Russia, Tajani: ‘The controversy over Cirielli is pointless; let’s meet in the open’

Brussels, 16 March (LaPresse) – The controversy surrounding Deputy Minister Edmondo Cirielli’s meeting with the Russian ambassador to Italy “is pointless, because Deputy Minister Cirielli received an ambassador accredited to the Italian Republic; we have not severed diplomatic relations with the Russian Federation. The meeting served to reiterate our position, the same one he reiterated to Rutte five minutes ago. It did not take place in secret; it took place at the Foreign Ministry, the Deputy Minister was assisted by officials from the Foreign Ministry, so everything was above board.” This was stated by the Foreign Minister, Antonio Tajani, at a press briefing on the sidelines of the Foreign Affairs Council in Brussels. “This happened several weeks ago; as we have diplomatic relations with many countries, if an ambassador asks to speak, he speaks. Our attitude towards Russia has not changed because the Ambassador of the Russian Federation came to the Farnesina,” he emphasised. ‘The position is as stated, reiterated by Cirielli: there is nothing to be scandalised about; we have not severed diplomatic relations with the Russian Federation. We have an Italian embassy in Moscow, which operates in compliance with the sanctions; we are in favour of the sanctions; we do not intend to change our position on the purchase of Russian oil; therefore, it seems that our position is always consistent,’ he emphasised. “The Iranian ambassador was also received; therefore, with regard to the countries with which we have diplomatic relations, we have always reiterated our position, which is one that condemns the invasion. We are on Ukraine’s side; we are not on Russia’s side,” he concludes.