Anti-gay general loyal, brave servant of Italy - Salvini

(ANSA) - ROME, DEC 3 - Anti-gay general Roberto Vannacci is a "loyal and courageous servant of Italy and the Italians," rightwing League party leader, Deputy Premier and Transport Minister Matteo Salvini said after the officer who caused a furore with a self-published book slamming gays and other minorities was named chief of staff of the army's land operations forces after being sacked as head of its geographical institute in August.
    The defence ministry has denied that Vannacci's new role amounts to a promotion.
    It said Sunday that the 55-year-old former paratroop regiment commander will not have decision-making powers in his new post.
    (ANSA).