Missile Concerns

Defense Secretary Leon Panetta said today he is "very concerned" about reports that surface-to-air missiles from Libya are being smuggled into Egypt's Sinai Peninsula. The department is looking into the matter, he told reporters during an honor cordon to with Italian defense minister Ignazio La Russa. The Washington Post reported Oct. 12 on the smuggling.

La Russa said Italy is also facing defense budget cuts; he said the efficiency of the Italian military must not be reduced, noting the size could be cut but no particular reductions in size are on the table.