Treaty of Osimo Disappointing for Minority, but Positive Overall
The 1975 Treaty of Osimo has been a disappointment for the Slovenian minority in Italy, but it has nevertheless provided great benefits for both countries, agreed speakers examining the international and local implications of the treaty at a science conference.
The treaty put aside the legal uncertainty and distrust between the Slovenians and Italians, Slovenia's consul general in Trieste Jozef Susmelj told the conference on Friday.
He stressed that the treaty had positive long-term effects, paving the way for better economic cooperation and development of local communities, and facilitating life along the border.
What is more, said Susmelj, the treaty facilitated Slovenia's EU entry, as it resolved open issues between Slovenia and Italy 30 years ago.
Historian Salvator Zitko perceives the treaty even more broadly. He said the document re-defined relations between the Balkans and Western Europe.
"Osimo created harmony between nations, which is crucial for life along a border as important as this," he stressed.
However, a number of speakers pointed to the fact that the Slovenian minority in Italy, for which Italy should offer full protection in line with the treaty, is still facing difficulties in asserting its rights.
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