Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni will host a call of Group of Seven (G7) leaders on Wednesday evening, India time, on the worsening of the crisis in the Middle East following Iran’s attack on Israel on Tuesday night. Meloni made the decision after holding an urgent Cabinet meeting at Palazzo Chigi to discuss the situation and assess the necessary measures after the latest escalation.
The meeting was attended by the Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani, who joined remotely; the Minister of Defence, Guido Crosetto; Undersecretary of State Alfredo Mantovano, who is delegated authority for the security services; the heads of the secret services; the diplomatic advisor to the President of the Council of Ministers; and, the Italian Ambassador to Israel, Luca Ferrari, who also joined remotely. “Italy will continue to strive for a diplomatic solution, including as chair of the G7. I have convened a leaders’ level meeting for this afternoon,” Meloni was quoted as telling her Cabinet. Earlier, Italy condemned Iran’s attack on Israel, expressing deep concern over the ongoing developments and appealed to the responsibility of all regional players, calling for any further escalation to be avoided.
“Italy will keep working towards a diplomatic solution, as current G7 President, to stabilise the Israel-Lebanon border through full application of Resolution 1701. In this context, Italy invites the United Nations Security Council to consider strengthening the UNIFIL mission’s mandate to ensure security along the border between Israel and Lebanon under applicable UN resolutions,” said a statement issued by Meloni’s office.
“It is equally urgent to reach an agreement for a ceasefire in Gaza and the release of hostages, in line with Resolution 2735. The Italian Government’s immediate priority is to ensure the safety of Italian citizens and the military personnel serving in the UNIFIL contingent. The Government task force has been put on permanent alert to constantly monitor developments in the situation and take any necessary action promptly,” it added.
On Tuesday, during her call with the Prime Minister of Lebanon Najib Mikati, Meloni assured us that Italy would continue to work on a de-escalation at the regional level. The G7 is an informal forum for leaders of seven major industrialized nations, including Germany, France, Britain, Italy, Japan, Canada, and the United States. Italy holds the G7 presidency and hosted the G7 Summit from June 13 to 15 in Borgo Egnazia in the country’s southern region of Apulia. Prime Minister Narendra Modi attended the G7 Summit’s Outreach Sessions at the invitation of Italian PM Meloni during his first overseas visit after assuming office for the third consecutive term.
–IANS
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