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MILITARY

Italy rules out military action in Syria

Defence Minister Roberta Pinotti on Tuesday ruled out Italy partaking in military action against Isis in Syria.

Italy rules out military action in Syria
Italy's Defence Minister Roberta Pinotti has ruled out military intervention in Syria. Photo: Armend Nimani/AFP

Pinotti said that while Italy is reinforcing its intervention in Iraq, she “rules out an intervention in Syria”.

She also said that Italy has vowed full cooperation with France after the terrorist attacks in Paris on Friday night.

“Italy has guaranteed France the maximum level of cooperation of our country,” Pinotti was quoted by Ansa as saying after a meeting of EU defence ministers.

“Italy already does a lot because we are among the top contingents in Iraq for the fight against Isis.” 

Pinotti said that a debate is underway in parliament over increasing the number of Italian troops involved in training in Iraq from 500 to 700, “as the coalition asked us too.”

Her comments came after EU defence ministers unanimously backed a French request for help in defeating Isis. France has intensified bombing raids against the terror group's stronghold in Syria and Iraq since Friday’s attacks, which killed 129 people.

“Today the EU, through the voices of all the member states, unanimously expressed its strongest full support and readiness to give the assistance needed,” European Foreign Policy chief Federica Mogherini said during a press conference in Brussels with French defence minister Jean-Yves Le Drian.

Read more: EU tells France: we'll help in war against Isis

Prime Minister Matteo Renzi was clear on the limits of his country's support when quizzed on the subject on Monday. Asked whether or not Italian forces would be used to engage Isis targets in Syria, Renzi again reiterated his reluctance to start a bombing campaign.

Until now, Italian forces have been present in Syria as part of a Nato coalition but have not been involved in bombing campaigns against Isis targets. 

PARIS

Fluffy nuisance: Outcry as Paris sends Invalides rabbits into exile

Efforts to relocate wild rabbits that are a common sight on the lawns of the historic Invalides memorial complex have provoked criticism from animal rights groups.

Fluffy nuisance: Outcry as Paris sends Invalides rabbits into exile

Tourists and Parisians have long been accustomed to the sight of wild rabbits frolicking around the lawns of Les Invalides, one of the French capital’s great landmarks.

But efforts are underway to relocate the fluffy animals, accused of damaging the gardens and drains around the giant edifice that houses Napoleon’s tomb, authorities said.

Police said that several dozen bunnies had been captured since late January and relocated to the private estate of Breau in the Seine-et-Marne region outside Paris, a move that has prompted an outcry from animal rights activists.

“Two operations have taken place since 25 January,” the police prefecture told AFP.

“Twenty-four healthy rabbits were captured on each occasion and released after vaccination” in Seine-et-Marne, the prefecture said.

Six more operations are scheduled to take place in the coming weeks.

Around 300 wild rabbits live around Les Invalides, according to estimates.

“The overpopulation on the site is leading to deteriorating living conditions and health risks,” the prefecture said.

Authorities estimate the cost of restoring the site, which has been damaged by the proliferation of underground galleries and the deterioration of gardens, pipes and flora, at €366,000.

Animal rights groups denounced the operation.

The Paris Animaux Zoopolis group said the rabbits were being subjected to “intense stress” or could be killed “under the guise of relocation”.

“A number of rabbits will die during capture and potentially during transport,” said the group, accusing authorities of being “opaque” about their methods.

The animal rights group also noted that Breau was home to the headquarters of the Seine-et-Marne hunting federation.

The police prefecture insisted that the animals would not be hunted.

In 2021, authorities classified the rabbits living in Paris as a nuisance but the order was reversed following an outcry from animal groups who have been pushing for a peaceful cohabitation with the animals.

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