Tajani calls on Nicaragua to extradite the terrorist Casimirri

Speaking yesterday in Madrid at an EPP meeting, Minister Tajani paid tribute to Aldo Moro, who was assassinated by the Red Brigades. The Minister pointed out that the Nicaraguan government continues to harbour and protect the terrorist Alessio Casimirri - one of Aldo Moro's murderers, who has been definitively sentenced to six life imprisonment terms - whilst refusing to comply with the Italian judicial authorities' extradition requests.

Italy continues to base its foreign policy on respect for international law, dialogue and the protection of democratic values, and remains open to dialogue with all countries, whilst respecting and upholding the principles of justice, freedom and the rule of law.

The Italian government has not forgotten the victims of terrorism, and continues to demand that those responsible for the most serious crimes against the State and Italian citizens be held to account. This also applies to Casimirri, a dangerous member of the Red Brigades to whom Nicaragua continues to grant asylum. Minister Tajani has stated that "Italy will continue to demand that Casimirri face justice in Italy for the offences of which he has been found guilty, as has already been called for in a resolution of the European Parliament. Italy, out of respect for the memory of the victims of terrorism and in accordance with the principles of justice, will continue to defend this request with determination."

In response to Minister Tajani's latest statement regarding Casimirri's extradition, the Nicaraguan government has notified the Italian Government of its intention to sever diplomatic relations with Italy.