Tonio Borg speaks out against persecution of Christians
During his address to the Council of Ministers of the European Union last Monday, deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Affairs Minister Tonio Borg spoke out against murder and persecution of Christian communities being suffered in various parts of the world.
He also supported the initiative of Italian Minister Franco Frattini that if there can be no agreement on the matter the statement on religious freedom should be referred back to the Political Security Committee (PSC) for review. In fact, after several interventions in support of the Italian initiative, the statement was sent back for review.
The PSC is a permanent body within the EU, which deals with common politics, foreign affairs and security including security and defence policy.
On 3 January 2011, Tonio Borg wrote to the High Representative Catherine Ashton requesting the matter be discussed at the Council of Ministers. The topic will come under discussion again at the Council of Ministers on 21 February.