Russian vote marked by violence - Tajani

(ANSA) - ROME, MAR 18 - Deputy Premier and Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani reiterated on Monday that he did not consider the outcome of the Russian presidential elections won by President Vladimir Putin to be legitimate, after saying the vote was not "free or fair" on Sunday.
    Forza Italia leader Tajani was asked to comment on the Russian elections again after Transport Minister and fellow Deputy Premier Matteo Salvini said that "when a people votes, it is always right" in relation to them.
    "I am the Foreign Minister and I expressed my position (on the vote in Russia) last night," Tajani said.
    "I have nothing to add to what I said.
    "The elections were characterized by strong pressure, including violent pressure. "(Alexei) Navalny was excluded from these elections via homicide.
    "We saw the images of soldiers in voting stations.
    "It doesn't seem to me to be an election that respects the criteria that we respect." (ANSA).