Italian Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani, on Monday, asserted that the Gaza Strip should be an integral part of the forthcoming Palestinian state. This statement was reported by the Italian news agency ANSA during his participation in the European Union Foreign Ministers’ meeting in Brussels.
Tajani mentioned, as quoted by ANSA, “We believe that the only legitimate organization to govern it is the Palestinian National Authority, which needs to be reformed and modernized.” He suggested that, during a transitional phase, there could be a presence of the United Nations in the sector and a UNIFIL-type peacekeeping force to prevent a resurgence of escalation, similar to the situation at the border between Lebanon and the Israeli government.
The Italian official expressed his country’s readiness to play a role in achieving a two-state solution and establishing a Palestinian state, which should include the Gaza Strip governed by the Palestinian National Authority.
Tajani added, “We are ready to play our part if asked, and we support the deployment of units from our military police (Carabinieri). Italy, with its credibility in the Middle East, can play a significant role in achieving a two-state solution.”
