Italy urges a diplomatic solution in Niger. Yesterday, Vice President of the Council and Italian Minister of Foreign Affairs Antonio Tajani addressed the issue of the coup in Niger: "We'll have to wait and see what happens in the coming days: we favor a diplomatic solution. West African countries must decide what to do: they have given the coup plotters a seven-day deadline, and on Wednesday, the chiefs of staff of West African countries will meet and may decide to intervene in Niger. We, on the other hand, hope for the restoration of democracy and legitimacy, as well as the return of the president elected by Nigerien citizens. Europe has sent a clear message to the coup plotters: no recognition of their government". "I spoke with French Foreign Minister Colonna, with EU representative Borrell precisely to coordinate us - he added - soon I will also discuss with US Secretary of State Blinken, in order to have a coordinated position of the West on a country that is fundamental in terms of Sub-Saharan Africa stability and migration flows." Tajani also reassured Italians in Niger, saying, "There are just under a hundred Italian civilians present in the African country, then there are about 400 soldiers part of a contingent that is not inside the capital. They are all in excellent health, they are not taking any risks, and they are at home; our embassy contacted them individually and warned them to remain at home". Furthermore, Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni met with the Ministers of Foreign Affairs Antonio Tajani and Defense Guido Crosetto, as well as the heads of intelligence, yesterday afternoon at Palazzo Chigi to discuss the situation in Niger. Following the meeting, the government emphasized the importance of a negotiated solution.
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