Giorgia Meloni, President of the Council, reflected on her participation in the 79th General Assembly of the United Nations. She highlighted Italy’s priorities, such as support for Ukraine, efforts towards de-escalation in the Middle East, reform of the UN Security Council, governance of artificial intelligence, cooperation in Africa, and combating human trafficking. During a press conference, she addressed the situation in Lebanon, stating that while Israel has the right to defend itself, a large-scale war is not beneficial to anyone. She also reassured about the safety of Italian soldiers in the region, emphasizing the importance of concentrating on their security.
On the topic of Ukraine, Meloni affirmed Italy’s steadfast support for ending the conflict. Despite meeting with Zelensky and expressing optimism about the Ukrainian people, she stressed that Italy’s position remains unchanged. She highlighted Italy’s reputation for clarity and determination in supporting Ukraine, emphasizing the importance of consistency in foreign policy. Meloni explained that her participation in a virtual meeting on Ukraine, instead of being there in person, was due to scheduling conflicts and not a political decision.
Regarding criticisms about awarding Elon Musk by the Atlantic Council, Meloni dismissed allegations of interfering in the American electoral campaign. She clarified that the choice of Musk was based on his status as a prominent figure and not related to American politics. Meloni reiterated her opposition to foreign interference in domestic affairs, emphasizing respect for the sovereignty of nations. She denied having any contacts with Trump or his administration members, underscoring her commitment to maintaining a neutral stance on international relations.
In response to questions about potential changes to Italy’s citizenship law, Meloni expressed satisfaction with the current legislation, believing that the existing ten-year timeframe for eligibility is appropriate. She stated that Italy has a strong citizenship law and sees no need for revision. Meloni acknowledged the possibility of a referendum on citizenship, acknowledging that ultimately, it is up to the Italian people to decide through a democratic process. She emphasized her respect for the choices made by the citizens.
In conclusion, Giorgia Meloni’s assessment of Italy’s role at the UN General Assembly highlighted the country’s commitment to various global issues and partnerships. She reaffirmed Italy’s unwavering support for Ukraine and emphasized the importance of consistency in foreign policy. Meloni addressed concerns about potential interference in the American electoral campaign, emphasizing her commitment to respecting national sovereignty. She expressed satisfaction with Italy’s citizenship law and reiterated her belief in the democratic process, respecting the decision-making power of the Italian people.
