March 23, 2006
Italian prime minister Silvio Berlusconi has distanced himself from remarks by one of his ministers who had likened Dutch euthanasia laws to the Nazi regime, a statement that infuriated the Dutch government. "I am Catholic and I think that no-one can dispose of one's life," Berlusconi said in a television interview, laying out his opposition to euthanasia. However, he added, "Minister Giovanardi has adopted a personal position that is outside the province f the premier." Last Friday, Dutch foreign minister Ben Bot summoned Italy's ambassador to the Netherlands over Giovanardi's remarks. Speaking on Italian radio, Giovanardi had said that "Nazi laws and Hitler's ideas are making a European comeback through Dutch euthanasia legislation and the debate on how sick children can be killed." Dutch Prime Minister Jan Peter Balkenende called the comments "unacceptable" and Bot said they were "a disgrace." The Italian foreign ministry said last week that the ambassador had told Dutch officials that Giovanardi's opinions reflected similar assessments from "medical, religious circles" in the Netherlands itself.
