This “day of remembrance dedicated to the fallen, both military and civilian, in international peacekeeping missions falls on the 20th anniversary of the Nassiriya massacre, in which 19 Italians - soldiers, carabinieri and civilians - died in a cowardly attack,” said Mattarella.
The attack mentioned refers to the 2003 bomb attack at the Italian Nassiriya military base in Iraq that killed 28 people.
“The feeling of mourning accompanies us on this day when the Republic turns its thoughts to the many wounded and fallen in the missions that Italy has developed in recent years in the service of the international community and the rights of peoples, together with the expression of solidarity and closeness to the families affected,” he continued.
“Participation in these important operations in so many troubled regions of the world is a sign of our country’s commitment and contribution to the international community’s concrete effort to combat the horrors and atrocities of wars and terrorism,” added the head of state.
“The contingents deployed and the collaborations carried out under the aegis of the United Nations, the European Union and NATO bear witness to the intention to defend the values of peace and cooperation, of respect for the dignity of individuals and peoples,” said Mattarella.
“To those who are engaged today in crisis zones, putting their safety at risk in the name of the noble principles enshrined in our Constitutional Charter, goes the appreciation and gratitude of all Italians,” he concluded.
The Nassiriya base hosted the bulk of the Italian contingent in Iraq at the time and, of those killed, 19 were Italians - 12 Carabinieri military police, five army soldiers and two civilians, including documentary filmmaker Stefano Rolla.
ANSA
