ROME, April 16 (RIA Novosti), Elizaveta Isakova – An escalation of the crisis in Ukraine could destabilize the entire European post-Cold War security system, the Italian Institute for International Affairs said in a report released Wednesday.
Leading Italian experts and political analysts co-authored the report, entitled "Italy, Europe and the World: A Strategic Choice," in which they provided the government with recommendations concerning foreign policy under current circumstances.
The document advised Italy to stick to policies pursued by the country’s allies and to "be ready for new sanctions" against Russia "should attempts to violate the territorial integrity of Ukraine continue."
The report also emphasized that "further escalation of the Ukrainian crisis could have a significant destabilizing effect on the foundations of European security, in particular on arms control regimes, the dialogue with Moscow in the framework of the Russia-NATO Council, the OSCE's role in matters of human rights and the common line of response to conflicts in the region."
If Rome chooses to pursue softer policy towards Moscow, "it will not only contradict the principles developed by European countries, but also send a wrong signal to Moscow, encouraging it to take further unilateral steps." Italy would also risk being isolated from its allies and partners, the authors of the document said.
At the same time, experts of the Institute for International Affairs recommended that the Italian government "leave the door open for dialogue with Russia on cooperation in the field of economics and strategic policy issues," as well as to "try a new approach in the relations with the countries of Eastern Europe and eastern neighbors."
