SF's Italian tour
By Owen Smyth
Lotta is the Italian word for struggle. It has formed
the foundation of a rapidly growing Italian vocabulary
amongst this Sinn Fein delegation.
So far, we have visited Milan, Genoa, Rome, Florence,
Turin and the university city of Laquila. We have
literally travelled the length and breadth of Italy
expounding Sinn Fein philosphy and explaining the
current backdrop to the peace process.
The radical left in Italy needs no history lessons,
they understand fully that Irish republicans are
engaged in an endgame with British inperialism. In a
broader European context they realise that what we are
trying to achieve is contrary to what the right in
Europe wants for all of us. The significance of what
happens in Ireland has implications for everyone in
Europe, and our Italian comrades are fully behind us.
Their insight and knowledge of Irish politics has
proved an eye opener for this particular Sinn Feiner.
The enthusiasm, the sense of comradeship, the sense of
common struggle between us has generated a bond that
will strengten our common resolve. A meeting in Rome on
the issue of POWs was particularly interesting. A
representative of the Basque party Herri Battasuna, an
Italian ex-POW and myself shared our common
experiences, and discussed the similiar tactics of
oppression used to try to break those in struggle, both
in and out of jail.
So far the tour has been very worthwhile, many old
contacts have been renewed, many new ones made. The
West Belfast group, Seannachie, have accompanied the
tour to give a flavour of contemporary Irish music. The
Italians have loved them. Their unique mixture of
traditional, rebel and rock has created musical mayhem.
Catch them on their return.
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