INTERVIEW WITH ALFREDO MANTICA
ITALIAN UNDERSECRETARY OF STATE
FOR FOREIGN AFFAIRS

ITALIAN MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS

April 8, 2003

Q. Even the Italian government is with Blair, supporting a leading role for the UN in the post-war period.

A. Of course, we are with Europe, which right now is expressing a strong, united position in support of Blair. And with regard to the reconstruction of Iraq and support to the United Nations, Europe might rediscover that common spirit that it lost over the question of the war.

Q. Isn't there a risk that the US might see the position of some European countries, like France and Germany who declared that they were against the war as an attempt to side with the winner?

A. No country that takes part in determining the EU's policy can consider supporting a position antagonistic to the US. We must make that clear: the EU cannot and must not express a policy devoid of complete collaboration from both sides of the Atlantic. We must not strain our relations, otherwise the gap between some European countries and the United States will widen.

Q. What are some possible post-war scenarios? Could there be an escalation of the war to involve Iran and Syria?

A. I think that any attack against those two countries is unlikely. Instead, I think that the next step to the war in Iraq is to deal with the Middle East. Realistically speaking, no one can dodge this problem. That is Blair's position too, not to mention that of all the other European partners. The Palestinians and the Israelis will have to sit down at the same table to define how and when they will become two peoples and two states in the area.

Q. Is it possible to conjecture that Italian troops will be sent to Iraq during the peacekeeping phase?

A. If NATO and the EU request it under the auspices of the UN, we will not refuse. Besides, we have accumulated experience and esteem in previous missions, for example the peacekeeping mission in Mozambique. We are ready to do our duty.

Q. And the reconstruction? The Vice President of Confindustria is interested in the topic. The last word has yet to be said, but the countries who committed men and equipment to the war are at an advantage, says Tognana.

A. I would say that it's premature to talk about economics. On the other hand, I don't remember the Confindustria's supporting the war. Now, it will have to wait for recommendations from the government which we will provide when the time is ripe.