Italy ready to strengthen South-East Europe

Luigi Di Maio Photo: Russian Ministry of Defence

ROME – Italy has declared it is ready to deliver 1000 reinforcements to South-East Europe, with deployment of the forces in Hungary and Bulgaria being considered, political sources said. A final decision was due to be taken during the NATO summit. Rome is ready to participate any NATO’s decision. 

 The purpose of such action is to “further increase deterrents to cope with the escalation in Moscow.” Italy only needs a formal green light from host countries it is still waiting for. For a few days, the Hungarian government has been conducting discussions with the leaders of the Atlantic alliance.

 The NATO ministerial meeting was scheduled to be held Feb. 16-17 in Brussels. US Secretary of Defence Lloyd Austin was due to participate in the meeting and talk with Italian Defence Minister Lorenzo Guerini. On Friday during the call between NATO leaders Joe Biden’s administration declared sending 3000 new units to Poland. In addition, France announced dispatch of 1000 soldiers to Romania. Italy also intends to send forces to South-Eastern part of Europe.

However, Italian Foreign Minister Luigi Di Maio highlighted that important thing is to “avoid escalation.” The Italian government’s intention is to keep a diplomatic channel open with Moscow.

 

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