ROME, May 3 (UPI) -- Newly appointed Integration Minister Cecile Kyenge, Italy's first black minister, says she does not believe that Italy is racist country.
Kyenge, of the center-left Democratic Party, was sworn in on Sunday and has since suffered racist attacks from the anti-immigrant Northern League and others, Italy's ANSA news agency reported.
"I learned much from these attacks," Kyenge said at a press conference Friday.
She said she doesn't think Italy is a racist county, but it lacks a "consciousness of others."
"Italy has a well-rooted culture of hospitality ... but does not see diversity as a resource," Kyenge said.
Kyenge's colleagues say they are proud to have Italy's first black minister, ANSA said.
Prime Minister Enrico Letta and his deputy Angelino Alfano said they were in "full solidarity" with Kyenge over the attacks she's faced.
Meanwhile, during her press conference Friday, Kyenge said violence against women is not a problem exclusive to any one race, color or nationality
"Violence against women does not effect only Italians or immigrants. Violence has no color. What needs changing is the culture of how women are treated," Kyenge said.
