‘Transitional govt in Syria must be formed soon’

It is extremely important that a transitional government in Syria is formed as soon as possible and human rights of the Syrian people are protected, Italian Prime Minister Enrico Letta said yesterday.Addressing a joint press conference with HE Dr Mohamed Saleh al-Sada, Minister of Energy & Industry, the visiting premier said he had a wide range of talks on regional issues with HH the Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani yesterday.“We discussed [Syria] this morning with HH the Emir and I think it is very important to reach as soon as possible an agreement for a transitional government. This is the Italian approach and the European approach. [Also,] it is absolutely necessary to apply human rights, to respect human rights, this is our first job and we will continue to work in this direction,” he added.Letta said the the most important regional scenarios, including the future of Iran, Syria post Geneva II and the fluid situation in Egypt were discussed with HH the Emir.“We shared our views about the need for peaceful and dialogue-based solutions for the conflicts,” he said.Letta said that Libya also came up for discussion, which was very important for Italy and stability in the Mediterranean.“We are working very hard to establish good relationship and to help and train the military force in Libya,” adding that institution-building was proving to be a difficult process there.When asked about the two Italian marines being held in India on charges of killing Indian fishermen, Letta referred to the top Indian court’s order yesterday that gave the Indian government a week to decide if it would invoke a maritime security law that carried the death sentence for the accused.“For us, it is a very, very serious affair… One week, this week is necessary from the Indian part to put all the papers on the table. It is impossible to continue without any news about it. So, we wait and hope for this new and final week,” he said.The Italian prime minister thanked  the Emir and the Qatari ministers for the warm welcome he received in Qatar.“It was a successful visit. I’m very happy with this visit. I would like to thank, first of all HH the Emir for the kind welcome,” he said.Energy Minister Mohamed bin Saleh al-Sada said that the Italian premier had made a very ‘timely’ visit. “It is a very important milestone in the relationship between our two countries. The visit has covered a number of important areas that focused on bringing more prosperity to our two countries.”He added that the meeting with HH the Emir covered the general international affairs and issues of mutual interest. He expressed his satisfaction that the doors for mutual co-operation were widely opened by both sides.The two-day visit of Italian prime minister to Qatar was the second leg of a Gulf tour that included a previous stop in the UAE.  He is expected to visit Kuwait next.