State department No comment on U.S. envoy's words (2)

(ANSA) - Washington, September 13 - The United States State Department on Tuesday declined to comment on US Ambassador to Italy John Phillips's statement that a No in Italy's Constitutional referendum "would be a step backwards for foreign investments in Italy". Quizzed by ANSA, the State Department said it "refers (the question) for comment to the United States embassy in Rome". Phillips' comments spurred claims from supporters of a No vote, mainly from the centre-right opposition, that he was meddling in Italian politics. The government's reform amends the Constitution and, among other things, turns the Senate into a leaner assembly of local-government representatives with limited powers to save money and make passing legislation easier.