(ANSA) - Brussels, November 12 - Italy and France must not
lose EU funds for the high-speed rail (TAV) line between Lyon
and Turin while Rome and Turin carry out a cost/benefit analysis
of the project which has been put on hold, French Transport
Minister Elisabeth Borne said after talks with Italian
counterpart Danilo Toninelli Monday.
"We'll let Italy carry out its evaluations, keeping well in
mind the fact that we must not lose EU funding," she said.
"Toninelli reiterated the Italian government's desire to
conduct economic studies on this project.
"Also in France we have a reflection on our infrastructure
programme although we have reaffirmed the will to respect
international treaties. I think that is so for Italy, too".
Toninelli said that "France has Ok'd the cost/benefit
analysis".
He said that Borne had "duly noted the Italian government's
formally taken commitment to rediscuss as a whole the Turin-Lyon
high-speed train line" and "agreed on the idea that it is
necessary to put off the publication of the TELT tenders for the
base tunnel...until the completion of the cost/benefit
analysis", which will be examined together with the EU
Commission".
Meanwhile Turin Mayor Chiara Appendino, who recently ordered
Turin's own cost/benefit analysis, said Monday she would meet
the organisers of a pro-TAV rally which brought some 30,000
people to Turin on Saturday.
The Sì Torino movement was recently set up to combat a No-TAV
campaign that has seen years of sometimes violent protests
against the line in the Val di Susa north of Turin.
On Monday the Sì Torino movement said their priority was to
meet Italian President Sergio Mattarella.
"We are willing to talk to anyone who wants and asks to
listen to us but the priority is the meeting with President
Sergio Mattarella," said the seven women who promoted the "Yes,
Turin Goes Forward" event.
M5S leader and Deputy Premier Luigi Di Maio said "the doors
are open to all demonstrators".
Mustn't lose EU TAV funds - French minister
Appendino will meet 'Sì Torino' organisers