Zaki thanks Italian government 'for everything'

(ANSA) - ROME, JUL 23 - Freed Egyptian researcher, human rights activist and Bologna University alumnus Patrick Zaki on Sunday thanked the Italian government for its commitment to ensuring his release in Egypt.
    "Thank you to the Italian government for what they have done over the past few days, I have really appreciated everything they have done," Zaki told reporters at Cairo airport before boarding an EgyptAir flight to Milan.
    Zaki also thanked the Italian diplomatic representation in Egypt, in particular the Italian ambassador to Cairo Michele Quaroni and advisor Marco Cardoni, for their efforts.
    Earlier the 22-year-old activist told reporters he was "happy to be on my way to Italy".
    "Thank you to Bologna, thank you to everyone, thank you to the Italians who have worked during these three years to arrive at this moment," he said.
    On Sunday Premier Giorgia Meloni told TG1 that she did not expect "gratitude" from Zaki amid controversy over his decision to return to Italy on a scheduled flight rather than on a flight made available by Italy and to not meet representatives of Rome.
    "For us (securing his freedom) was an important goal, I am very happy to have achieved it," said Meloni.
    "I also want to say that, with respect to the debate over the last few days, I don't expect any gratitude, I'm not interested.
    It was right to do what we did, we did it, we do it regardless of any other consideration," she added.
    On Friday Amnesty International Italia said Zaki's decision was to be seen as an act of independence, not of political opposition.
    "The reputation of human rights defenders is based on their independence from governments,' said spokesman Riccardo Noury.
    "They say thank you and express appreciation when things are done for them, as has been the case; and in fact Patrick has repeatedly thanked the government and the embassy," he continued.
    "Deciding to travel on a scheduled flight is not a gesture of political opposition, but a gesture of independence," concluded Noury.
    Following his arrival in Milan on Sunday afternoon, Zaki will travel to Bologna where he will give a press conference at the university at 8.30 pm local time.
    The municipality has organised a public celebration in Piazza Maggiore on July 30. (ANSA).