Napolitano office denies resignation rumors

(ANSA) - Rome, December 1 - President Giorgio Napolitano is not stepping down before the end of his mandate, the presidential press office said in a note Monday.
    "Speculation as to a possible resignation before the end of Italy's duty semester presidency of the EU is absolutely gratuitous," the statement said. "At the end of that semester, the president will make his own assessments...in an autonomous way".
    "The president is and continues to be engaged in a series scheduled meetings...both domestic and international," the statement said.