ROME (AP) — The Italian government convened on Friday to address the plight of an Italian citizen detained in Venezuela for the past two months without formal accusations, as outlined in a statement from the prime minister’s office. Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani and the Italian Embassy in Caracas have been closely monitoring the situation of Alberto Trentini, a 45-year-old NGO worker who has seemingly vanished since his apprehension. The officials are diligently exploring all available avenues to facilitate a favorable and expeditious resolution, underscoring the imperative need for utmost discretion from the press to enhance the likelihood of a positive outcome. In attendance at Friday’s meeting were Interior Minister Matteo Piantedosi, State Undersecretary Alfredo Mantovano, and high-ranking intelligence authorities.
During the session, Minister Tajani engaged in a telephonic exchange with Trentini’s mother to convey the solidarity of the government and provide reassurance regarding the steadfast dedication of the institutions involved. Just last week, Italy summoned Venezuela’s top diplomat in Rome to voice their discontent with the dearth of information concerning Trentini’s predicament. Trentini’s arrest in November coincided with a deterioration in relations between Italy and Venezuela, compounded by the former’s refusal to acknowledge Nicolás Maduro’s purported victory in the controversial July 2024 presidential elections, deeming it as illegitimate.
