Italy reacts to US espionage claims
Italy's Foreign Minister Emma Bonino expressed confidence on Monday that the United States would provide the necessary details and assurances regarding reports of US spying on European institutions.
"We have requested the clarification of a very thorny affair...[and] are confident that, in the spirit of collaboration and friendship that characterizes the relationship between the two countries, all the necessary information and assurances will be provided," the minister said in a note.
The US "has assured us that all clarifications will be given to the European Union and its member states," she added.
Documents leaked to Britain's Guardian newspaper by fugitive former CIA operative Edward Snowden said US intelligence officials had carried out spying operations on targeted embassies and UN missions, including the Italian embassy in Washington.
Bonino was responding to accusations made in international media that the US had systematically bugged embassies and offices of EU countries including Italy.
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"We have requested the clarification of a very thorny affair...[and] are confident that, in the spirit of collaboration and friendship that characterizes the relationship between the two countries, all the necessary information and assurances will be provided," the minister said in a note.
The US "has assured us that all clarifications will be given to the European Union and its member states," she added.
Documents leaked to Britain's Guardian newspaper by fugitive former CIA operative Edward Snowden said US intelligence officials had carried out spying operations on targeted embassies and UN missions, including the Italian embassy in Washington.
Bonino was responding to accusations made in international media that the US had systematically bugged embassies and offices of EU countries including Italy.
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