Doc. 8577

6 October 1999

People of Salento

Motion for a recommendation

presented by Ms Squarcialupi and others

    This motion has not been discussed in the Assembly and only expresses the views of the members who have signed it

The Assembly,

      Having observed with concern the massive exodus of displaced persons from the Balkans, particularly from the ravaged province of Kosovo, and from the Middle and Far East who, in extremely difficult conditions and even risking their lives, land on the coast of Apulia in the area known as Salento in the provinces of Lecce, Brindisi and Taranto;

      Noting that this influx reached dramatic proportions in the early 1990s and particularly before and after the great crisis in Kosovo:

Recognises:

—       The extraordinary hospitality shown by the people of Salento towards men and women, old people and children from the most diverse ethnic backgrounds who have arrived on their shores in a desperate state;

—       The many praiseworthy signs of solidarity and readiness to help shown by the native population, who, with unstinting generosity, have helped these needy people not only by organising official and voluntary assistance but also by opening their homes to them and sharing what they have with them, thus disproving any alleged intolerance between peoples from different cultural, economic and religious backgrounds;

Recommends that the Committee of Ministers discuss the possibility of granting some form of official recognition to the population of Salento for the powerful lesson in humanity and solidarity they have given Europe in taking in so many desperate people;

      Requests its relevant committees, if they consider it appropriate, to prepare an information report on the hospitality afforded to thousands of displaced persons landing on the Salento coast of Italy.

Signed : 1

Squarcialupi, Italy, SOC

Aleffi, Italy, EPP/CD

Bartumeu Cassany, Andorra, SOC

Beaufays, Belgium, EPP/CD

Bianchi, Italy, EPP/CD

Clerfayt, Belgium, LDR

Diana, Italy, EPP/CD

Dias, Portugal, SOC

Henry, Belgium, SOC

Ivanov S., Estonia, SOC

Nothomb, Belgium, EPP/CD

Pinggera, Italy, EPP/CD

Polenta, Italy, EPP/CD

Roseta, Portugal, EPP/CD

Staes, Belgium, EPP/CD

Tallo, Estonia, SOC

1        SOC: Socialist Group

      EPP/CD: Group of the European People’s Party

      EDG:European Democratic Group

      LDR : Liberal, Democratic and Reformers’ Group

      UEL : Group of the Unified European Left

      NR : Not registered in a group