Defence and the State 18. The function performed by the Defence is part of the constitution and it is fundamental to the State for its preservation and creates the security framework that is indispensable for the development of the nation. During periods of crisis and transition, like the one we are experiencing, it is nevertheless necessary to further strengthen the vital links that should always exist between the ministry of Defence and the other ministries, between the armed forces and other State capabilities and between the military and the rest of the citizens, to achieve that interdependency between the different parts of the same organism which is essential to the life of our community. 19. It is essential for our nation to better understand the duties, functions and features of the Defence and of the “citizens in uniform” who serve their country, in order to ensure full knowledge of the facts, the requirements, advantages and the possible correlated risks. On this basis the citizens and their elected representatives will be able to make rational and well-informed decisions and fully accept responsibility in the critical sector of Defence. Communication between the government and parliament is essential to this process and new ways of providing information and communicating will need to be developed in accordance with their constitutional powers. 20. Addressing the problem of national security and defence from a modern perspective requires a comprehensive and multi-disciplinary approach. It is necessary to think about how the various capabilities which make the country safer can be developed and if the concept of “defence” can evolve, become broader, including all the different perspectives and skills involved in it. This concept, moreover, integrates well with the innovations launched by the government for the reforming the so-called “third sector”, in particular with regards to the role and functions of National Civil Service. In this effort, the underlying connecting element of the evolution is represented by the shared values which permeate the very existence of our nation. 21. A real sharing of the same framework of values between citizens and their armed forces requires constant communication and assiduous interaction between the parties, - 19 -