question on military servitude in Sardinia
(3-00014) (June 13, 2006)
MARTONE. - To the Ministers of Defence, Economy and Finance and Foreign Affairs. - Given that:
two fighter jets Italian Air Force F16 car collided in flight at night between 22 and 23 May, and are precipitated. It happened during a training mission in the multinational exercise "Spring Flag 2006" underway in Sardinia
8 to May 24 there were two joint operations in Sardinia: the "Spring Flag 2006", attended by even the Italian Army, the Navy and NATO forces, French, British, Dutch, Belgian and Israeli, and the operation "Volcanex 06" with EAG (European Air Group, composed of France, Britain, Belgium, Holland, Germany, Italy and Spain);
theater operations invest a bit 'the whole island: from the airports of Alghero and Decimomannu, firing up to Teulada, Perdasdefogu, Cape San Lorenzo, jump Quirra and Capo Frasca,
exercises include: release of aerial bombs, shots helicopter, squad cars on fire, shooting school artillery, mortars, shooting school, shooting with small arms fire tactical training group, school shooting TOW missiles, Milan and Panzerfaust. This activity is scheduled for the second half of 2006, as indicated by the timetable of exercises in Sardinia, delivered by the Staff of the Joint Committee on Defense (State and Region) for the discharge military
the mid-air collision between the two F16 fighter during training activity raises again the issue of the military occupation of sky, land and sea in Sardinia and the compatibility of the exercises with the absolute security of the Sardinian people, economic development and Civil territories and their environmental protection;
over 35,000 hectares of land under constraint Sardinian military servitude. During the practice is banned on boating, fishing and a staging area of \u200b\u200bsea of \u200b\u200bover 20,000 square kilometers, an area almost equal extent in Sardinia. The vastness of the space air and sea military slave has no limits By comparison with any other Italian region, Sardinia
pays a very high tribute to military servitude. The expropriation of natural resources and the consequent strangulation of the fragile economy caused by the military presence provokes recurrent waves of popular opposition: shepherds and fishermen from time to time we mobilize in defense of the little work they have been allowed to play a few of the devastated grassland by the exercises of war, the restricted areas of a sea full of exploded and unexploded ordnance, ripping the nets, causing loss of fish and damage the ecosystem and marine biodiversity;
the situation of danger for the workers of the sea plus is demonstrated by an ordinance of 2005 the Port of Oristano, inviting users of the sea that are in transit, dock and fish in the sea area bounded to be very careful in what is still known or likely to be present on the bottom magnetic mines, torpedoes, shells or other explosive devices, dangerous to navigation;
for many years, the population and the Sardinian regional government show the same self-determination in the use and protection of its territory and its resources, according to
Data provided in 2003 by command of PISQ (Polygon Joint Jumping Quirra) the cost of "one hour" lease amount of the polygon to 50,000 €,
asks to know:
if the Government does not see fit to report an accident that occurred between the two F16, consider urgently, taking the necessary action taken promptly, initiatives aimed at safeguarding the total population of Sardinia and its area, reaching as necessary to the immediate suspension of the exercises in the program;
if the Government does not consider it appropriate to review the situation of polygons and military slavery in the island, calling the second conference on military servitude in the country, if the engagement between
the means used during the exercises, aircraft and helicopter gunships, anti-aircraft, support for electronic warfare and the use of sophisticated weapon systems and commitment of the air forces of non-NATO countries such as Israel, would lead to decisions which fall outside the scope of traditional patterns and NATO outside the context of peacekeeping;
if it is not considered appropriate to undertake a remodeling of the military, not only in terms of strength and organization, but also tasks in key international
if it is not considered necessary to ensure, in addition to due compensation, water sanitation and cleaning of the seabed from tons of bombs, unexploded and exploded, ripping the nets, causing loss of fish workers of the sea and damage the ecosystem and marine biodiversity;
also if this is true:
as stated in its 2005 study, the organization American Natural Resource Defense Council titled "U.S. Nuclear Weapons in Europe", Capo Frasca in the polygon of the Italian Air Force would be trained to attack with any nuclear bombs, which are present in Italy according to the agreement to share nuclear Stone Ax;
the cost of rental of a military shooting range would amount to 50,000 € per hour companies for trials of weapons such as Fiat, Alenia, the Contraves, aerospace, Eurosam, Iveco and Vitrociset Department, they are required to specify the type of experimental weapon systems, thus communicating to Co.Mi.Pa. (Joint Committee Joint) the use of military waste disposal;
Finally, if foreign states that perform military exercises in the areas of polygons are required to pay a share of the rent;
if so, whether this be paid according the type of exercise and those who use them.
Legislature 15 ยบ - Aula - Stenographic Report of Session No 082, 23/11/2006
PRESIDENT . Following interrogation
3-00014 on military servitude in Sardinia. The representative
Government has the power to answer this question.
CASULA, Secretary of State for Defence. The act now under discussion is inspired by the incident on 22 May this year has involved two F-16 Italian Air Force to address generally the issue of military presence in Sardinia and spatial constraints resulting from the military and polygons areas used for military exercises and at the same time suggest disruption of economic, industrial and tourism for local communities most directly affected by the training activities of the armed forces.
First, the Government has already explained the incident in Parliament, sitting in the Chamber of Deputies, 23 Last May, the two seater F-16 fighter aircraft have crashed due to a mid-air collision off Cape Carbonara, during a training mission in the multinational exercise "Spring Flag".
Reiterating that the incident did not cause any damage to persons or property, he points out that the security measures that are adopted for the conduct of its training activities tend to avoid collateral damage.
At this point, before moving on to examine the sequence of the individual questions posed by senators questioning, it is appropriate to recall briefly the most important aspects relating to the military presence on their territory, illustrated by the minister of defense during the specific hearing of October 25 at the Defence Committee of the Chamber of Deputies.
In such a place has been underlined the Government's firm intention to proceed with a careful assessment of the military presence in our region - including, of course, Sardinia - with a view to a more equitable distribution of burdens arising from it, except, of course The compatibility of location of the facilities in relation to defense programs - in line with the current strategic landscape - and respect for the legitimate aspirations of civil and economic development of the populations concerned.
In this perspective, the defense has already initiated a detailed census of all facilities and their current use, and the easement may be associated with them so they can acquire the necessary elements for change in those cases where the weight of the military is too focused on certain areas.
In any case, it intends to review the whole matter into a new national conference that will involve the administration of course the defense, the State Property Office, the regions and local authorities for a better and mutual understanding and optimization of business.
regards, in particular, the region of Sardinia, the objective situation of discomfort of the Sardinian territory was publicly recognized by the Government and shall be based on a comparison of operating platform agreed with the Autonomous Region of Sardinia.
Regarding slavery in the strict military - areas unrelated to military property, but encumbered by restrictions on free use - the orientation of the defense is to eliminate those that no longer be necessary, of course, as soon as you complete this survey.
will also be examined carefully the criteria for compensation under the rules in force for a possible update of compensation to individuals and contributions to local authorities, including the procedural aspects that still seem very complex.
To this end, has already begun to operate the Working Group Defense-Region of Sardinia, established to address the issues of harmonization between the needs of the region and those of defense on military slavery and the use of public lands, jointly defining the ultimate goals, the criteria for solution, and the timing associated with it.
In particular, the polygon of jump Quirra it was decided to carry out additional checks on a concerted basis, on the state of the environment itself and the surrounding area. The defense has them expressed their willingness to further explore possibilities for remediation of the sea facing the polygon of Cape Teulada where to date, however, that there was not any situation detrimental to the ecosystem.
On the question raised on military exercises which are held regularly on the Sardinian territory, it is essential training activities to achieve those operational capabilities that are prerequisite for a modern and effective military instrument, with a mandate to defend the nation, its borders and the community, it follows directly from the wording constitutional.
The training is of paramount importance to have a view, a continuing nature, rates of force at different levels of readiness, able to rapidly integrate and interoperate effectively in joint and combined devices.
The training activities are, however, always carried out in full compliance with specific safety standards to ensure the protection of the population, environmental protection and, in general, all operators during this activity.
regard, in particular, the exercises held at the polygons, each activity preceded by a thorough environmental impact analysis. In addition, the department uses the facility must: inform the direction of the polygon, the type of weapons and ammunition which plans to use before they get permission and conducting exercises; present at the end of the business, a report that confirms reclamation of areas used, the number and type of ammunition actually used during the exercise and adopt parameters to be submitted from time to time at the controls of the polygons themselves for the necessary authorization.
Furthermore, in order to take necessary measures to ensure maritime safety and the safety of navigation, the competent maritime authorities enact appropriate measures in advance of the ban mirrors the waters affected by the shooting activities at sea in the polygons.
Therefore, the complex of preventive measures at the base of training activities, and the very nature of these activities, exclude the existence of evidence which lead to the immediate suspension of the exercises in the program, as called for questioning by the senators.
That said, it certainly puts in doubt that the conduct of such activities could lead to repercussions on the local context and in other ways. Defense, to compensate for those effects, operating through various institutions, organizations and procedures to mitigate the impact on citizenship.
In this context, is the fundamental role of joint committees where the reality of regional joint military requirements and find the correct channel for discussion and decisions agreed on the military slavery and the use of polygons.
Activities to be carried in Polygon are, in fact, previously evaluated and approved only after an assessment of environmental impact and after consulting the Joint Committee established at the joint region of Sardinia under the Law 898 of 1976.
The activities of these committees very purpose is to establish within each region a permanent relationship of cooperation with the Armed Forces in order to harmonize the needs of Defence and those of civil and social fabric of community life.
Continuing the discussion of the issues raised by the act in question, move on to the point concerning the advisability of launching a reshaping of the military not only in terms of strength and organization of tasks, but also an international twist.
the merits, we need some general considerations on the current international and geostrategic context, which requires specific choices in the area of \u200b\u200bdefense policy.
The protection of national security includes, in addition to the defense of national sovereignty, the competition to stability and international security, self-preservation and protection of our interests as well as risk prevention and combating violations of law and peace.
This concept is based more in the activities of major international organizations of which Italy is an active and responsible: the United Nations, European Union, Atlantic Alliance, the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe in which it hinges, in an active and responsible security foundation of democracy, prosperity and national cohesion.
The new international scenario requires continuous and careful reassessment of the priorities of defense. In light of this need, the Italian armed forces are evolving mainly by the size of the static defense of sovereignty to support the dynamic action of the international community for the prevention and crisis management with the task of peace and security. Italy's participation in the UNIFIL mission is a tangible example of this change.
These commitments must be supported with a modern military, integrated and interoperable with that of major allies that choices have to be consistent and effective.
In this context of defending the peace and maintaining security, must be placed drills conducted in the field of peace support operations. They take on great importance, as functional descendants of operations to work within the commitments made at international level and within the various organizations to which Italy is a member in its own right.
These exercises make a crucial contribution in the response operations to crisis under UN auspices in support of international stability.
To this end, we seek maximum standardization to improve operational safety and efficacy of the means and the maximum capacity of all countries participating in this type of activity, which may also take place with countries not necessarily belonging to NATO. Coming to the question
reclamation of water and the seabed by ordnance or explosive materials assimilated, the existing law provides that actions of this nature are divided into occasional and systematic.
In particular, the systematic drainage as a preventive measure on the seabed is carried out by specialized firms, certified and authorized by the military solely for research and tracking on behalf of the competent territorial authority.
There is therefore a direct responsibility of Defence, which, however, can intervene at the formal request to remove and render harmless the weapons found during the systematic research carried out by contractors appointed for that purpose or those found occasionally.
As the reclamation of the seabed and the waters in front of Sardinia, called for by the interrogators, in relation to the rifle Capo Teulada contacts are underway between the Directorate General of Armaments and the Naval Undersea Research Center (NURC), in order to identify the facts contract through which disciplinary research activities in preparation for the reclamation.
In the area of \u200b\u200bCape San Lorenzo (the joint area of \u200b\u200bthe polygon Quirra jump), however, was done in the past, a search through hydraulic action of the Italian Navy diver. It must be said, however, that almost all the remaining assets of the exercises held by the FISC Skipping Quirra are of iron and inert.
regard, now, the type of training done at the shooting range of Capo Frasca, said that Italy has not entered into any secret agreement for the deployment of nuclear weapons, called Stone Ax, it is stated that Air Force units you are trained by using only fitting exercise like "Inert."
Let us, therefore, to analyze the appearance on the costs borne by users for the use of polygons.
For manufacturers of armaments, the costs vary significantly depending on the type of resources used, both in terms of equipment and personnel, the figure indicated by the senators questioning can be considered as valid as the average cost schedule, as it refers to a specific activity.
The sums received directly as a result of agreements signed by the Defence with the companies that use polygons for experimental activities are paid directly to the Exchequer.
Companies are also required to: communicate to the command of the firing range of training activities that the program is subsequently submitted to the Co.Mi.Pa (Joint Committee on Regional Defense) by Authority of the military draft, at the end of the minutes stating that the reclamation of areas used.
Some, however, the inherent aspect of the costs incurred by foreign countries, is not expected to pay a specific share of the rent, but the costs of use vary depending on the type of exercise.
In particular, NATO exercises, the economic aspect is regulated by international agreements on standardization. The reimbursement of costs incurred for the use of polygons is different from time to time. In cases where a foreign armed force participating in joint training activities will ensure the recovery of logistics costs, while, if it is required the use of the military installation for your needs, we shall recover the costs of logistical and operational cost d ' use of the polygon used, and to pay for any damage. Of all the amounts directly collected shall be paid direct to the Exchequer.
In conclusion, it reassured the senators questioning about the firm intention of Defense to further pursue, without prejudice and with full transparency, in an effort aimed at harmonizing the various aspects that relate to safety, environmental impact and tourism development and economic areas.
MARTONE (RC-SE). I ask to speak.
PRESIDENT. It has the power.
Martone (RC-SE). Mr President, I am not very satisfied with the answer, in part because some of the issues of the answers seem too general.
PRESIDENT. Senator Martone, she has every right to plead not satisfied, but I assure you that no one Sardinian Government had never received a response as extensive as we have heard this evening.
Martone (RC-SE). Sure, there was a complete answer, but on some issues would be ...
PRESIDENT. I speak from Sardinia.
Martone (RC-SE). I too am service in Sardinia, although coming from the capital, but I had the opportunity to visit some of these polygons, and also to talk with local communities to Capo Teulada, Capo Frasca, to jump Quirra.
Undoubtedly, from a certain point of view, the commitment to play the second conference on military servitude is a step forward. I remember also that it was a commitment made by the Government's program. But on the other hand, there are some issues that in my opinion, justify my dissatisfaction, which cover some more concrete evidence than what the government intends to do. For example, the reclamation would be very helpful, in addition to the explanation of the procedures, also receive data related to drainage in Capo Teulada.
Speaking with the local fishing communities of Cape Teulada, it appears that, in fact, these waters are full of remnants of war by practical, then a comparison would be useful in this regard.
is also true that the agreement signed last November 10 with the governor Soru, covering some areas of military property in Cagliari, is a significant and important step forward, but now there is a meeting on the issue of the arsenal of the Magdalene, December 19 will also be discussed Capo Frasca and Capo Teulada.
There are some issues but, in my opinion, require further definition, such as the burden on the reclamation, namely respect for the internationally recognized principle of "polluter pay", ie the polluter pays, in effect, would be very appropriate that the costs of remediation were not included within or on Sardinia or the community, that this presence, however, has already suffered servitude.
Another question, in our opinion important, is that a different approach, not only the redefinition of servitude. Rightly, she recalled the need for an even distribution of the load at the international level, I remember that in Sardinia there is almost an overwhelming majority of military servants and military property from the rest of the continent, and then it would be necessary not only to talk about reallocation and redefinition of slavery, but also a reduction of certain expenses, according to a principle that was followed and that I believe should see even more involved local communities.
Then there is a problem with information on the munitions used, I had occasion to observe, even with documentation, which in some cases the information is not ex post and, anyway, and was satisfied an obligation to provide the type of ammunition, weapons systems planned for the exercises, in some cases, however, this was not accompanied by a 'Detailed information on those who have actually been used, which in my opinion makes it even more difficult the identification of environmental damage and reclamation procedures to be followed.
Another issue is that I wish to use the final destination of the liberated areas, for example, will be very interesting to know what the decision of the Arsenal Magdalene, in our opinion, the liberated areas can be returned to the community through a process that even the government can support, not only the Ministry of Defence, but also the ministries for cultural heritage, environment and productive activities, to develop strategies for the conversion of these areas see also opportunities for changing processes or in the generation of employment that are innovative in terms of environmental, economic and social development. This, to me, is a basis upon which we must try to work, because in other countries such as Germany, this work has already been done.
The latest clarification I would like to ask you about the agreement Stone Ax, about which his reply left me, I must say, a bit 'confused: you say that the agreement Stone Ax does not exist, or that Italy has no nuclear sharing agreement that allows the use and the presence of bombs on the country. As I understand it, is that in Ghedi Aviano, are stored at 90 nuclear devices, some managed by the United States, others, such as precisely those of Ghedi, who instead may be used in some specific circumstances, Italian Air Force .
This is a point on which we will ask more clarification, because in our opinion the presence of those nuclear weapons, has never been questioned so far, is a serious violation of the Non-Proliferation Treaty and therefore undermines the role that Italy can and will play in the disarmament and nuclear non-proliferation. I
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