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Joint UK-Italian statement on hostage rescue operation in Nigeria

UK and Italy reaffirmed that they will continue to work together closely in the fight against terrorism and hostage-taking.

This was published under the 2010 to 2015 Conservative and Liberal Democrat coalition government

UK Foreign Secretary William Hague and Italian Foreign Minister Giulio Terzi di Sant’Agata met earlier today at the informal Foreign Ministers meeting in Copenhagen.

They discussed the recent hostage rescue operation in Nigeria following yesterday’s conversation between Prime Ministers Monti and Cameron.

Mr Hague made clear that there had been a limited opportunity to secure the release of the two hostages whose lives were in imminent and growing danger. Under these circumstances it was only possible to inform Italy once the operation was already getting underway.

Mr Terzi expressed deep sorrow and disappointment over the tragic outcome of the operation and both ministers agreed on the urgency of sharing full information to facilitate the reconstruction and understanding of these events.

Both Ministers conveyed their solidarity and sympathy for the families of Chris McManus and Franco Lamolinara. They reaffirmed that the UK and Italy will continue to work together closely in the fight against such horrific terrorism and hostage-taking.

Published 9 March 2012