Tajani must apologise and withdraw unacceptable comments on Istria and Dalmatia
Date
14 Feb 2019
Sections
Public Affairs
Leading S&D MEPs have strongly condemned the comments made by European Parliament president Antonio Tajani at a commemorative event in Basovizza. Tajani said: “Long live Trieste, long live Italian Istria, long live Italian Dalmatia, long live Italian exiles.” The comments echo old territorial claims and a nationalist discourse, and S&D MEPs have urged president Tajani to apologise for the statements in person.
S&D Group president Udo Bullmann said:
"The comments made by president Tajani are deeply concerning and are not acceptable from a president of European Parliament. A person in his position should have the political and historical knowledge and understanding not to make such misleading and nationalistic statements. Rather than fanning the flames of division, he should be working to bring countries and communities back together.
"It is our duty as Europeans to remember the massacres and violations committed by all countries. President Tajani must apologise for the offence he has caused in person. If president Tajani wants to be a nationalist politician rather than a statesman he should leave his role as president of the European Parliament. Remembrance is vital but we must also strive to bring people and nations together, not use history to widen our differences. president Tajani must make amends as soon as possible.”