Fabio Porta (Democratic Party): "We need a mission to Venezuela to free the Italians as soon as possible."

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Américo De Grazia and Margarita Assenzo have been freed in Venezuela, while Alberto Trentini remains in custody, as do other Italian citizens. "A year ago in Caracas, the Italian-Venezuelan journalist and politician Biagio Pileri was arrested," Fabio Porta , a Democratic Party member elected by Italians abroad in Latin America, recalled in a statement. Porta has always been among the most committed to Venezuelan issues. "Let's not forget our prisoners in Venezuela," he urged. The Foreign Ministry's statement on the release of De Grazia and Assenzo seemed to take credit for it. I understand that you, as the opposition, criticized it. We in the Democratic Party are in opposition, but right now we are clear that our primary concern is the release of the prisoners. We don't want to create controversy, just collaborate. We welcomed the appointment of Luigi Maria Vignali as special envoy by the Farnesina, a person I respect and know personally, having also been the Director General for Italians Abroad for eight years. However, this doesn't mean we don't also regret some mistakes made in the organization of his trip (Vignali flew to Caracas in early August to negotiate and was turned away, editor's note). Personally, I have been following De Grazia's case in particular, having met with his daughter several times, and having agreed to be godfather at the request of the Casla Institute for his detention, but I will not issue a statement claiming credit for his release.

The release of the 13 political prisoners was announced a few days ago by Henrique Capriles Radonski, the leader of the minority opposition that not only participated in the last elections but is also speaking out against possible US military intervention against Venezuela. A move by Maduro to strengthen him? "A possible interpretation. But precisely for this reason, the important thing is that all negotiation options for Trentini must be explored in depth. There are also important deadlines in October that could be used, from the Italy-Latin America Conference to the canonization of a Venezuelan saint in Rome. Unfortunately, Venezuela tends to be overlooked in public opinion compared to other emergencies like Palestine and Ukraine, where, however, there are not as many Italians detained." But how many are there exactly? "Various numbers have been put forward: twelve, eleven, twenty-two... Not even the embassy can find out, due to the extremely complicated situation." Trentini sees three scenarios: political recognition of the legitimacy of Maduro's re-election, which, however, would have to be decided by the entire EU; the €2.1 billion debt that Venezuela's state-owned oil company PDVSA owes to Eni; and the criminal status of regime fixer Alex Saab, who, after being freed by the US in a trade, is now a minister, and his Italian wife, Camilla Fabri, who also held an official position. But they cannot return to Italy, where they have interests.

I don't think Maduro expects any recognition either. However, knowing certain Latin American sensitivities, we probably expected a dialogue at a slightly higher level. Even the US, which is currently the government furthest from Caracas, if it needs to send a special envoy, they send a government representative. Eni can also play an important role: let's not forget that Trump sent the warships, but only after renewing Chevron's license. The third point doesn't depend solely on the government and Parliament, but we know that the other side is willing to ask for something. Perhaps too much time has been wasted by not checking. I think we need to organize a mission, and also involve the figures who have maintained a relationship with Venezuela over the years. Political divisions aside: at this stage, we must aim to free all the detainees, starting with Alberto Trentini, a young man who passed through Venezuela almost by chance, and it's truly absurd that he continues to remain in prison.

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