Meriam lands in Rome, welcomed by Renzi

(ANSA) - Rome, July 24 - Meriam Ibrahim, a Christian woman who was sentenced to death in majority-Muslim Sudan for apostasy before being released in the face of international outrage, landed in Rome on Thursday. The 27-year-old was greeted by Italian Premier Matteo Renzi when she landed at Rome's Ciampino airport the end of a ordeal that lasted almost a year. "Today is a day of celebration," Renzi said after meeting Meriam, her husband Daniel Wani - who has duel American-Sudense citizenship - and her two small children, Martin and Maya. Renzi complimented Junior Foreign Minister Lapo Pistelli, who led the Italian government's negotiations with Khartoum for the family to be allowed to leave Sudan and accompanied them to Italy.
    "It's a great joy," said Italian Foreign Minister Federica Mogherini after bordering the Italian Air Force jet that brought the family to Rome.
    "We followed this case from the time the sentence was revealed and, thanks to the great work done by many people, we can welcome Meriam to Rome. "Now she needs the tranquility of her family". Pistelli said Meriam rested on the flight and chatted about everyday affairs. "We left at three o'clock in the morning so Meriam and her family slept," said the junior minister.
    "We talked about milk and nappies and Martin basically dismantled the airplane.
    Pistelli said Meriam will stay in Rome for a few days and will probably have some "important" meetings before going to New York.
    These meetings may include an audience with Pope Francis.