Macron's invitation to Zelensky 'inopportune' - Meloni (4)

(ANSA) - ROME, FEB 9 - Italian Premier Giorgia Meloni said Thursday that French President Emmanuel Macron's decision to invite Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky to Paris before this week's European summit was "inopportune".
    German Chancellor Olaf Scholz also took part in the talks with Zelensky in Paris Our forces "must be united" Meloni said as she arrived at the summit.
    Meloni also stressed that "Italy is fully committed" to supporting Kyiv after the Russian invasion, saying "our contribution" is so comprehensive that it is "360 degrees".
    "We are aware that the Ukraine conflict involves us all," she added.
    "I think the best way to build an option of dialogue and peace is to maintain the forces on the field on a balanced level.
    "Supporting Ukraine is the best way to reach a possible negotiation.
    "Rome wants to be a lead player, including in the stage of reconstruction". Meloni is set to have bilateral talks on the sidelines of the summit with Zelensky, who flew to Brussels together with Macron.
    When asked about Meloni's comments, Macron said he did not consider Wednesday's meeting to be out of place.
    "As you know, Germany and France have had a special role on the Ukraine question for eight years," he said.
    "I think it's up to Zelensky to choose the format he wants (for diplomatic talks)," he added. (ANSA).