Second day of mission to Cyprus for Foreign Affairs Undersecretary of State, Vincenzo Amendola, who participated today in the 127th session of the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe. The meeting focused on populism, migrations, countering terrorism, conflicts and crises in Europe.
Amendola referred to the Report of the Secretary General of the Council of Europe, Thorbjorn Jagland, “on state of democracy, human rights and the rule of law in Europe” and shared his call for open, democratic and inclusive societies as a tool to counter the increasing tide of populism. Moreover, the Undersecretary underlined the importance of working together on the issue of migration, with determination and with a spirit of solidarity.
In supporting the plan of action adopted by the Councill of Europe for the protection of refugees and unaccompanied minors, Undersecretary Amendola added that in the past month of March Italy passed a law introducing a Comprehensive set of rules regulating the reception and protection of foreign unaccompanied minors. The Undersecretary spoke of the actions carried out by Italy to counter terrorism, and confirmed Italy’s full support to the initiatives of the Council of Europe.
During his speech, Undersecretary Amendola highlighted the Italian commitment to protect cultural heritage and counter the trafficking in cultural property, which also funds terrorism. These actions, which Italy is pursuing as a non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council, are part of the Italo-French initiative, that includes the Resolution 2347, unanimously approved in March, on the protection of cultural heritage and the fight against the illicit trafficking of cultural property.
Lastly, the Undersecretary underlined the central role played by the political dialogue with neighbouring countries, also as a tool for the promotion of human rights.
