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Italian senator refuses to quit over 'orangutan' slur

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An Italian politician who compared the country's first black minister to an orangutan said he would not quit as vice-president of the senate.

Roberto Calderoli, who represents the anti-immigration Northern League, told parliament he did a "silly thing" and offered to send Cecile Kyenge flowers. But he said a majority of parties did not want him to step down.

The senator's slur sparked a storm of criticism from political leaders and led to calls for his resignation. He had told supporters at a weekend rally that photographs of the Congolese-born integration minister reminded him of "the features of an orangutan".

Calderoli also said her success encouraged illegal migrants, and that she should be a minister "in her own country". Kyenge has accepted a phone apology from the senator but also invited him to "reflect deeply".

The racist remarks forced Mr Calderoli to explain himself before parliament on Tuesday. He told lawmakers that he got carried away during his speech and made a "serious mistake" with his "offensive" comments.

"I apologise to everyone," Calderoli said, adding that he would send Ms Kyenge a bunch of roses.

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However, he refused to resign from his senate role and insisted he would continue to oppose the government for "encouraging illegal immigration".

 

Anna van Densky

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