Sigonella, what happened and how the Italia-US agreements work
Italia denied the landing of American bombers. Agreements between the two countries stipulate that the OK of the Italian state is needed in the case of operations with warlike purposes
Key points
Between 27 and 28 March, Italia denied the US the use of the Sigonella base. The episode, which took place a few days ago, was reported by the Corriere della sera and confirmed by informed sources. The denial by the Defence Minister Guido Crosetto began when it became known about the flight plan of some US aircraft assets, which envisaged landing at Sigonella and then leaving for the Middle East. No one, however, had asked for any authorisation or consulted the Italian military leadership: the plan had in fact been communicated while the planes were already in the air and checks revealed that these were not normal or logistical flights and therefore not included in the treaty with our country. The US request, later denied by Italia, for the use of the base concerned in particular the landing of bombers.
Palazzo Chigi: 'We respect agreements, requests for bases examined case by case'
'Every request,' reads a note published by Palazzo Chigi after the news of Italia's 'no' vote spread, 'is carefully examined on a case-by-case basis, as has always been the case in the past. There are no critical issues or frictions with international partners. Relations with the United States, in particular, are solid and marked by full and loyal cooperation. The Government will therefore continue to operate within the framework of the treaties in force, respecting the will of the Government and Parliament, while guaranteeing international reliability and full protection of the national interest'.
Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni will address the House on 9 April. On that occasion she will provide information on what happened. The briefing, which does not include a vote by the Chamber, will also be repeated in the Senate.
In recent times, and in particular after the US and Israeli decision to attack Iran, the military port of call in Sicily has come under the spotlight. Indeed, it has not escaped the notice of the opposition in particular (led by the Five Star Movement and the Avs) that the traffic of American drones and planes has intensified, but - it has been repeatedly recalled by Defence sources - only for refuelling, logistics and aerial surveillance.
Pentagon: Italia respects treaties on bases
