Forum of the Union for the Mediterranean: the intervention of Minister Tajani and the focus on the conflict in the Middle East

Forum of the Union for the Mediterranean: the intervention of Minister Tajani and the focus on the conflict in the Middle East

Participation of the Vice President of the Council and Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Hon. Antonio Tajani, at the VIII Regional Forum of the Union for the Mediterranean.

The Vice President of the Council and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Antonio Tajani, participated today in Barcelona at theeighth forum
regional of the "Union for the Mediterranean". In his speech in plenary, in reiterating his firm condemnation of the Hamas terrorist attack on 7 October, Tajani confirmed Italy's commitment to supporting the legitimate Palestinian Authority. He has
then argued that it is important to reduce the spiral of violence triggered in the West Bank, in order not to undermine future prospects of dialogue between Israelis and Palestinians.

Greeting warmly the release of the first hostages, the Deputy Prime Minister underlined that it is a diplomatic result of great significance also for the future of the conflict.
“Italy is committed to bringing humanitarian aid to Gaza, in particular with the sending of a ship with medical capabilities and the possible preparation of a field hospital, declared Tajani, adding that “we are ready to ensure the hospitalization of minors Palestinians on national soil, if necessary in collaboration with the United Arab Emirates.”

On a regional level, the Deputy Prime Minister recognized that there is a risk of escalation especially regarding the demarcation line between Israel and Lebanon, with particular reference to Hezbollah's activities.

With regard to post-conflict perspectives, stressed that the only credible and sustainable solution to the crisis is a resumption of the Israeli-Palestinian political process. This will allow a clear distinction to be drawn between Hamas and the Palestinian people, with the latter's legitimate aspiration to create a state in a process that can also strengthen Israel's security. "It's obvious – concluded Tajani – that there must be one transitional phase with the full involvement of the national Authority Palestinian".

La meeting in Barcelona it was also an opportunity for a series of bilateral meetings with foreign ministers of countries that can play a key role at this moment, especially in the perspective of a de-escalation of the conflict in Gaza.
These themes, together with the political prospects for the resolution of the conflict, were at the center of the conversation with Saudi Foreign Minister Faisal, present at the meeting in his capacity as president of the “Arab-Islamic Peace Committee”, established following the Arab League summit recently held in Riyadh.

In particular, the Saudi side is looking to the future of the peace process in the Middle East in the expectation that this very serious crisis may give rise to a new impetus towards a solution “two peoples, two states”. This also implies a strengthening of the Palestinian National Authority which involves holding elections that can give strength and new legitimacy to the Palestinian leadership.

In the meeting with iTurkish Foreign Minister Fidan strong concern has emerged about the risks of worsening the humanitarian and displaced situation in Gaza if military operations were to resume with full force. This is why it is important to join efforts so that humanitarian pauses become more prolonged, structured and repeated.

With Lebanese Foreign Minister Abdallah Bou Habib, Tajani underlined the need to keep the situation in Southern Lebanon, on the border with Israel, under control, also making use of the role of Unifil as a communication channel between the parties. There is a common awareness that the resumption of a political horizon for the Palestinians can serve to prevent the exploitation of the ongoing conflict by extremist groups and ensure
stability in the region in the medium and long term.
With Egyptian Foreign Minister Shoukry, the Vice Prime Minister confirmed Italy's willingness to provide medical assistance to the population of Gaza both through the sending of a ship with hospital capacity and through the deployment of a field hospital. For both of these initiatives, Egypt's support and collaboration is essential, especially from a logistical and organizational point of view.
Tajani also thanked Egypt for the efforts made for the flow of humanitarian aid through the Rafah crossing, the commitment to the release of the hostages and for the relaunch of the political perspective of the formula “two peoples, two states”.