Positions on Russian assets getting closer - Giorgetti

(see related stories) (ANSA) - ROME, MAY 24 - Economy Minister Giancarlo Giorgetti said Friday that the positions of the major Western powers were moving closer over the question of using frozen Russian assets to help Ukraine, while stressing that many difficulties remain, as he spoke to reporters on the sidelines of the Finance G7 meeting in Stresa on the shore of Lake Maggiore.
    "There is a gradual move towards what is the politically desired and desirable goal, but which has technical difficulties," Giorgetti said, citing legal issues.
    "We are working to reach a solution.
    "We hope to lay the foundations for a solution, perhaps at the mid-June (G7) summit in Puglia".
    European Economic Affairs Commissioner Paolo Gentiloni also said he was looking for the three-day Finance G7 to pave the way for a breakthrough at the G7 summit.
    "There are still many details that need to be clarified and examined," Gentiloni said regarding the use of profits from Russian assets for Ukraine.
    "But the direction being taken is interesting and, in the medium term, I think it could lead to an agreement at the G7 in Puglia.
    "Stresa will provide the substance of this process.
    "I think the political conclusion still needs some work on and I think the ideal venue is less than a month away in Puglia".
    (ANSA).