Italy says supports strikes on Yemen but cannot participate without parliament’s authorization

By Ahmet Gencturk

ATHENS (AA) – Italy support airstrikes on Yemen but cannot participate without the parliament’s authorization, the country's foreign minister said on Friday.

Speaking at an event in the northern port city of Rimini, Tajani, in reference to the strikes by the UK and US on Yemen’s Houthis, said: “We politically support this principle. We also participate in the [EU’s] Atalanta Mission [in the Red Sea] with one of our frigates. Yet, we cannot participate in sudden war actions, even if they are actions to protect international maritime traffic, without an authorization from parliament."

He also revealed that they were informed by the US on the attacks several hours in advance.

Underscoring that safe maritime navigation is of utmost importance for Italy, Tajani added: “Damage that is caused by having to force ships to go around Africa and not pass through the Suez Canal is paid dearly by our ports and our companies."

We are concerned about the latest developments in the Red Sea and continue to work for a political solution, he added.

Tajani asserted that Italy demands Atalanta Mission to be furnished with broader competences or a new European mission to guarantee free movement of goods should formed.

The US-UK attacks came in response to ongoing drone and missile strikes by the Yemeni group, which is backed by Iran, on international shipping lanes in the Red Sea that began in November in response to Israel's war on Gaza.

The Red Sea is a critical waterway for international commerce, particularly for oil and fuel shipments, connecting the Suez Canal in Egypt with the Gulf of Aden via the Bab al-Mandab Strait.

The Houthis have carried out 27 attacks in the Red Sea since Nov. 19, according to the US military.