by Paola di Caro
The Foreign Minister: “We will deliver the missile system together with France”
Antonio Tajani, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Zelenskyy immediately calls for more weapons, but there was resistance at the Ramstein summit, especially from Germany. What’s next?
“I keep repeating it: Italy supports every possible way to achieve a just peace in Ukraine, which means independence and territorial integrity of Ukraine. But in the meantime, the brutal and indiscriminate Russian attacks continue. More generally, the global consequences of the conflict, particularly in relation to food and energy security, remain severe. The conflict must be ended as soon as possible: but then it must be very clear to the allied countries of Ukraine that we must do everything we can to help this nation in its struggle for independence.”
And what is Italy ready to do?
«Italy has already provided Ukraine with 5 defense aid packages for around 1 billion euros. A sixth package is being prepared, which will include air defense systems. Minister Kuleba thanked for the support provided, I repeated that it will continue like this. In collaboration with France we are finalizing the shipment of Samp-T and in any case there are other actions that we are working on confidentially.”
Will Parliament be involved in these steps?
«He will always be informed about every initiative and every future delivery of military material. I remind you that the Ukrainian decree extended the possibility of deliveries until 2023. We will respect the commitment made.”
Until when can Italy withstand this conflict?
«At the current stage, uncertainty about the final outcome of the conflict dominates, which does not favor the possibility of serious negotiations between the parties. Logistical and military supply needs are increasingly becoming a key factor for both Kyiv and Moscow. The global consequences of the conflict, particularly in relation to food and energy security, are visible to all. A common goal and maximum cooperation with international partners are more essential than ever in this phase.”
Do you fear Russian disinformation actions?
“The Russian-Ukrainian conflict has increased Russian disinformation. The contrast with this toxic phenomenon is crucial. We must build societies resilient to disinformation, with policies aimed at digital literacy, fact-checking and the development of critical thinking. The war must not impose a “single thought” on us, I will say that at the outset, but we must not allow ourselves to be skewered by untruths and poisons».
After Turkey and Tunisia, you are visiting Egypt today and Prime Minister Meloni is traveling to Algeria: is it about the energy emergency?
“Of course, these visits are part of the government’s strategy aimed at strengthening energy cooperation – and not only – with the main Mediterranean countries. In addition to Algeria and Libya, Italy has started to import volumes of gas from Egypt. Egyptian energy resources are a concrete opportunity to strengthen the diversification strategy of Italian supplies».
Should the idea be a bridge between Europe and the Mediterranean?
«Of course, our trips are not only about energy: this factor can be an element to promote stability, growth and shared prosperity in the Eastern Mediterranean. Coordination with all major Mediterranean countries (Algeria, Egypt, Turkey, Tunisia) is essential to stabilize Libya. That’s what I said in a phone call to my colleague Abdullah Bin Zayed, the Emirates’ foreign minister. A “Compact for the Sovereignty of Libya” is needed, a shared commitment that will enable us to continue on the road to UN-led elections. It’s a difficult job, interests and perspectives are different. For this reason, the government has decided to be more present and active in the Mediterranean, we are working on an ever more intensive coordination. I am convinced: there will be results».
THEn Egypt, what else are you going to talk about?
«Italy, with ENI and its companies, has offered Egypt strong support in identifying and extracting energy resources. But we want to strengthen 360-degree economic cooperation. We also need to understand each other better on the most important political dossiers: especially in Libya. But there is also an urgent urgency to mitigate the impact of Russian aggression on Ukraine, particularly in relation to energy and food security. Then we want to think again about the possibility of joint and responsible management of migration flows. Again, our proposal is to open Egypt to the possibility of regular and legal flows, as long as they are always effective against illegal trade.”
In Egypt, the cases of Regeni and Zaki are still open.
“The Italian government and public opinion continue to urge the truth about the assassination of Giulio Regeni. Justice requires truth. I will reiterate that it takes concrete signals to find out the truth. It will be an important issue at the Cairo talks. In the case of Zaki, we respect Egyptian jurisprudence and hope that the restrictive measures against him will be lifted so that Patrick can return to Bologna to continue his studies.”
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January 22, 2023
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