Italy Condemns UN Rapporteur Francesca Albanese’s ‘Inadequate Positions’ on Israel
Rome, February 12 – Italy has joined France and Germany in condemning UN Special Rapporteur for the Palestinian Territories, Francesca Albanese, for her “inadequate positions” on Israel. Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani stated that Albanese’s remarks “do not reflect those of the Italian government” and are “not adequate for the role she holds within a body of peace and guarantee like the United Nations.”
The criticism follows Albanese’s intervention at an Al Jazeera conference in Doha, where she allegedly referred to Israel as a “common enemy of humanity.” These words were deemed “unacceptable” by French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot and echoed by his German counterpart, Johann Wadephul, who also called for her resignation.
International Condemnation and Albanese’s Defense
Albanese’s statement sparked immediate international outrage. The German minister, Johann Wadephul, expressed his respect for the UN system of independent rapporteurs but emphasized that Albanese has made “numerous inappropriate statements in the past.” He added, “I condemn her words on Israel.”
Two days after the event, Albanese released the full text of her speech, clarifying her words. She explained that the “common enemy is the system that has allowed genocide in Palestine,” attributing the controversial juxtaposition of “Israel” and “common enemy” to video editing. UN spokesperson Stephane Dujarric, when questioned by reporters, responded, “We don’t always agree with everything Albanese says, but it’s up to member states to use the existing mechanism to dissent.”
Past Controversies and Local Repercussions
This is not the first time Albanese’s statements have drawn criticism. In December, her comments seemingly justifying an assault on the Turin newsroom of La Stampa by pro-Palestinian activists – suggesting it served as “a warning for journalists” – created difficulties for local administrators who had previously granted or were considering granting her honorary citizenship or other forms of recognition.
In Naples and Florence, mayors Gaetano Manfredi and Sara Funaro opposed and halted initiatives by their respective city councils to honor Albanese. The motion for citizenship is currently stalled in Milan, with city councilor Daniele Nahum of the Democratic Party vowing to challenge it in light of Albanese’s latest statements. A similar situation has emerged in Bari, where Forza Italia parliamentarian Davide Bellomo has called for the return of the keys to the city, which had been presented to Albanese by Mayor Vito Leccese.
European Parliamentarian Calls for Formal Intervention
Elena Donazzan, a Member of the European Parliament for Fratelli d’Italia, has written to the High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs, Kaja Kallas, expressing “strong concern” over what she describes as conduct “not appropriate for the role” and calling for formal intervention by the European Commission.
The ongoing controversy highlights the delicate balance of diplomatic relations and the heightened sensitivities surrounding the Israeli-Palestinian conflict on the international stage.
