Meloni: We have not received any request for the use of bases; we do not want to start a war
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni stated that Italy has not received requests to use military bases in the context of escalating tensions in the Middle East and emphasized that no war is desired.
In a recent interview with Italian private radio RTL 102.5, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni addressed concerns surrounding military operations amidst rising tensions in the Middle East. She clarified that Italy has not received any requests for the use of its military bases by foreign powers and underscored the country's stance of not wanting to engage in conflict. This statement comes in the midst of a broader geopolitical landscape where nations are closely monitoring the situation in the region.
Meloni pointed to existing bilateral agreements regarding these military bases, established through the agreements of 1954, which have been updated over the years. She reaffirmed that the Italian Parliament would need to authorize any military use of these bases, particularly in operations involving bombing missions. This reflects Italy's commitment to maintaining sovereignty over its military resources while navigating an international climate that is increasingly fraught with tension.
In addition to clarifying Italy's position on military base usage, Meloni highlighted the country's intent to provide humanitarian assistance to Gulf countries, aligning with the support from other European nations such as the UK, France, and Germany. This multifaceted approach indicates Italy's careful balancing act in the face of geopolitical pressures, seeking to support allies while avoiding direct military involvement in ongoing conflicts.