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Italy's trade with Iran grows despite promises

Data show extent of trade between Rome, Tehran in first half of 2010 totaled €2 billion, despite Berlusconi's promises during visit to Israel

ROME - Six months after Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi promised Israel to reduce the level of trade between Italy and Iran during a visit to the Jewsh state, it appears that Rome continues to be a close trade partner to the Islamic Republic, Yedioth Ahronoth revealed Tuesday.  

 

While Berlusconi and Italian Foreign Minister Franco Frattini declared they understand the need to undermine Iran's ability to develop nuclear weapons, their government's policy appears to encourage trade relations with Tehran, helping solidify the Ayatollah regime.

 

According to Italy's National Institute of Statistics, Italian import from Iran more than doubled in the first half of 2010 totaling in a whopping 2 billion euros. To compare, all Italian import in the same period in 2009 totaled in 847 million euros.

 

Export to Iran has also increased significantly, rising from 892 million euros in 2009 to more than 1 billion euros. Data further show that the two countries do not primarily exchange basic products but products used for infrastructure, energy and industry as well as communications satellites and various technical products.

 

US concerned

Earlier reports suggest that Italian firms supported the Iranian army.

 

The CEO of Italy's ENI energy provider was summoned to the US State Department earlier this year in order to explain the enormous scope of trade between the two countries. The issue has been discussed for the last four years and continues to be a source of concern despite UN sanctions on Iran, Italian promises to the US administration and Berlusconi's visit in Israel.

 

The Italian Foreign Ministry confirmed the data on Monday and said: "The sharp rise in imports from Iran stems from changes in the dollar, euro and oil rates. Export to Iran does not violate UN sanctions. Italy's bigger companies have suspended their transactions and are not serving the army.

 

"However, small and medium business owners, sensing an Italian financial acceleration, are trading with Iran with some risk and are not ensured by the government."

 

The Italian prime minister's office said they are still studying the data.

 

 


פרסום ראשון: 09.15.10, 16:40
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