Posted on 08/26/2006 3:54:21 PM PDT by familyop
Rome, 10 August (AKI) - Italy will have to rely on its relationship with Iran to play a role in the Middle East, says Abolfazl Zohrevand, Tehran's new ambassador to Rome. In an interview to Tehran's radical Kayhan paper, the ambassador said that "Italy, as one of the eight major world powers, is looking for a more relevant role in the Middle East - a role it won't be able to play if it doesn't exploit its relations with Iran."
Ambassador Zohrevand also called for "stronger support to the Islamic Republic from the new government" of centre-left premier Romano Prodi, which was sworn in in May. The diplomat said such support was likely given that, "contrary to (the previous conservative prime minister Silvio) Berlusconi, Prodi doesn't pursue the objective of helping US interests in the region."
Zohrevand said top on his agenda as the Iranian ambassador in Rome was to "create the conditions enabling the Islamic Republic to make the most of Italy's presence within the European Union, the board of governors of the IAEA (the UN atomic watchdog, International Atomic Energy Agency) and international institutions."
Italy is Iran's main trading partner in Europe and commercial relations between the two countries were reportedly worth five billion euros in 2005.
(Rah/Aki)
Posted on 05/27/2006 4:34:21 PM PDT by familyop
(AGI) - Rome, May 26 - Economic sanctions under discussion against Iran would damage Italy in particular, which is an important trade partner of Iran. This was the statement by Foreign Minister Massimo D'Alema, in an interview with the Israeli newspaper "Maariv". The head of the foreign office warned of the risks of an escalation in the international clash over the nuclear program of the Islamic Republic. "not only us, but also Americans believe that the possibility of a military attack on Iran is a disastrous possibility", explained D'Alema, "when we find ourselves faced with such a choice, we must evaluate costs and benefits for all parties involved". The foreign ministry spokesperson, Pasquale Terracciano, explained in a briefing that D'Alema feels that it is important for Italy to be involved in negotiations on the Iranian nuclear program. "In the un-hoped-for possibility in which an agreement cannot be found, Italy will pay a price and it is only fair that it has a say in the matter and not only because others have raised their voices". Terracciano spoke about the fact that on Tuesday Italy participated in London with the political director Giulio Terzi in a meeting as part of the G8 on Iran's nuclear program. "The countries of the G8 must be joined together in dealing with this delicate international issue", insisted the foreign office spokesperson, especially because Italy believes it has " a particular format adapted to favouring the treatment of sensitive political issues". (AGI) .
I guess my response would be that nations should ween themselves off trade entanglements that were problematic, but then who are we to talk? We might just as well put bulls-eyes on our foreheads for China.
Carter and now Obama do so much less than they think to stabilize the world. These guys not only destabilize the Middle-East, but also Europe.
Just imagine if the Shah’s family were still in charge of Iran. What a different situation that region would be in.
D’Alema is a Communist, the son of two high level Communists.
Which leads to questions as to why he had such a post in the Burlesconi administration.