Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani announced that Italy has been invited to participate in the meeting of the “Board of Peace” as an observer and has deemed it reasonable to be present in this role, as well as the European Commission. He explained that participation as a member is not possible, as Article 9 of the Board’s statute conflicts with the Italian Constitution.
The statement was made during a press conference after a bilateral meeting with his Canadian counterpart, Anita Anand. Tajani stressed that Italy wants to be a protagonist, but only as an observer, adding that the country has contributed significantly to Gaza and will continue to do so. He underlined that Italy is ready to train the new Gaza and Palestinian police, as well as to increase the presence of the Carabinieri in Rafah, for the sake of stability in the Middle East and peace-building.
Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has not yet confirmed her trip to the US and has asked Tajani to be ready to represent Italy at the summit. Meanwhile, Friedrich Merz has announced that he will not go to Washington. The issue was discussed at a government meeting at the Chigi Palace between Meloni, Tajani and Matteo Salvini, on the eve of the Foreign Minister's report to Parliament on Italy's participation in this initiative.
The session in the Chamber of Deputies is scheduled for 1:30 p.m., where the opposition is expected to speak out against the Board. Then, at 4:45 p.m., Tajani will report before the Foreign Affairs and Defense committees, according to the announcement by the President of the Senate, Ignazio La Russa.
