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Harmony on Afghanistan, Libya and the EU
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September 03, 2021 The terrorism risk linked to Afghan refugees "requires high attention but that does not deny the responsibility of welcoming": Defense Minister Lorenzo Guerini told the Italian press after a meeting with US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin at the Pentagon. "Europe must live up to its values and do its part", he added, recalling that "Italy is doing it" after welcoming about 5,000 refugees and stressing that "we should be ready to deal with developments of the crisis ".
"The epilogue of the mission in Afghanistan has accelerated the reflection on a strategic review of security in both NATO and the EU", said Guerini, reiterating that he is in favor of a "strengthening of European defense with the assumption of responsibility when they must be taken "but" always under the umbrella of transatlantic relations and NATO ".
Dialogue with Russia and China but firmness on security
On the threats from Russia and China "Italy's position is clear: build all opportunities for dialogue but great firmness in protecting our security", explained the Minister of Defense, reporting that he had discussed the issue with the US defense secretary Lloyd Austin, in the context of the "growth of global competition" and "potentially threatening postures".