Abducted Syrian child returns to Italy

Rome - Houda Emma Kharat, the Italian child kidnapped 5 years ago by her Syrian father and taken to Aleppo, now has a happy ending to her story. The child, abducted when she was just over a year of age, is about to turn 7 and will soon be returning to Italy and reunited with her mother, Alice Rossini. Ms Rossini has not seen her daughter since the day of the kidnapping.

"Throughout all these years, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of the Interior have been in close contact with the Italian Central Authority within the Ministry of Justice," said Minister of Foreign Affairs, Angelino Alfano. "They have been working silently but steadily to achieve this result. A DNA examination has been scheduled in Italy as a conclusion to the recognition procedures.

This has been possible thanks to the excellent cooperation of Turkish authorities, which, aware of the humanitarian aspect of the situation, have facilitated the transit through Turkey of Houda Emma from Syria. This evening, Houda Emma will be in her mother's arms. I wish to express our heartfelt gratitude to Turkish authorities and to all the Italian State departments that have made this reunion possible."