This is an awesome move that should inspire other European nations to follow in Italy's footsteps. It is especially impressive given that the chair of Durban II is Libya, Italy's neighbour to the south that Italy has been trying to strengthen trade and security cooperation with. Italy is demonstrating that it won't sacrifice its principles and freedoms just to appease nations like Libya, and I hope that Libya is wise enough to accept this position with grace!

Hopefully more countries will see the cynicism behind this conference and will also boycott it. Good for Italy.