“Today’s attacks in Kenya are a cause for anger and deep distress”. This was Foreign Minister Giulio Terzi’s comment on hearing of the dramatic and violent events in Kenya today. “The blood of the innocent that has been shed today must spur the international community to make a strong and coherent effort on behalf of the Horn of Africa”.
“The terrorists, with these barbaric deeds, are seeking to destabilise the region. We need to counter their design with an effective strategy in support of the governments of the area who are working for the peaceful and democratic development of their peoples. It is with this spirit”, continued the Foreign Minister, “that here in Rome tomorrow [2 July 2012] we are hosting a meeting of the International Contact Group for Somalia – a country whose stabilisation is crucial to the region”.
“My thoughts and deepest condolences go to the victims, who were attacked as they celebrated their Christian Sunday service. This right – to freely profess your religious belief – must be guaranteed for each and every individual. It is a right for which Italy is campaigning in all the international fora and pressing for action, most notably in the European Union framework”.
During the meeting of the 27 Foreign Ministers of the European Union in Luxembourg on Monday 25 June, Terzi obtained support from his colleagues on the Italian initiative for an action plan combining prevention measures with a strategy to combat abuses of this right.
