Robert Torricelli: “Mr, President, I rise today in support of Senator D'Amato's resolution supporting Italy's inclusion as a permanent…”

“Mr, President, I rise today in support of Senator D'Amato's resolution supporting Italy's inclusion as a permanent member of the United Nations Security Council. Should this international body expand, I can think of no country more worthy of inclusion than Italy, and I hope my colleagues will join me in expressing their support for this idea. Italy is a major economic player on the world stage and in terms of United Nations contributions. She forms a critical part of the UN's global peacekeeping operations and has been active in a number of international conflicts and crises. Last spring, Italy acted under UN auspices to organize and lead a multi-national peace enforcement operation in Albania. This effort was critical to restoring order and helping Albania organize democratic elections. In more general terms, Italy's strategic location in the Mediterranean makes it an important partner for the international community as it launches security operations in many zones of potential instability. Already, Italy has hosted the air bases that the United States and other NATO members have used to conduct air operations over the former Yugoslavia. These efforts, in conjunction with Italy's status as the fifth largest economy in the world, mean that we can no longer ignore its present position in the international community. It plays a vital role in protecting and enhancing our economic and military security, and I believe the time has come to recognize these efforts.”