Foreign Minister Federica Mogherini received a delegation from Amnesty International Italia at the Farnesina today, 29 April 2014. The delegation was led by Antonio Marchesi, the Chair, and Gianni Rufini, Director.
During the meeting, Minister Mogherini agreed on the need for a foreign policy that can prevent conflict and take action on the causes of poverty, not just to limit migrations but also, and above all, to provide the conditions for sustainable development and greater stability and security. The many on-going crises show the need for a far-sighted vision of regional situations and broader global movements and events, which are closely linked.
The situation in Ukraine, which is a cause for great concern, not least as regards human rights, must not overshadow the other unresolved crises, especially in Syria and the Middle East.
Battle to abolish death penalty
Minister Mogherini and the Amnesty delegation then expressed their grave concern over the news from Egypt of mass death penalties. They agreed on the need to appeal to the Egyptian authorities to review their decision and open a process of dialogue with the opposition.
Italy firmly intends to continue, and to promote, the broader battle to abolish the death penalty. Minister Mogherini has set up a task force at the Farnesina to prepare for the December 2014 vote at the United Nations General Assembly on the next resolution on the moratorium on capital punishment. She underscored the commitment of the institutions and civil society to this campaign, with the direct involvement of Amnesty International Italia, Nessuno tocchi Caino and the Community of Sant’Egidio.
