Italy opposes Stoltenberg on using Western
weapons against targets in Russia
By Alessia Peretti | EURACTIV.it
27 mei 2024
Stoltenberg believes it is time for the allies to reconsider
restrictions on the use of weapons provided to Ukraine against targets in
Russia, a message that has caused anger within the Italian government, with
Deputy Prime Minister Matteo Salvini leading the charge. [EPA-EFE/FABIO
FRUSTACI]
The Italian government has objected to NATO
Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg’s call for allies to lift restrictions on
using Western-supplied weapons against targets in Russia.
Stoltenberg believes it is time for the allies
to reconsider restrictions on the use of weapons provided to Ukraine against
targets in Russia, a message that has caused anger within the Italian
government, with Deputy Prime Minister Matteo Salvini leading the charge.
“Stoltenberg should either retract his
statement, apologise, or resign,” said Salvini, who has previously faced
criticism for his pro-Russian stance.
“NATO cannot force us to kill in Russia, nor
can anyone compel us to send Italian soldiers to fight or die in Ukraine,”
according to the League (ID) leader.
“If they want to go and fight in Ukraine, let
Stoltenberg, (the French President) Emmanuel Macron and all the bombers who
want war go there,” Salvini said.
Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister
Antonio Tajani was more measured, criticising Stoltenberg’s method of
announcing decisions that member states had not yet taken collectively: “We are
an integral part of NATO, but every decision must be made collectively.”
Defence Minister Guido Crosetto echoed this
sentiment, stating that it is “wrong to increase tension” in an already
“dramatic” situation.
While reaffirming support for Ukraine,
Crosetto emphasised the need to “leave open the possibility of negotiating an
immediate truce and initiating peace talks in the coming months.”
On Sunday, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia
Meloni also responded to Stoltenberg’s remarks, expressing confusion over his
statement.
“I don’t understand why Stoltenberg would say
such a thing,” Meloni said.
“I agree that NATO must remain firm and show
no signs of weakness. There have been many questionable statements, including
from Macron. I advise greater caution,” she added.
(Alessia Peretti |
Euractiv.it)
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