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Italy FM warns Syria attack could turn conflict global

Iran Press TV

Fri Aug 30, 2013 4:19PM GMT

Italian Foreign Minister Emma Bonino has warned that a military attack on Syria will risk escalating into “a global conflagration,” saying that diplomacy is the only solution to crisis in the Arab country.

Bonino’s remarks came on Friday during an interview with Italian channel, SkyTG24.

"From a dramatic and terrible conflict, we run the risk of even a global conflagration," said Bonino, adding, "This is how it always begins. Limited strikes without a UN mandate. Syria will obviously react," she added.

The foreign minister also urged instead for a diplomatic and political solution to the crisis.

"Even though it seems slower, tougher and sometimes looks like it won't succeed, keeping up diplomatic and political pressure is the only solution," said Bonino.

The Italian foreign minister had earlier said that Italy will not participate in strikes against the Syrian government over the alleged use of chemical weapons.

According to government sources, Italy, which played a key role as a launch pad for strikes on Libya two years ago, will unlikely allow third countries to use its bases during an attack on Syria.

The call for military action against Syria intensified after the foreign-backed militants operating inside the country claimed on August 21 that hundreds had been killed in a government chemical attack on militant strongholds in the Damascus suburbs of Ain Tarma, Zamalka and Jobar.

A number of Western countries, including the United States, France, and Britain, were quick to launch a major publicity campaign to promote war against Syria.

The Syrian government, however, has vehemently rejected the allegation, saying the foreign-backed militants carried out the attack.

According to reports, the militants in Syria are backed by the Western powers and their regional allies -- especially Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and Turkey.

Syria has been gripped by deadly unrest since 2011. The United Nations has reported that more than 100,000 people have been killed and millions displaced due to the violence.

CAH/SS