Decriminalizing abuse of office may impact graft fight-EU

(ANSA) - ROME, JAN 11 - Decriminalizing abuse of office, as is contained in a government bill moving through parliament, will impact the fight against corruption, a European Commission spokesman said Thursday answering a question on Justice Minister Carlo Nordio's bill that would abolish the crime.
    "Although it is too early to comment, I can say that fighting corruption is a top priority for the Commission," said the spokesman.
    "We adopted an ad hoc package last May. We are aware of the draft law in Italy and the amendments on abuse of office.
    "As was explained in the last Rule of Law Report last July, this proposal decriminalises an important form of corruption and may have an impact on the effectiveness of the fight against corruption". (ANSA).