“Faced with the dramatic event that took place on the Calabrian coast, condolences must be translated into concrete, operational choices by everyone, Italy and the EU, because this is the real answer”. From the President of the Republic Sergio Mattarella, speaking at the University of Basilicata, comes a firm appeal in line with his choice to physically represent the pain of the Italian people for those killed at sea. The immigration issue will be addressed in the Council of Ministers in Cutro, announced by Prime Minister Meloni, scheduled for Thursday.
Tragedy Cutro involved and moved Italy
For the Head of State «a tragedy occurred on the coasts of Calabria that involved and moved our country. The Afghan refugees reminded us of what our country did two years ago, with the Taliban taking over power, to bring all the citizens who collaborated to Italy. No one was left, everyone was welcomed in Italy. We are reminded of the scenes of citizens who begged for a ride at the airport and make us understand why entire families are trying to leave their land to look for a future elsewhere”.
Ineffective freedom if it does not belong to everyone, everywhere
“Freedom is not effective if it is not the prerogative of everyone: in a world that is increasingly a collected, interconnected community, the lack of freedom or the exercise of rights in one place affects everyone, everywhere”. According to the head of state, there is “the value of the uniqueness of the human race and this uniqueness recalls the value of the indivisibility of freedom if it is not the prerogative of all”.
Iran, a regime that suffocates its own children
«I want to thank Pegah Moshir Pour in particular: her words are a strong reminder of human rights and freedom. Thinking of that country rich in history and tradition (Iran ed) which sees a regime that suffocates its own children». So the President of the Republic in a further passage of his speech at the University of Basilicata.
Zuppi: those who have no home must be welcomed, no alternatives
A line in continuity with the position taken by the President of the Republic can be found in the words of Cardinal Matteo M. Zuppi, archbishop of Bologna and president of the CEI. “Welcome is the only possible message. Those who have no home must be welcomed. We must always put ourselves in the shoes of others. Those who have lost everything and have to flee must find a welcome. There are no alternatives. Emigration was a guaranteed right for all men, before walls and fears arose. Especially for those fleeing war, violence or hunger. To contrast this with our future is to not want the future. Reception opens up to the future, closure also makes us lose the present».