Iran, Tajani: 'More than 20,000 Italians repatriated'

Since the escalation of tension in the Middle East a week ago, more than 20,000 Italians have returned. This was announced by Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani during a press point at the Farnesina.

Tajani spoke of the situation in several affected territories, including the Maldives, where 'there are a thousand Italians' but the situation 'has eased with the departure of 600 fellow citizens this morning with two flights'.

"We are proceeding with the greatest number of flights in places where airports are being reopened, such as Dubai or Abu Dhabi". We are proceeding in the same way for Israel, 'to have all Italians leave by Sunday (8 March, ed)'. Flights, he added, 'will also depart from Egypt'.

And again: 'Almost all Eni employees left Iraq via Kuwait and from Kuwait they went to Saudi Arabia. The air force contingent in Kuwait was also reduced. Except for a few carabinieri who stayed to help our embassy in Riyadh'.

The map of Italians in the Gulf countries, a few days ago, showed the presence of almost one hundred thousand compatriots. In particular in the United Arab Emirates, with 30 thousand people between Dubai and Abu Dhabi, but also in Israel (20 thousand) and Egypt (10 thousand).