Italian delegation meets new Syrian leadership

(ANSA) - ROME, DEC 23 - An Italian delegation was having a meeting in Damascus on Monday with the new leadership of Syria after this month's overthrow of Bashar al-Assad's regime, Deputy Premier and Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani said. "I believe that the meeting is underway," Tajani said during a visito to Kosovo.
    "This diplomatic mission is taking place because we want to be an active part of the reunification, pacification and stabilization of the situation in Syria.
    "We hope that the new system is respectful of minorities, especially minority Christian communities.
    "This is a priority for us, a fundamental condition to proceed with the lifting of sanctions in the future" (ANSA).