The dispute erupted over a Fox News interview in which Rutte said 500 US aircraft had launched from bases in Italy. Rome’s Defense Ministry responded immediately, criticizing the NATO chief for conveying a ‘completely misleading message’ by confusing technical and logistical flights with combat missions.
Italy had always acted within the framework of its constitution and international treaties, the ministry said. Only technical procedures had been approved – requests that went beyond that had been rejected by Rome. ‘In cases where requests were made that went beyond this framework, Italy, as is well known, did not grant approval,’ the ministry stressed.
The aim was to smooth things over after Trump accused several European allies – including Britain, Germany, and Italy – of lacking support in the Iran war. The NATO chief acknowledged in the interview that there was ‘disappointment’ but spoke of isolated cases.
Source: www.welt.de
