“Guaranteeing security and peace is a responsibility of the entire international community and cannot be left to bilateral relations”, observed President of the Italian Republic Sergio Mattarella while addressing the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE). The Italian President underlined the important role of the Council of Europe and the relevance of multilateralism: “co-operation reduces opposition, counteracts conflict and it increases the chances of a positive settlement of disputes”.
“War is a voracious monster, never satiated. The temptation to multiply conflicts is the backdrop to the belligerent action undertaken by Moscow. The devastation wrought on the rules of the international community could spread its effects if we fail in stopping this drift now. We must be able to avert the danger of an escalation of warlike adventures that, as experience teaches us, would be difficult to contain. We must be able to oppose all this with a resolute will for peace. Finally, Helsinki and not Yalta: we want dialogue, not shows of strength between great powers that must realise that are increasingly less great”, emphasised President Mattarella. The President’s speech was followed by a lively question and answer session.
Earlier in the day President Mattarella, accompanied by Foreign Affairs Minister Luigi Di Maio, exchanged views with Secretary General Marija Pejčinović Burić and President of the Parliamentary Assembly Tiny Kox. He also met with the Italian Parliamentary Delegation and Italian officials working at the Council of Europe.