Italian deputy Premier and Foreign
Minister Antonio Tajani on Tuesday said "our first concern is to
safeguard our compatriots in the region and of our military in
Lebanon" deployed with the UN Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL)
and with the Italian Bilateral Military Mission in Lebanon
(MIBIL), addressing the foreign commissions of the Lower House
and Senate on the recent evolution of the political scenario in
the Middle East.
Tajani went on to say that, with Defence Minister Guido
Crosetto, "we are constantly monitoring the situation".
"We are ready to take any initiative to guarantee the security
of our contingents", he added.
The foreign minister went on to say that he had fresh talks a
few days ago with his Israeli and Lebanese counterparts,
respectively Israel Katz and Bou Habib.
"I asked them to work for the full implementation of Resolution
1701, concerning the respect by both sides of the Blue Line, and
to favour the mediation of US special envoy Amos Hochstein, as
well as guaranteeing UNIFIL's security".
Tajani added that "we are also continuing to follow with great
attention the about 4,000 Italians present in the country, most
of whom are dual nationals.
"We are ready for any event in case the situation deteriorates.
"We urge them to exercise maximum caution.
"Those who can should return.
"And we advise in the strongest way not to go to that country
until the situation remains this complex", he added.
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