The seizure of the assets of the Provenzano and Lo Piccolo clans is a devastating blow inflicted by the State on the Mafia. Hitting at the economic interests of the Cosa Nostra is essential for a definitive victory over Mafia power". The words are those of Anna Finocchiaro, Chair of the PD (Democratic Party) group at the Senate. "The operation completed today by Palermo's police department in connection with the investigation led by special state attorney Roberto Scarpinato and public prosecutor Gaetano Guardi' has been a great success - Anna Finocchiaro stressed - Our compliments are due to police forces and the magistracy for investigative and counter-criminal actions which have borne great results over recent years. The assets of Mafia clans are accrued by depriving the honest part of Sicily of its resources, and of the opportunity for healthy growth in its economy. The seizure of Mafia assets is therefore of double significance, because it not only hits the clans materially, but by transferring the assets to state hands, it has a symbolic value. Which means to say that via the state, honest citizens are able to claim back what has been taken from them, and that the Mafia can not just be combated, but beaten too. I would also like to stress the the appeal made by Scarpinato should be taken with absolute seriousness - Anna Finocchiaro concluded - It is necessary to find out the reasons for the bureaucratic obstacles the attorney spoke of, and to remove these obstacles as soon as
