By Valeriu Nicolae
On November 3, Mr Frattini, Italian Commissioner for Justice and Civil Liberties declared:
“What has to be done is simple. Go into a nomad camp in Rome for example, and ask them: “Can you tell me where you live?” If they say they do not know, take them and send them home to Romania. That is how the European directive works. It is simple and safe. Romania cannot say they will not take them back, because it is an obligation that is part of being a member state of the EU.”
He also urged Italy to pull down the camps to prevent any Romanians from returning.
At best, this declaration is stupid, as the Commissioner implies that Romania should receive anybody who does not know where he or she resides. Coming from a Commissioner charged with fighting for the civil liberties of European citizens, it is simply unacceptable.
Frattini seems to forget that he is not paid by the Italian extreme right or Berlusconi but by the European Commission, an organisation which promotes (at least on paper) “respect for human rights”, “tolerance” and “unity through diversity”.
If the Commissioner can’t do his job better resign or keep quiet as he successfully did it up to this point.
Full article is available at http://www.ergonetwork.org/frattini.htm
An online protest is available at http://www.romanetwork.org/protest2.htm
Valeriu Nicolae Executive Director
European Roma Grassroots Organisation
Strada Rezonantei Nr.1-3 Bl 15-16 Sc A Ap 3 Sector 4 Bucuresti Romania
Tel : (004) 0742379657 or 0727708788
