ROME -- On Tuesday afternoon the Italian Ministry for Foreign Affairs was set to discuss the alleged “proportional” measures promised by the Italians if the Egyptians failed to deliver in the Giulio Regeni case after the meetings held in Rome on Thursday and Friday.  The meeting was due to take place between the Minister for Foreign Affairs Paolo Gentiloni and the Italian ambassador to Cairo Maurizio Massari, who arrived back in Rome yesterday for consultation after the meeting with Egyptian investigators did not turn up enough information.

 They reportedly said that they don’t want to start a “world war” but the government won’t stop until they get the truth of the events leading to Regeni’s death from Cairo.  At the moment the repercussions are coming in the form of economics, which could be counterproductive and unsuccessful ultimately, but a new route is the possibility of a suspension in cultural accords between the two countries.

 This would comprise of a warning to Italian researchers and students who are intending to spend time (or are already) in Egypt, as well as discouraging tourists from visiting the country.  The meeting was to clarify these points, however.  There are also those who worry about the breakdown of relations between Italy and Egypt, such as the president of the Chamber's Foreign Affairs Committee Fabrizio Cicchitto who reiterates the importance for the Italian government to recognise “Egypt’s strategic importance” and their “historic friendship.”

 A spokesperson for the British Foreign Office has also made their first official statement calling for transparency from Egypt in the case.  “We have raised the case with Egyptian authorities both in London and in Cairo, underlining the necessity for a thorough and transparent investigation.  We will stay in contact with the Italian authorities and with those from Egypt, meanwhile our thoughts are with Regeni and his family in this difficult time.”

 ch