Meloni: "Two priorities: the ceasefire in Gaza and negotiations on Iran"

Giorgia Meloni returns to Parliament . As usual, before the European Council that sees the Prime Minister meet in Brussels with the other heads of state and government of the 27, the government communications and the vote on resolutions are held in the Chamber and the Senate. The Prime Minister sat between the two ministers Matteo Salvini and Guido Crosetto, while the benches of the Chamber are almost full.

The Middle East is at the top of the international agenda. "I confirm what Ministers Tajani and Crosetto have already declared in recent days: no American aircraft took off from American bases and we did not participate in the operation in any way ", Meloni immediately clarified, avoiding the doubts raised by some opposition parties. "We are all aware of the risks deriving from further destabilization of an already troubled region. In such a delicate phase , dialogue between the government and the opposition is important for the good and security of the nation's interests. I will do my best to expand this dialogue", the Prime Minister added. She hoped for a diplomatic way to put out the crisis. "The hypothesis that Iran would equip itself with nuclear weapons is very dangerous, it would not only be a vital danger for Israel but it would start a race to equip itself with nuclear weapons creating a domino effect that would be very dangerous. Only coordinated diplomatic action can guarantee peace in the region - said Meloni - it is time to abandon ambiguity and distinctions, Iran must avoid retaliation against the US and must seize the opportunity of an agreement with Washington on the nuclear program". On the risks of an interruption of transit along the Strait of Hormuz , the prime minister raised the possibility of an increase in energy prices and reassured: "We have already taken care of ensuring Italy has the necessary energy supplies".

On Gaza, Meloni said that a ceasefire was a priority for Italy and added: "The legitimate reaction to the attacks of October 7 is taking dramatic and unacceptable forms that Israel must stop immediately."

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Tomorrow, on the eve of the European Council, the NATO summit in The Hague is also scheduled, in which Italy will commit to increasing defense spending. Thanks to the mediation requested by Italy, there will be a period of ten years to reach 3.5 percent of GDP in defense spending, flexibility and a review in 2029. "Regarding the 1.5 percent dedicated to security, we asked and obtained that the member states decide what the threats are for their citizens and what spending to make," she added. "These are important commitments that this government will respect," said the prime minister. "We will not leave Italy exposed, weak" and incapable "of protecting its interests." " If you don't know how to defend yourself, you don't decide, if you don't decide you can't consider yourself fully free," Meloni added. "This is why I have always supported the need to build a solid European defense pillar" to accompany that of the United States.

On the other war front, the prime minister stressed the lack of progress at the negotiating level and announced a new conference for reconstruction, on July 10 and 11 in Italy. The government – ​​she said – is moving in two directions: "Support for Ukraine and pressure on Russia". On the second point, Meloni said that a new package of sanctions is ready. For the prime minister, "Ukraine's commitment to peace is a clear commitment starting from the immediate willingness to accept the ceasefire up to the willingness to have direct talks with Russia". The resumption of dialogue and the exchange of prisoners are steps forward "but insufficient: the Russian Federation must demonstrate that it wants to engage in the negotiating process and at the moment we do not see this commitment", she added.

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