“There are just under a hundred Italians in Niger,” Tajani told Rai television.
“They are not in any danger.
“The foreign ministry is following them one by one. They are safe.”
Tajani said he had spoken about Niger’s situation on Monday with his French counterpart Catherine Colonna and with EU Foreign Affairs High Representative Josep Borrell, and would also speak to US Secretary of State Antony Blinken.
“We hope that democracy can be restored in Niger with the elected President Mohamed Bazoum, who we support,” said Tajani.
“We do not recognise the military junta.
“Italy wants to favour a diplomatic solution in Niger.
“A lot depends on how the countries of West Africa will act.”
He added that Italy hopes there won’t be a military intervention.
Ecowas, the bloc of West African nations, gave the junta seven days to reinstate Bazoum and threatened “the use of force” if this does not happen.
ANSA
