Tajani: “On missiles, each country for itself, now a peace conference”

Rome - Antonio Tajani, Minister of Foreign Affairs: On long-range missiles for Ukraine to strike Russian territory, London seems close to giving the green light.

"Each country decides how its military aid is used in a bilateral relationship with Kyiv. NATO's stance is clear: the Alliance is not involved in the war, and the Americans, in my view, are being very cautious."

Today, the British Prime Minister is arriving in Rome. What will Italy's position be?

"We have provided Kyiv with military, civil, and financial aid without reservations, and we are now preparing to send the second Samp-T battery to protect the Ukrainian population. Zelensky has never asked for more than we are offering. Besides, we don't have the same weapons as the British or Americans. I hope a serious peace conference can take place before the end of the year."

By delaying such a decision, aren't we benefitting Putin?

"That's the British position. I believe we need to stop the Russian advance. When Borrell made a similar comment to what Starmer is considering, the EU Foreign Affairs Council did not follow through. We have a Parliament and a clear agreement in place."

What are your thoughts on the US and UK accusations about Iran supplying 200 missiles to Moscow in exchange for nuclear technology?

"The G7 has issued a document condemning Iran's actions, strongly denouncing the supply of weapons to Moscow, which is a violation of international law and a threat to European security. We also send the same message to China: not to provide weapons or technology to Russia, but instead to urge Moscow to take steps towards ending the war and relinquishing the occupation of Ukraine."

The Chinese Minister of Foreign Trade is also arriving in Rome today, seeking leniency on EU tariffs on their electric cars.

"We want to work on an equal commercial footing, and we ask for fair access for our products to their markets. Our companies must be able to compete on a level playing field. To achieve these objectives, we support the tariffs proposed by the European Commission in Brussels, aimed at protecting the competitiveness of our companies. We are aiming for a positive atmosphere of cooperation and genuine reciprocity, to prevent dumping practices and incomprehensible obstacles from Beijing. All of this does not affect our good relations, as evidenced by Meloni's visit and the upcoming one at the end of the year by Mattarella, which I will also attend."

Today, Starmer will also discuss Albania with Meloni. Do you think our migrant project can be replicated?

"The British have always been interested in our project, and we are almost ready to start."

What do you think of the request for a conviction for Salvini?

"It's an unbelievable request, with no legal basis. Trying to manipulate criminal law to attack the government seems entirely illogical to me, as we've seen before with Berlusconi. We need to move forward with justice reform."

What are the real relations between the Berlusconi family and the government?

"Very positive, despite numerous rumours. There is no hostility from the Berlusconi group towards the government. On civil rights, any entrepreneur can express their opinion, but this doesn't imply anything strategic. Even the meeting with Draghi has no particular backstory: a large business group seeks stability and stays informed about international scenarios, nothing more. The party is fully autonomous and independent, and no interference has ever occurred."

La Russa questioned whether you owe any favours to any bank, given your early opposition to the windfall tax on bank profits.

"I was asked a question, and I answered. The dossier isn't even on the Economy Minister's table. Any additional contribution from banks or anyone else towards the national debt should come from a dialogue, not an imposition. I defend the economic fabric of my country, which is the real engine for growth and debt reduction. I stand by my right to hold a clear opinion on this issue and do not serve anyone's interests. I don't take luxury holidays, nor do I receive benefits from anyone."

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