ROMA (ITALPRESS) – Italy has denied the US the base of Sigonella. This is the site of Corriere della Sera.
According to the newspaper, it happened a few nights ago but the news was kept confidential.
The Chief of Staff of Defence Luciano Portolano would have been informed by the Major State of the Air Force that the flight plan of some US bombers plans to land in Sigonella and then leave towards the Middle East. No one would have asked for any authorization or consulted the Italian military leadership. The plan was in fact communicated while the planes were already in flight. From the first checks it would have emerged that it was not normal or logistic flights and therefore are not included in the treaty with our country. Hence the decision of the Minister of Defense Guido Crosetto to deny the use of the base. Portolano – on direct mandate of the minister – then informed the US Command of the decision taken: they cannot land in Sigonella because they were not authorized and because there was no prior consultation.
PALAZZO CHIGI “SU BASI MILITARI RISPETTIAMO I TRATTATI, CON USA RAPPORTI SOLIDI”
“Regarding news of the press on the use of military bases, it is stated that Italy acts in full compliance with the international agreements in force and the addresses expressed by the Government to the Chambers. The executive line is clear, coherent and already fully shared with Parliament, without any change.” So Palazzo Chigi in a note. “Every request is carefully examined, case by case, as always in the past. There is no criticality or friction with international partners. Relations with the United States, in particular, are solid and marked by full and loyal collaboration – the Presidency of the Council underlines. The Government will continue to operate in the wake of the Treaties in force, respecting the will of the Government and Parliament, while guaranteeing international reliability and full protection of national interest.”.
– photo IPA Agency –
(ITALPRESS).
