(ANSA) - Rome, February 4 - President Sergio Mattarella said Monday that Italy must show responsibility and clarity and find a common stance with its allies and European partners on Venezuela. "There can be no uncertainty or hesitation in the choice between the will of the people and the request for authentic democracy, on one hand, and the violence of force, on the other," the head of State said.
However, Alessandro Di Battista, a senior member of the 5-Star Movement (M5S), the other party in the ruling coalition, said that Italy should adopt a neutral stance on Venezuela. "The courage to maintain a neutral position is needed at the moment," Di Battista said via Facebook. "Italy is not used to doing this. "(In the past) we have always fallen into line with the 'exporters of democracy' in a cowardly way. Europe should stop obeying the orders of the United States once and for all. The world moves on. I propose courage and long-sightedness". Maduro, meanwhile, has said he has written to Pope Francis asking for an intervention for dialogue in Venezuela amid a challenge from self-proclaimed interim president Guaidò. "I have sent a letter to Pope Francis," Maduro said in an exclusive interview with Sky TG24. "I hope it is on its way or has arrived in Rome, in the Vatican. It says that I'm at the service of the cause of Christ.
"And in this spirit, I asked for help in the process of facilitating and reinforcing dialogue.
"I ask the pope to give his best effort, his will to help us on the path of dialogue. "Let's hope we have a positive response".
There must be no uncertainty on Venezuela says Mattarella
League sees Maduro as dictator, Di Battista calls for neutrality