The Italian Minister of Foreign Affairs, Antonio Tajani, referred to Greece’s participation in the European defense operation “Aspides” to protect commercial ships from Houthi attacks in the Red Sea, in an interview with the Corriere della Sera newspaper.

“The European institutions are working on this operation step by step. My country will have the responsibility for the operational party of the mission, at sea, but the central command from the land will be based in Greece”, said the Italian foreign minister.

He added that Italy will initially participate with the destroyer Caio Duilio. “We will participate in this operation together with France, Germany and Greece. However, other countries of the EU should be added”, said Tajani.

In relation to the prospect of weakening the Houthi attacks, Tajani expressed the hope for a deterrent effect after the start of the European mission, which “can contribute to limiting the intensity of the war in Israel, with the priority of releasing the hostages and truce”, underlined the head of the Italian diplomacy.

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“We are not deterred by the threats of the Houthis. We defend the trade movement, we don’t attack anyone, but we don’t want anyone to attack us. There must be free sea traffic: if there are attacks we will respond by defending Italian merchant ships. This should be very clear”, added the Italian minister.