FI backs NATO, against Russia invasion Tajani tells EPP

(see related) (ANSA) - ROME, OCT 20 - Forza Italia (FI) Coordinator Antonio Tajani said Thursday that the party and its leader Silvio Berlusconi are firmly behind NATO and against Russia's invasion of Ukraine during the European People's Party (EPP) summit ahead of the European Council.
    Three-time ex-premier and media mogul Berlusconi is at the centre of a furore after an audio recording was released in which he told his party's lawmakers that he has re-established ties with his old friend, Russian President Vladimir Putin, via the exchange of gifts and "sweet" letters and suggested Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelensky's actions had forced Moscow's invasion of its neighbour.
    "I'm here to confirm, once again, the position of my party, my personal position and the position of the leader of my party totally in favour of NATO and trans-Atlantic relations, in favour of Europe, and against the unacceptable Russian invasion of Ukraine," Tajani said.
    Berlusconi said that he would have delivered the message to the EPP summit himself but was unable to because of government-formation consultations with President Sergio Mattarella.
    "So I delegated (FI) Vice President Antonio Tajani to present my personal position and that of the whole of Forza Italia, which is full and total adhesion to the values of the EU and the Atlantic alliance," Berlusconi said via Facebook.
    Tajani had been expected to be named foreign minister in Meloni's government but opposition parties have said he should not get this post given what the FI leader has said about the war in Ukraine.
    EPP President Manfred Weber said the group remained behind former European Parliament President Tajani.
    "We will support any government that has a clear approach in favour of the EU, in favour of Ukraine and in favour of the rule of law," Weber said on his way into the meeting.
    "I'm happy that Antonio Tajani is here. He is the guarantee of FI's pro-Atlantic position".
    At the EPP summit Weber added: "as possible foreign minister of this government, Antonio Tajani would be a symbol of the continuity of the new Italian government and its pro-Europe stance".
    European Parliament President Roberta Metsola echoed those sentiments.
    "I'll meet Tajani," she said.
    "I have spoken to all the Italian political leaders. My message to Italy is to remain in the heart of Europe.
    "I have no doubt that it will and I have no doubt about its support for the Atlantic alliance and for Ukraine". (ANSA).