
The International Spectator
Gianni Bonvicini
Istituto Affari Internazionali
Relations between Italy and Turkey, which are solid and fruitful, are rooted in their traditional friendship and shared interests and objectives. It is these considerations that underlie Italy's desire to strengthen and enhance them, independently of any individual or contingent events - such as the questions surrounding the Ocalan affair - that might have touched on particular sensitivities and provoked a certain resentment, without - at least as far as Italy is concerned - leaving any lasting or long-term consequences. Now that Ocalan is in Turkey, where he will presumably be prosecuted, we expect the trial to be carried out with all the guarantees of a constitutional state, in particular in compliance with European standards in matters of fundamental rights which are sanctioned by the Conventions of the Council of Europe to which Turkey too is party. We also express the hope that whatever the outcome of the trial, it will not envisage the death sentence. Italy has requested the European Union, whose policies are inspired by the same principles, to adopt a similar approach. Italy, as well as the European Union, condemns any kind ...
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