Gary Fitleberg, December 21, 2004

According to the Associated Press, Italian paramilitary police will begin training Arab "Palestinian" security forces in the coming weeks, Italy's foreign minister said yesterday.

The training is part of an accelerating European Union effort to support the Arab "Palestinian" officials ahead of "presidential" elections on January 9.

Since the death of veteran Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat on November 11, EU countries have been pressing Israeli and Palestinian officials to move their stalled peace process forward.

Foreign Minister Gianfranco Fini told a news conference that Italian carabinieri - paramilitary police - will begin training Arab "Palestinian" security forces next month.

"The Italian government is already starting in the next few weeks to put together a framework model of training for Palestinian security," he said.

Fini was also due to meet Arab "Palestinian" Foreign Minister Nabil Sha'ath in Ramallah yesterday. Fini's comment coincided with an upsurge of EU diplomatic activity in the Middle East.

At a news conference with Foreign Minister Silvan Shalom, Fini emphasized the close relations between his country and Israel and said Italy would help mediate between Israel and the Arab countries. The Italian minister said he would travel to Arab capitals soon in an effort to encourage them to crack down of terrorist groups.

Shalom said Italy's good relations with both Israel and the Arabs were crucial.

"I think Italy can be the country that will ... mediate between us and them in order to have better understanding," he said.

Fini praised Sharon, saying his willingness to confront his former supporters over his Gaza withdrawal plan shows the prime minister's commitment to bringing peace and security to the region.

Gary Fitleberg is a Political Analyst specializing in International Relations with emphasis on Middle East affairs.

Copyright © 2004 Gary Fitleberg