ROME - It has been announced that 83 Syrian refugees will arrive at Rome’s Fiumicino Airport on Wednesday Oct. 31. The arrival of this particular refugee group will mark the legal and secure entry of an additional 2100 people in Italy, France, Belgium and Andorra.

 A press conference will take place at the airport on the same morning as the arrival of the refugees, who will enter via humanitarian corridors initiated by the Sant’Egidio Community, the Federation of Evangelical Churches in Italy (FCEI) and the Tavola Valdese. Their entry has been agreed by Ministries of the Interior and Foreign Affairs.

 Due to the generosity of many Italians, who have offered their houses to associations, parishes and diaconal establishments, the refugees will not only be welcomed into Italy, but also hopefully integrated. Measures will be enforced to help them learn the Italian language and find jobs.

 The project has been financed entirely by organisations which have promoted the integration measures.

 Both the migrants’ welcome and the press conference will take place at 11 am. Journalists should arrive no later than 10 and gather outside door 3 of Terminal 3. They will be accompanied from there to the press conference room.

 Speakers shall include Marco Impagliazzo, the President of the Sant’Egidio Community, and Paolo Naso, on behalf of the Italian Protestant Churches. Representatives of the Ministries of the Interior and Foreign Affairs will also appear.

 fh