Italy's defence ministry denies use of Sicily airbase to US planes carrying weapons
Sigonella base commanders cannot accept armed US flights without prior parliamentary approval
Change
Italy's defence ministry denied landing rights at the Sigonella naval base to United States military aircraft carrying weapons after the United States requested authorisation while the aircraft were en route, leaving insufficient time to obtain the parliamentary approval required by post-1950s treaties.
Why it matters
Treaties established in the late 1950s restrict use of United States Navy bases in Italy to logistical and training activities and bar using them as transit hubs for aircraft transporting weapons for war except in emergency situations. Requests submitted while aircraft are already en route do not allow time for the required parliamentary authorisation for non-emergency weapons transit, enabling the defence ministry to deny use of the base.
Implications
- — US military mission planners, US defence diplomatic teams, and Sigonella base commanders must ensure documented Italian parliamentary authorisation is obtained and presented before dispatch or arrival of armed flights — armed aircraft arriving without pre-obtained authorisation will be denied landing.
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Source
View on The Guardian