Rome - The Italian Culture Minister, Ms Giovanna Melandri, yesterday voiced serious concern about repeated visits to Italy by the Austrian far-right leader, Mr Jorg Haider, amid reports that he was expected in Venice on Saturday.
Presenting the programme of a European festival of Jewish culture, to be held in September, Ms Melandri said she found honours bestowed on Mr Haider by the mayor of the Adriatic sea resort of Jesolo, Mr Renato Martin, deeply disturbing.
Mr Haider was made an honorary citizen of Jesolo on July 8th and later went on a tour to the north-eastern city of Udine to promote the tourist sites of his home state of Carinthia, of which he is governor.