Iran, Giorgia Meloni reports to Parliament: "We don't want to go to war; we need unity and responsibility."

"A scenario that demands unity, responsibility, and clarity ": these were Giorgia Meloni's opening remarks in the Senate on the situation in Iran.

The Prime Minister then focused on the crisis of international law, the Russian invasion of Ukraine and the threats "in which we must place the American and Israeli intervention in Iran" , in which Italy "does not take part and does not intend to take part".

So a reflection on Italy's diplomatic commitment, and the condemnation of Iran's "destabilizing role" , and its missile capacity to strike Italy and Europe.

There are three main directions for Italy's action: first, diplomatic work , "impossible as long as Iran continues its attacks on the Gulf countries." But also, to make our voices heard "so that civilians are protected during American and Israeli attacks," also asking "that clarity be shed on the massacre of the girls in the Iranian school." Second, " complete the safety of the dozens of Italians remaining in the area ." Third, "Italy's participation in the two defense missions." The first is Aspides , whose naval force it will assume command of next week with the ship Rizzo, currently in the Red Sea off the coast of Yemen. The other is Atalanta , with the ship Bianchi, engaged in anti-piracy patrols along the coast of Somalia .

Regarding military bases, Meloni emphasized that all countries are committed to respecting the agreements made in this regard. " And that's what Italy is doing, and it's surprising that this decision is being condemned at home and praised abroad, including in Spain ," the prime minister said. "The bases granted are based on agreements dating back to 1954, constantly updated by governments of all stripes." And I reiterate that to date, "we have not received any requests regarding their use."

Regarding Lebanon, "I reiterated to Israel Italy's complete opposition to any escalation," stressing the importance of "supporting Hezbollah's disarmament efforts."

Then a passage on "multidimensional support" for Ukraine and the need to maintain pressure on Moscow, to bring it "to the negotiating table and contribute constructively to peace."

He then called on the government to commit to internal security , to take measures to combat the soaring fuel prices, including the possible activation of mobile excise taxes , and to pay particular attention to "preventing speculation on the crisis." " I advise caution to anyone considering exploiting this situation to enrich themselves at the expense of citizens and businesses, because we will do everything we can to prevent speculation on the crisis , including, if necessary, recovering the proceeds of speculation through increased taxation of the companies responsible ."

On the energy issue, Giorgia Meloni reiterated her commitment to strengthening Italy's strategic autonomy. She also called on the next EU Council to temporarily suspend the ETS mechanism , "which requires a review."

At next week's EU Council, "Ukraine will also be discussed: the conflict has entered its fifth year, Italy's position has never changed, we remain in support of the country, as I reiterated to Zelensky in our last meeting last Thursday." The EU Council will also discuss European defense readiness , "an increasingly timely and urgent issue, particularly with regard to the action plan on drones and anti-drone security, to which Italy, with its excellent defense industry, can make a vital contribution." Immigration will also be discussed , with a new attack on judges , according to whom "illegal migrants convicted of drug dealing, resisting a public official, collusion with sexual assault, gang rape, and sexual assault on a minor" cannot be "detained or repatriated because they have instrumentally applied for international protection."

" Today's crises do not allow for weakness or ambiguity: either Europe defends its borders, its freedom, and its well-being, or it is doomed to irrelevance in a world that treats no one with decency ," Meloni concluded. "It matters little that people try to say we are isolated precisely when we are at the center of every international coordination event; it matters little that we are told every time that the government should choose sides. I do not share this provincial vision of international politics, and even less do I share the idea that there is always someone to take a cue from." "We stand with a single interest: that of Italy , with roots in the Mediterranean, head in Europe, and heart in the West."

Announcements to the Chamber today at 4 p.m.

(Unioneonline/vl)