same with Israel, albeit without much result so far. The opposition is asking you to be more decisive, Conte has asked to recall the ambassador from Tel Aviv.
“The opposition’s position is still unclear. Everyone says different things, they all act on their own. Our line is very clear. We strongly urge Israel – which has the right to defend itself, as we have always said – to stop the attacks resulting in a very high number of civilian casualties, which is contrary to international law. A process is underway, negotiations are taking place, we are against any act that further raises the tension and involves innocent people. As also recently said by Biden, it is time for a ceasefire, it is not too late.”
What is Italy still willing to bring to the table?
“In addition to diplomacy, to the Food for Gaza initiative, with the objective of the two peoples, two States solution, we are ready to offer our forces – starting with the Carabinieri, for whom we have already had requests for availability – for a mission to monitor the establishment of the Palestinian State, led by the Arab countries.
This would naturally be in collaboration with Israel, which has full right to exist, and with the PNA, which is our interlocutor and is internationally recognised, certainly not with Hamas.”
In your opinion, what could be the risks, including economic ones, if the situation explodes?
“Enormous. As a matter of fact, we are already involved in the Aspides mission to protect trade in the Red Sea. The economy has been strongly affected by these crises. Prices of raw materials have risen, there has been high inflation, but also much lower growth than otherwise expected. Also for this reason, we ask the ECB to no longer just act as the guardian of rigour – given that even the country that had insisted the most on this point, Germany, has problems with growth – but to also stimulate the economy, to boost it, by decisively lowering interest rates and meeting the needs of businesses.”
They accuse you of being the guardians of the banks’ interests.
“But that is not the case at all. We want a healthy system. As also stated by the ABI President, Antonio Patuelli, it is fair for banks to pay taxes like any business, but it would be a mistake to adopt oppressive measures on extra profits as they would affect local banks, the smaller institutions that provide loans to small and medium-sized enterprises. To affect them is to affect entrepreneurs, especially the smallest and most fragile ones.
Fortunately, our banking system is solid, therefore there’s no need to create unjustified alarm.”
