The Syrian crisis and the future of Afghanistan, but also other aspects of bilateral relations. Italian Foreign Minister Emma Bonino\u2019s packed agenda in New York started with a discussion with her Iranian colleague, Javad Zarif. In the US megalopolis, in the margins of the 68th General Assembly of the United Nations \u2013 which the minister is attending along with Prime Minister Enrico Letta \u2013 the foreign minister will be engaged in a whirl of meetings with her colleagues and taking part in numbers UN events. These include meetings on the Millennium Goals, on fighting malaria and on the campaign against the death penalty.<\/P>
\n
Bilateral with the Iranian Foreign Minister, Zarif<\/STRONG><\/STRONG><\/P> But it was a bilateral with the Foreign Minister of the recently elected President Hassan Rohani\u2019s Iran that opened the week of meetings in the shadow of the UN building. Syria and Afghanistan were the two key issues for discussion. Minister Bonino underscored that, on the Syrian crisis, \u201cfor various reasons a \u2018window\u2019 of time has opened up. A window that must be exploited to the full by diplomacy and by politics. We have two paths to follow, two paths than can be parallel. One concerns the chemical weapons convention, and the other the political channel which, if it works, could lead to a ceasefire. Because it\u2019s very difficult to actually begin destroying the weapons if the civil war continues at this level\u201d. <\/P> Syria: we need to ensure humanitarian access, says Bonino<\/STRONG><\/STRONG><\/P> Minister Bonino also stressed the human tragedy that is inextricably linked to the Syrian crisis. A political agreement leading to a ceasefire \u201cmust also ensure humanitarian access, which to date has been impossible. We don\u2019t want this issue to be forgotten at the negotiating table\u201d, underscored the minister at the end of her meeting with Zarif.<\/P> Memorandum of Understanding on Afghanistan<\/STRONG><\/STRONG><\/P> A Memorandum of Understanding on Afghanistan has also been signed, concerning the period following the withdrawal of the troops belonging to NATO\u2019s International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) mission. \u201cThe Italian effort is focused on Herat province, where collaboration with the Iranians is vital\u201d, commented the minister. \u201cBut we need to revitalise that collaboration, given that we\u2019ll still be in the region after 2014, albeit in another format\u201d.<\/P>
\n
\n
\n
\n
\n
\n