Italy makes play for world role
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.ANTONIO MARTINO, the Foreign Minister, returned from Washington yesterday after the first round of the new right-wing government's drive to turn Italy from a small to a medium-sized player on the world stage.
He insisted, in talks with the US Secretary of State, Warren Christopher, and other American leaders, that Italy should have a permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council if it were enlarged to 10 members. He also demanded that Italy be included in the international contact group on Bosnia.
Professor Martino reportedly insisted that it would be 'unacceptable' if these demands were rejected, but did not appear to get enthusiastic support from his hosts on either.
Under its old political leadership Italy was a dutiful ally of the United States and an unquestioning supporter of European unity without any desire for a high profile. Professor Martino's task in Washington was to reassure the Americans that the government which has five ministers from the neo-Fascist- led National Alliance, was respectable and democratic - he also reportedly insisted it was 'centrist', not right-wing - and that the continuity of Italian foreign policy would be maintained, although the style is definitely changing.
Previous Italian governments had been angling quietly for a Security Council seat - Italian participation in peace-keeping and humanitarian activities was part of the strategy. But Professor Martino was the first to propose it openly.
The demand for a voice in Bosnia was at least partly rooted in bitter experiences in Somalia where the Italians, who had no say in co-ordination, had fierce differences with the Americans over tactics and where their troops suffered repercussions after US attacks made without consultation.
Although Italy has no troops in Bosnia so far, it is within missile range of former Yugoslavia and has already received threats from the Serbs - so far without consequences - for allowing its air bases to be used for Nato flights into the area.
Meanwhile, the government has offered to contribute contingents to UN operations in Bosnia and, if the conditions are right, in Rwanda.
The Corriere della Sera newspaper yesterday warned of the 'danger of foolish ambitions' and advised, 'watch out for boomerangs'.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments