Italian politicians up in arms over Austria passport offer
Italians and Germans have their own schools and largely frequent different bars and restaurantsROME: Italian politicians denounced on Monday a proposal by Austria’s new government to offer passports to German-speaking residents of the northern Italian province of Alto Adige. The accord risked tearing at fragile ethnic fault lines which run through the autonomous area of Alto Adige, also known as the South Tyrol. Alto Adige was ceded to Italy by Austria after World War One. But the region enjoys enormous autonomy and generous handouts from Rome, which have helped dampen secessionist sentiments in the province. Italian Foreign Minister Angelino Alfano was more cautious, saying he would raise the matter at a later date.
Source: The Express Tribune December 19, 2017 06:56 UTC
