Brussels, 21/05/2008 (Agence Europe) - The European Network Against Racism (ENAR) strongly condemns the violent attacks on Roma settlements in Italy last week and urges all relevant EU institutions to take action to denounce these events. Following the same line expressed by the European Parliament (see other article), ENAR President Mohammed Aziz said: “We are extremely worried by the anti-Roma and anti-immigrant rhetoric currently being used in Italy, resulting in the introduction of discriminatory measures and in fuelling racist sentiment. Italian and EU politicians must stand up to the EU commitment to fundamental rights and focus on promoting the social inclusion of Roma and implementing anti-discrimination policies.” Last week, a number of Roma settlements around Naples and Milan were set on fire by inhabitants following reports of a Roma girl allegedly having attempted to steal a baby. The press release explained that a recent opinion poll showed that 70% of Italians would like to “expel” the Roma from Italy, regardless of the fact that a little more than 50% of them are Italian nationals and 20% are EU citizens. (B.C.)