Conductor Venezi's lawyers deny conflict of interest

(ANSA) - ROME, SEP 10 - The attorneys representing conductor Beatrice Venezi on Tuesday denied that she had any conflict of interest as a paid advisor of the culture ministry who was allegedly set to perform at the upcoming G7 Culture summit as claimed by Maria Rosaria Boccia, whose disputed role as advisor to Culture Minister Gennaro Sangiuliano led to his resignation last week.
    "Maestro Venezi has never incurred in any hypothesis of a conflict of interest: clarity, transparency and honesty represent fundamental values for Beatrice Venezi", the attorneys said, responding to Boccia's statements during an interview to the In Onda program aired by private television channel La 7 on September 6. Venezi's role was also at the centre of articles published by newspaper La Repubblica and news site Dagospia.
    In a statement, Venezi's lawyers said her role as advisor to the minister was a "mere technical consultancy" which did not prevent her from undertaking any engagement as a professional.
    The statement also denied Venezi "directed" any theatre or institution that received public funding, as claimed by Boccia. "Venezi did not take part in any type of meeting focusing on events scheduled for the G7 Culture (summit) nor had any contractual relationship with the ministry in relation" to any concert during the two years she has served as advisor, it added. (ANSA).