Interview detail

Minister Terzi firmly denounced and expressed his deep concern for today’s latest episode of violence against Christians in northern Nigeria, which resulted in the death of numerous Christians attending a wake. Despite the emergency measures adopted by the Nigerian authorities on 31 December last following previous attacks against Christians during the Christmas holidays, apprehension remains high regarding the security of Christian minority communities in the region. The foreign ministry reiterated its strong hope in the local authorities’ more effective commitment to the defence of religious minorities. Italy, Minister Terzi concluded, will continue to closely monitor developments in the situation in Nigeria with regard to this highly sensitive matter, and reiterates its intention to pursue its concrete commitment within the European Union and the United Nations on behalf of the defence of religious freedoms and the rights of religious minorities.