Napolitano says update armed forces against rising threats

(ANSA) - Rome, November 12 - President Giorgio Napolitano said Wednesday that Italy must modernize its Armed Forces to ensure the country's protection in the face of rising threats. "The alarming escalation of conflicts...close to our borders makes it even more necessary," to upgrade, said Napolitano in a message to Defence Minister Roberta Pinotti. Modernization will ensure Italian forces are "ready and efficient" to defend the nation, Napolitano said in marking a Remembrance Day for fallen soldiers and civilian casualties of war. He also referred to the battle of Nasiriyah in 2003 in Iraq, saying "I extend a respectful thought to all those who, in the service of Italy and the international community, have lost their lives in working with honor for counter-terrorism and stabilization of areas of crisis".