Rome (Reuters) – Giuliano Amato, former Italian Prime Minister, demanded that French President Emmanuel Macron clarify whether France was responsible for an Italian air disaster that occurred over 40 years ago, resulting in the deaths of 81 individuals. Italian judges have previously stated that a missile likely caused the DC-9 civilian aircraft to crash near the island of Ustica on June 27, 1980. However, the responsible party for one of Italy’s most significant postwar mysteries remains unidentified.
Amato stated in an interview with La Repubblica newspaper that he believes the now-defunct domestic airline Itavia’s aircraft was accidentally shot down by a French jet. This occurred during an unsuccessful attempt by France, the United States, and NATO to eliminate the Libyan leader, Muammar Gaddafi, while he was flying over Italy. On Tuesday, during a news conference, the 85-year-old Amato urged Macron to investigate the matter and apologize if the allegation proves true.
In response to Amato’s statement, a French diplomatic source informed Reuters that France has consistently cooperated with Italy regarding the Ustica incident, particularly within the context of judicial investigations. France is prepared to collaborate with Rome once again if requested. Amato, who has served as prime minister twice, explained that he raised the issue due to his age and the desire to resolve any unresolved matters.
Amato believes it would be simpler for Macron to respond, as he was only two years old at the time of the tragedy and comes from a different generation compared to the French political and military elites who potentially bear responsibility. Amato clarified that he has not recently spoken with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni. Meloni stated over the weekend that Amato should present any new evidence supporting his theory.
The former premier, a socialist politician who has also held various ministerial positions and led Italy’s Constitutional Court, conceded that he lacks new evidence or concrete proof. Similar allegations were made in 2008 by former Italian President Francesco Cossiga, who was prime minister when the plane crashed into the sea, resulting in the loss of all passengers on board. Cossiga passed away two years later.
Reporting by Alvise Armellini, additional reporting by Michel Rose in Paris and Keith Weir, editing by Nick Macfie
Credit: The Star : News Feed
