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Statement by President of the Council of Ministers Giorgia Meloni

12 Novembre 2022

On the day of remembrance for military and civilian personnel who have lost their lives on international peacekeeping missions, on behalf of the entire Government, I offer our most sincere and heartfelt remembrance for all of Italy’s fallen, who have made the greatest sacrifice serving, with honour and dedication, in the operational theatres in which Italy is involved around the world.

12 November 2003 is a date, along with others, that will forever remain in the hearts and minds of the Italian people. 19 Italians lost their lives on that tragic day in Nasiriya - military personnel and civilians who were working alongside a number of Iraqi operators on the ‘Ancient Babylon’ peacekeeping mission. It is a date that has indelibly left its mark on our consciences. This is why every year on 12 November we remember not only the victims of Nasiriya, but all Italian military and civilians who have lost their lives on international missions.

Since the 1950s, the Italian Republic has been carrying out international missions in even the most complex operating theatres, with our Armed Forces, alongside civilian personnel, representing a guarantee of democratic development and peace, with their professionalism and humanity. Several missions are currently ongoing and our men and women are engaged on the front line to guarantee peace, security and respect for human rights in difficult situations that require them to take on great risks and responsibilities.

The sacrifice of our fallen is part of our national and international community’s heritage and remembering them is a commitment we all must honour, with respect and gratitude.

[Courtesy translation]