Italy gives local autonomy to some minorities, De Maio: Could also be inspired for Kosovo

Italy's Foreign Minister, Luigi De Maio, has said a new commitment is needed to overcome still open political issues and continue to undermine the region.

He has also mentioned Italy as a country that is proudly identified with minorities and that the way he deals with them can also be an example for Kosovo, including in cases where some of them are granted local autonomy.

“The Italian state's commitment to their defence is maximum and translates into specific cases even in recognition of local autonomy for the territories in which they are located. The presence of numerous models in Italy and Europe can be a source of inspiration for Kosovo in line with principles set by its Constitution”.

But De Maio was firm that Kosovo's citizenship should in no way be violated by negotiations with Belgrade.

Kosovo needs to be afraid of dialogue. Kosovo's independence, I want to clearly say prime minister and MPs, is not at issue. Neither its territorial integrity nor its functionality as a state based on respect for fundamental rights”.

He has said that to achieve this requires a political vision and strength to take concrete reconciliation actions.

“Support for regional reconciliation is essential to finally leaving the tragedies of the past behind us and to see together a future that joins the shared aspirations to be part of the European Union”.

The Italian top diplomat also opened the subject of the found from the recent war.

“Mby all identification of persons found during previous conflicts and the return of the remains to their families is a moral necessity and an urgent act to restore the dignity of all victims”.
At the end of his speech before the Kosovo Assembly, De Maio said the EU-launched dialogue is a historic possibility that both sides should exploit it.