Greetings and solidarity to conference in Italy

Information on the Conference in Florence: Irlanda del Nord, un conflitto dimenticato

On behalf of Republican Sinn Féin I thank Partito Comunista dei Lavoratori for the invitation to take part in this conference. As Irish Republicans we recognise that the ongoing struggle against British imperialism in Ireland is part of the international fight against imperialism. It is not enough to oppose imperialism - either political or economic - in one country unless you are prepared to oppose it internationally.

In Ireland our struggle for a free and independent 32-County Democratic Socialist Republic continues. The lesson of Irish history is that while British occupation of Ireland remains it will be met with resistance. This lesson has been borne this year. Support for our political prisoners - who are being denied their right to political status by the British government in the oppressive prison regime in Maghaberry prison in the Six Occupied Counties – is an area where international publicity and protest is very important.

The support we receive internationally for the struggle for Irish Freedom has always been highly valued. The work of our International Relations Bureau is a vital part of building a network of solidarity for the Irish struggle and Irish Republican solidarity with national liberation struggles throughout the world, such as the Basque Country, Brittany, Palestine, Iraq and Afghanistan etc.

We wish you every success with your conference and look forward to working with you in the future.

In Solidarity

Des Dalton
President