Ukraine: We must talk to China, persuade it not to support Russia -Draghi

(ANSA) - ROME, MAR 23 - Premier Mario Draghi on Wednesday stressed the need to keep open dialogue with Beijing to persuade it not to take sides with Russia following the invasion of Ukraine.
    "It is fundamental that the EU is united in maintaining spaces of dialogue with Beijing," Draghi said as he reported to the Lower House before this week's European Council summit.
    "We must reiterate the expectation that Beijing abstains from supporting Moscow and supports the peace effort".
    Draghi said the diplomatic effort to halt the war in Ukraine "will only be able to have success when Moscow really wants it to".
    "Before the horrors of war, Italy is working with determination for the hostilities to cease," he said.
    "The European Council will open with a meeting with United States President (Joe) Biden," he added.
    "The Euro-Atlantic community also intends to reiterate its unity and determination to support Ukraine at the NATO and G7 summits and (affirm) a common commitment for peace, security and democracy".
    When Ukrainian President Voldymyr Zelensky addressed the Italian parliament via videolink on Tuesday, Draghi told him that Italy won't look the other way on the "barbarism" of the Russian invasion and was ready to continue to support Kyiv, including via military aid. (ANSA).