Russia, Belarus envoys won't attend pre-June 2 ceremony

(ANSA) - ROME, JUN 1 - Ambassadors to Italy from Russia and Belarus will not attend a ceremony at the presidential Quirinale Palace Wednesday evening ahead of Thursday's Republic Day, official sources said Wednesday afternoon.
    The decision follows the recent EU decision not to invite representatives of the two countries to this kind of event after Russia's invasion of Ukraine.
    The event will see a brief statement from President Sergio Mattarella followed by a concert by Venice's Fenice opera house orchestra, conducted by Myung Whun Chung. (ANSA).