Source: Adnkronos

"My reference to Italian Istria and Dalmatia was in no way a territorial claim . I was referring to the Italian-speaking Istrian and Dalmatian exiles, their children and grandchildren, many of whom were present at the ceremony." Thus, the President of the European Parliament, Antonio Tajani, clarified the meaning of the words he spoke on Sunday at the Basovizza foibe on the occasion of the Day of Remembrance for the Victims of the Foibe , opening the plenary session in Strasbourg.

"Precisely by re-establishing historical truth," Tajani continued, "it was possible to mark a turning point in relations between Italy , Croatia , and Slovenia , countries now bound by a strong friendship. The lasting peace between former enemies is the best example of how the European Union is a success story. I'm sorry if the meaning of my words has been misinterpreted. It was not my intention to offend anyone. I simply wanted to send a message of peace among peoples, so that what happened then never happens again."

Croatian MEP Ruza Tomasic of the ECR group criticized Tajani in the Chamber, recalling that the populations of today's Croatia "have suffered greatly from the Italian occupation. It is scandalous that the President of the European Parliament makes imperialist statements". Franz Bogovic, Slovenian MEP of the EPP group, the same group to which Tajani belongs, thanked the President of the Parliament "for having clarified: speaking of Italian Istria and Dalmatia reminds us of a period in which fascism caused great suffering". Tajani is said to have clarified the meaning of his words in a telephone conversation with Croatian Prime Minister Andrej Plenkovic.

SLOVENIA – Furthermore, Slovenian President Borut Pahor has written to Italian President Sergio Mattarella expressing his concern over statements made by Italian officials regarding the foibe issue. According to the Croatian news agency Hina, Pahor is referring specifically to comments made by Deputy Prime Minister Matteo Salvini and those of Tajani.