Need to ensure Red Sea security without opening new war front - Crosetto

(ANSA) - ROME, JAN 10 - Safe passage must be ensured for ships navigating in the Red Sea without opening a new war front, said Defence Minister Guido Crosetto on the sidelines of a briefing to the Lower House on the decision to extend military support to Ukraine on Wednesday.
    Responding to a question on why Italy has not formally joined Prosperity Guardian, the US-led military operation launched in December to respond to attacks led by Yemeni Houthi rebels on shipping in the Red Sea, Crosetto said under the Italian Constitution international missions require parliamentary approval and separate funding.
    "Italian defence is not like British or American defence," he said.
    "If we decide to do it, it will be a decision that will go through the cabinet, it will be voted on by Parliament, it is not a personal choice," continued the minister.
    Questioned on his intentions, Crosetto replied: "We will see how (the situation in) the Red Sea evolves. I was the first person to raise the alarm on the Red Sea, it is a huge problem and it is a consequence of other hotbeds. I would not like to open a third war front right now. I would like to achieve safe passage in the Red Sea without opening an additional front". (ANSA).