Topic:
Country: Italy
Delegate Name: Stephen Pellathy
Italian position paper: Syria Security council
City High middle school
Stephen A. Pellathy
DATA collection:
Trade (imports and exports)
In 2020, Italy exported $68.3M to Syria. The main products exported from Italy to Syria were Washing and Bottling Machines ($5.32M), Industrial Food Preperation Machinery ($4.25M), and Polyacetals ($3.43M). During the last 25 years the exports of Italy to Syria have decreased at an annualized rate of 7.42%, from $469M in 1995 to $68.3M in 2020.
In 2020, Syria exported $4.89M to Italy. The main products exported from Syria to Italy were Tanned Equine and Bovine Hides ($946k), Other Nuts ($806k), and Preserved Vegetables ($723k). During the last 25 years the exports of Syria to Italy have decreased at an annualized rate of 17.2%, from $544M in 1995 to $4.89M in 2020.
Government stance:
Italy and Syria once maintained a good relationship. But one year after the Syrian crisis erupted, Italy joined western countries in closing its embassy in Damascus, citing “unacceptable violence by the Syrian regime against its own citizens.” Since then, Italian officials have joined their western counterparts in condemning the regime’s efforts to portray Bashar al Assad as legitimate. Yet Italy has pursued a far less combative approach to Syria’s conflict compared to some other NATO members. Rome has refused to join its closest Western allies in military operations against Syrian regime targets. Italy’s leadership has also called for a diplomatic solution that involves Russia and Iran. In a historical context this is understandable, mindful of Rome’s foreign policy tradition of generally seeking to maintain healthy diplomatic relations with all powers in the Middle East and the Mediterranean Sea
Italy’s stance on the situation in Syria is one of cautious negotiation. The Italian public view is not supportive of military operations in Syria, and neither is the current government. Italy also does not have particularly strong ties to Syria in terms of imported goods. The Italian policy on Syrian refugees is slightly tighter now due to Melonis policies. However Italy has only received 4,815 Syrian refugees. Italy would oppose any motions to heighten military engagement in Syria, and would aim for a more passive avenue of diplomacy.
