Italy 100% behind EU-U.S. trade accord says Renzi - update 2

(ANSA) - Rome, October 14 - Italy fully supports the Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership (TTIP) free-trade agreement currently being negotiated between the European Union and the United States, Premier Matteo Renzi said Tuesday. "Every day that goes by is a day wasted," Renzi told a conference on the TTIP in the Italian capital. "Italy gives its total and unconditional support (to this trade agreement)". The premier said Italy's EU semester duty presidency should represent "the opportunity to take a big step forward" in making the TTIP happen. "This is a strategic choice," Renzi said. "The relationship with the US is an absolute priority for us, not only from the point of view of values and friendship, but also of trade".
    The US and the EU need to be on the same page especially in difficult macroeconomic times, the Italian premier went on.
    "We need a unity of intent that is not only theoretical but that also allows for making 360-degree progress," Renzi said.