Italy Justifies Decision to US Board of Peace Meeting

(MENAFN) Italy has defended its decision to participate in the upcoming US-hosted Board of Peace meeting solely as an observer, emphasizing that abstaining would conflict with the country’s Constitution.

Speaking in the Lower House on Tuesday, Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani confirmed that Italy will attend Thursday’s inaugural session in Washington, DC, in an observer capacity. “Italy's absence from a discussion of peace in the Mediterranean would not only be politically incomprehensible but also contrary to the letter and spirit of Article 11 of our Constitution, which establishes the rejection of war as a means of resolving disputes,” he said.

Tajani explained that the government considered attending as an observer a “balanced solution” that respects constitutional requirements while allowing Italy to contribute to peace initiatives. He stressed that Italy aims to promote conditions for a two-state solution in the Middle East and noted that the European Union will also participate as an observer.

“In every contact with the American administration, we have always emphasized the need to ensure strict compliance with the principles of our Constitution and the involvement of Parliament,” Tajani added. He reiterated Italy’s condemnation of any proposals for Israeli annexation of the occupied West Bank, stating such actions “do not help peace builders and risk jeopardizing the two-state solution.”

Italian media previously reported that Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni had delegated Tajani to represent Italy at the Board of Peace meeting. The Board’s Charter was signed on January 22 by US President Donald Trump and representatives of 19 countries during the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland.

MENAFN18022026000045017281ID1110756359