(ANSA) - TRIESTE - The draft bill that provides the opening
of Austrian consulates to the German-speaking and Ladin-speaking
inhabitants of South Tyrol: in the event the need it while they
are staying abroad, they may turn to an Austrian consulate, even
if in that country there is also an Italian diplomatic
representation.
Italian MP Michaela Biancofiore (Forza Italia), doesn't agree
and ''calls on the President of the EU Parliament to
intervene'', hoping that ''minister Alfano will rebuke the
Austrian ambassador''. Debora Serracchiani (Pd) is also opposed
to the bill: ''The Austrian Government is taking a dangerous
step regarding German and Ladin-speaking Italian citizens. We
have very strong protections for our minorities, who do not need
additional tutors''. South Tyrolean governor Arno Kompatscher
has a completely different opinion: ''For the South Tyroleans
abroad - he says - that bill means receiving support in their
mother tongue''.
According to EU directives, the EU citizens can turn to a
consulate of another member state if their country does not have
a diplomatic representation. The draft law on consular matters,
which the Kurz government has alrealdy sent to Parliament, goes
further: even in the presence of a diplomatic representation of
the country of origin, the German-speaking and Ladin-speaking
South Tyroleans will be able to choose which consulate to turn
to, the Italian or the Austrian. They can ask for assistance in
case of arrest, serious accident, illness or death, or even if
they are victims of any crime.(ANSA).
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