Italy's ambassador to Ankara Luigi Mattiolo said the problem of the influx of immigrants could not be limited to the concerns of Italy, Greece or Malta and added that the situation showed aspects lacked by the EU regarding the immigration issue. In this interview with Daily Sabah, Ambassador Mattiolo pointed out that the Syrian conflict exacerbated the issue and stressed that the Syrian problem cannot be solved only by military means.Regarding Italy's new election system, called Italicum, Ambassador Mattiolo said this law is not specifically against coalitions, but it is for the maintenance and improvement of stability and economic development. Touching upon recent discussions about the re-evaluation of the Schengen agreement, the ambassador said the temporary suspension of Schengen by some member countries should not be dramatized and underlined that this crisis will not be the demise of Schengen.DS: The new Italicum system, designed to end decades of coalition chaos and deliver stable majorities, was passed recently. How do you respond to criticisms that this law may cause authoritarian administration to rise?Italy is a complex country which faced many tragedies throughout the past century. Now, it is a resilient and stable democracy; however, this was a long process, consisting of incremental gains. Our system was directly derived from the constitution of 1946, which promoted economic development, making Italy a powerful manufacturing country, a founder of the European Economic Community and a member of G8. In the last years, as a side effect of the economic crisis in Eurozone, we failed to achieve structural reforms. Italicum is an essential component of an overall reform which imposes a decrease in number of chambers in the parliament. More power will be concentrated on the Chamber of Deputies.The main aim of the electoral law is to streamline the governance. A party which is able acquire 40% percent of the votes will be awarded with the 54% of the seats at the parliament. If none of the parties achieve this, a second round will be held between the two parties which acquired the most votes. Then, the party which gains the relative majority will be given the 54% of the seats. This will clarify to all that who is going to be responsible of ruling the country. It is a matter of efficiency and transparency; transparency towards the voters.This law is not specifically against coalitions, but it is for the maintenance and improvement of stability and economic development. Coalitions have not to be necessarily viewed as negative. In the most challenging times, Italy had recourse for wide coalitions, which it still has. If a coalition can achieve a better degree of agreement among different segments of the society, thus between various parties, there are no problems.DS: Many European countries are now facing an influx of immigrants, while Italy has been facing this issue for years. As one of the founders of the EU, do you think Italy received adequate support?In the last 9 months, which is indicative of a larger trend, Italy has been tested with huge influxes of immigrants. We saved 120,000 immigrants during this time period with search and rescue activities. In the past five years, we had an issue in raising awareness in Europe for this tragic phenomenon. We have tried to save as many human lives as we can. When you consider land patrol, this can be delicate, difficult and politically sensitive; yet, regarding the sea border, if you are late, there will be loss of human lives. While it is said that the immigration takes place in "good seasons" which are spring and summer, it is still risky. Frankly speaking, we do not know how many people lost their lives while trying to reach Europe in the last years.We were aware that this issue could not be limited to the concerns of Italy, Greece or Malta; sooner or later, it would become a problem for all of the European countries, which is happening now. The situation showed in which aspects the EU lacked regarding the immigration issue. Italy was advocating for a revision concerning the Dublin Protocol which was drafted many years ago and under different circumstances. Now, the Syrian conflict exacerbated the issue. There are more than three million refugees in the region and Turkey is very aware of this phenomenon.There are recent steps taken by the EU to share the burden, such as the redistribution of 120,000 asylum seekers and immigrants, among all of the member countries. The main aim is that the EU to establish common rules regarding all of the aspects; on migration, settlement and resettlement. Cooperation and support will also be an essential part of the general strategy. Economic support to the source countries is also discussed, as we know that improvements in the countries of origin of migrants may curb the motivations for immigration. However, sometimes not having in those countries authorities to cooperate with is a source of further complications.DS: Following the rapid influx of refugees, there were statements that the Schengen agreement may be re-evaluated. In your opinion, will the EU be able to overcome this crisis?I believe so. First of all, when you compare the current population of the EU countries and the pressure on the borders coming from the immigrants, it has to be manageable. Secondly, it is not possible to turn a deaf ear over to the concerns of the population. Yet, we cannot become a shelter for all asylum seekers; thus, we have to cooperate with the international community to solve the issues at their cores. I am not only talking about the Syrian aspect of this, as it is only the most recent component of the problem. As an example, in Africa there are abundant resources which could be utilized in creating a better environment for the inhabitants, allowing them to stay in their countries. The immigrants can be seen as a symptom and the therapy cannot be successful if you only try to treat the symptoms. I think that Europe has all the tools and the possibility to doexact what needs to be done.Regarding the Schengen, I am an advocate of so-called European freedoms, which is essentially i.e.the free circulation of people, goods and services. In my opinion, Schengen is one of the essential components of the very ideaof EU integration. Schengen is the crown jewel of the EU which was not only useful in creation of a single market, but also a single European people. Therefore, we do not want it to be renounced. The temporary suspension of Schengen by some member countries should not be dramatized. During some international events such as G8, it is common to temporarily suspend Schengen for security reasons. We believe that this crisis will not be the demise of Schengen.DS: Turkey also regards immigration as a symptom of a larger problem. What is Italy's approach to the solution of this issue?We also believe that the immigration is caused by the crisis in Syria. We know that these immigrations realize because they are fleeing from a great danger, not for the sake of just improving their lives economically. Regarding Syria, I believe that the issue cannot be solved only by military means. At the end of the day, the aim should be providing people the possibility to pronounce their views. This implies that you have to provide conditions people for to express themselves, which are mostly challenging.You need ceasefire, security, the return of the people to their lands. We are currently far away from this stage in Syria.I believe that Turkey and Italy share a Mediterranean perspective, which is helpful. The Mediterranean should be regarded as a single region, not as isolated cases and countries. While this may not be true for the day, it has to be the final outcome.DS: In recent weeks, the EU has offered 1 billion euros to Turkey as support for the refugees. There were some comments stating that this was offered in exchange for stopping the influx of immigrants, and if Turkey failed, the process of lifting visas would be suspended. What are your comments on this subject?Europe and the world is aware of the efforts that Turkey is making regarding the immigrants. We are fully aware of two million refugees' impact on a single country. We, as the EU, are ready to support Turkey not only in the regards of refugees, but also on border issues. We know the difficulties in patrolling the coastline, as I have said before.As for lifting the visa, the Turkish and the EU laws must converge. This money was actually granted for what we call institution building, unlike some comments which allege that this was money already allocated to Turkey. This is not the case. Furthermore, one has to consider that the EU budget does not contemplate deficit. This means that in case of emergency, re-allocation of funds within the agreed multiannual budget is the only way to cope with the issue.DS: Italy is one of Turkey's most staunch allies in the EU accession process. From Italy's perspective, what are the reasons for this support?To have a Mediterranean perspective is the main cohesion factor between Italy and Turkey. There are a lot of similarities and common interests. This explains why Italy so firmly commits to the enlargement of the EU. The EU enlargement process is sort of an unfinished job until Turkey and the Western Balkans are inside. The enlargement was also one of the priorities of Italy during its EU Council Presidency last year; however, we were not satisfied with European councils decisions on enlargement.Turkey's EU progress report will be released in the coming weeks. Whatever its contents will be, what we really hope is that it boosts the negotiation process. Turkey and the EU have to cooperate not only on migration issues but also fight against terrorism, development of the Mediterranean, energy security and diversification. There is a lot in common that we can achieve together. Moreover, both countries are members of the Atlantic Alliance and have close links with the European Union.DS: Regarding economic relations, which sectors have more potential for further cooperation?Current relations are excellent. We do not have many trade relations that are as good as those we have with Turkey. Trade volume between the two countries is around $19 billion, which is very significant. We have 1,200 Italian companies operating in Turkey, along with a huge number of joint ventures. In addition, even in the 1960s, some major Italian companies, such as Fiat, operated in Turkey. In recent years, cooperation in the defense industry has also been established, which is crucial and an important ingredient in trade. Moreover, it is important to establish mutual trust, as the defense industry is one of the most sensitive sectors. I believe that the two countries have to change the speed of this relationship, to increase it, as it is with the economy. There should be an increase in sectors that involve high technological products, energy, biotechnology, modern agriculture and food security.DS: It is planned to connect the TANAP pipeline passing through Turkey with the TAP pipeline passing through Italy to provide natural gas to Europe. What are your opinions on this project? Are there other joint operations in energy between Turkey and Italy?First of all, the TANAP and TAP projects are our top priorities. These are projects that have been at the center of our attention for some time now. We are both big energy consumers. Turkey to satisfy its rapid economic growth, Italy to sustain its industries, being the second biggest manufacturing power in Europe. I believe that these projects are an ideal combination of the position, function and vocation of Turkey as an energetic energy hub between the Caucasus, Mediterranean and Europe. Italy's enthusiasm in becoming the distribution hub is also important in this case. Therefore, we are extremely committed to these projects. On the matter of diversification, which is stressed by the EU, these are important steps. TANAP is a dear project to Italy for another, very important reason. Our companies are already working for the Tanap consortium bringing their know-how and expertise to the project. I can mention the construction company Sicim and the mechanical companies Nuovo Pignone and Valvitalia, but I am sure that many more will compete with international firms before this vital infrastructure is completed.DS: Italy is currently hosting Expo Milano 2015; as one of the candidate countries for the Expo fair, what could Turkey learn from Italy's experience?One of the main recipes for success in the Expo was the freedom given to the participants. We gave them the chance to find their way in participating in the Expo. The main subject was food, but on the sidelines, it was also about how to save and better use the planet's resources to prepare for a growing population. This left a space for all the countries. There were many discourses, ranging from healthy food to climate change's effects on agriculture. I think this was one of the main successes, allowing many people to participate in a variety of ways.