Italy aims to recognize Palestine as a state and is ready to participate in a possible peacekeeping mission, Italian Foreign Minister, Deputy Prime Minister Antonio Tajani stated in an interview with Stampa newspaper.
"Yes, our road leads there, but it will take time, because Palestine must also recognize Israel," he said, answering the question about the recognition of Palestine.
Tajani, who visited Israel and Palestine on Monday, said he thought the "disengagement mission" organized by an international body like the United Nations was a good idea.
Speaking about the peacekeeping mission, Tajani added that it is "in the beginning", but Italy is "ready to participate in a certain contingent".
"Furthermore, in general, we need a European presence in the Middle East, and Europe can play a role in Palestine if an agreement acceptable to both sides is reached," said the foreign minister.
