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Italian FM says cooperation with Russia key factor to resolve crises

The minister notes work with the US needed to involve Russia into current crises resolution
Italian Foreign Minister Paolo Gentiloni  EPA/AIDAN CRAWLEY
Italian Foreign Minister Paolo Gentiloni
© EPA/AIDAN CRAWLEY

ROME, July 19. /TASS/. Cooperation with Russia is one of the key factors of resolving current crises, Italian Foreign Minister Paolo Gentiloni said in an interview with Corriere della Sera newspaper published on Tuesday.

He described that the failed military coup attempt in Turkey, terrorist attacks in Nice and Dhaka and referendum on Brexit represent "a perfect storm."

"Strong nerves and a clear direction are needed now. Firstly, one should not abandon the idea of united Europe. Secondly, one should work with the United States to involve Russia into crisis resolution. Thirdly, one should fight against terrorism without giving in to illusions that it is possible only by military means," Gentiloni said.

Talking about Turkey, he noted that "the EU made a mistake 10 years ago." "By closing the door for Ankara (to join the EU), we did not facilitate positive tendencies of development in this country," the foreign minister added.

"The door to the EU is open today for a democratic Turkey," Gentiloni said noting that "the choice of Turkish authorities will be decisive now." Anti-democratic tendencies in Turkey after the failed coup attempt will have a negative effect on the agreement with the EU on refugees, he concluded.

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