Russian attack pushing Europe to unity - Mattarella

(ANSA) - ROME, APR 27 - Italy is ready to impose eventual additional EU sanctions in Russia over its invasion of Ukraine "without any hesitation", President Sergio Mattarella said Wednesday as he addressed the Council of Europe's Parliamentary Assembly in Strasbourg, adding that the war was giving thrust to the process of European unity.
    The head of State added that "the sanctions framework is fully operational in Italy" when asked by a British Conservative delegate about whether all Italian companies were respecting the sanctions regime.
    "With respect for the principles of the rule of law and of the free-market economy that are in force in Italy and are respected, companies autonomously apply the consequent rules, as happens in countries that have a free market," he said. "Russia's aggression gives additional drive towards the unity of the European countries and peoples who believe in peace, democracy and the respect of international law and the rule of law". (ANSA).