This article was posted to the nobases listserve by Stephanie Westbrook [steph@webfabbrica.com]:
See below a rough translation of an interview with Rep. Loretta Sanchez appearing yesterday on the Vicenza newspaper. She was apparently in Venice on holiday and met with Dal Molin Special Commissioner Paolo Costa. She talks about the importance of Vicenza for Africom.
The original is at: http://www.ilgiornaledivicenza.it/stories/Home/199501/
Vicenza and the base at Dal Molin
“Here’s why Obama wants it”
THE INTERVIEW. Vice-President of the “National Security” Committee visits Commissioner Costa in Venice. Loretta Sanchez: “These are options that have been voted by U.S. Congress, and it’s not a coincidence that Defense Secretary Gates was reconfirmed. There will be no second thoughts”
Venice. “The military policy of the United States is passed by Congress. That is why the position of the U.S. has not changed in the transition between George W. Bush and Barack Obama. ” In the words of Loretta Sanchez, Democratic from California, key player on the Military Strategies subcommittee of Armed Forces. Congresswoman Sanchez met yesterday in Venice with the special commissioner for the Dal Molin project, Paolo Costa. Closely linked to Hillary Clinton (she had supported her candidacy for the presidency) Sanchez was indicated by Nancy Pelosi for the position of vice president of the Committee on National Security. Sanchez is officially in the Vcenice area on holiday, though it is not the first time that Costa has met with her and is not the first time that Costa has given her an update on the status of the major U.S. construction project.. Dal Molin will also be discussed at the G8 that will be held at Maddalena (Sardinia, Italy) next summer, and is one of the main issues. “But all the decisions have already been made.”
Why does even President Barack Obama believes in the Dal Molin project? Why hasn’t there been, as expected by opponents of the project, any changes in the plans?
“We’re working on a plan,” replied Sanchez agreeing to answer some questions from reporters, “to consolidate the presence of our troops in the world, to be ready to intervene in sensitive areas such as Africa, the Middle East, the former Soviet republics in Asia. We believe that to give an effective response to these issues, to be closer to the places of possible tensions and conflicts, it is essential to reinforce our troops in Italy. For this reason we have chosen to unite the 173rd Brigade in Vicenza. There will be no second thoughts. All decisions have been made by the two governments. The plan and the allocation of the budget were voted by the Congress. It is no coincidence that Obama has confirmed the Secretary of Defense appointed by the Bush administration, that is Robert Gates.”
Why is the role of Italy so important in the eyes of Americans, in the international arena?
“First, because Italy is geographically located close to areas most at risk, between Africa and the Middle East. And because Italy has been our longtime ally. The U.S. shares the same value system and lifestyle. We can count upon the Italian government, which from Prodi to Berlusconi has done everything that was needed to promote the alliance and the plan of consolidation of our troops at Dal Molin.”
What type of military installation will be? “I can guarantee that the project follows the most stringent environmental regulations.”
“There are no better military structures than those planned at Dal Molin in the world in terms of respecting the ecological balance,” echoed Commissioner Costa.
“There will be no artillery, no aircraft” continued Sanchez. ” This will simply be a place where paratroopers will stay with lighter equipment and their families.”
Does the transformation of American command stationed at Camp Ederle to Africom signify a change to the military targets of the Pentagon?
“No, it is the demonstration of an emphasis on the African continent. I spoke with Obama about it. Africa needs help, even if operations are guided by a military command, the objectives are not primarily military. My hope is that the military strategies can be enhanced while investing fewer dollars. I believe a lot in diplomacy and dialogue as President Obama.
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