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Forza Italia (FI) Coordinator Antonio
Tajani said Thursday that the party and its leader Silvio
Berlusconi are firmly behind NATO and against Russia's invasion
of Ukraine during the European People's Party (EPP) summit ahead
of the European Council.
Three-time ex-premier and media mogul Berlusconi is at the
centre of a furore after an audio recording was released in
which he told his party's lawmakers that he has re-established
ties with his old friend, Russian President Vladimir Putin, via
the exchange of gifts and "sweet" letters and suggested Ukraine
President Volodymyr Zelensky's actions had forced Moscow's
invasion of its neighbour.
"I'm here to confirm, once again, the position of my party, my
personal position and the position of the leader of my party
totally in favour of NATO and trans-Atlantic relations, in
favour of Europe, and against the unacceptable Russian invasion
of Ukraine," Tajani said.
Berlusconi said that he would have delivered the message to the
EPP summit himself but was unable to because of
government-formation consultations with President Sergio
Mattarella.
"So I delegated (FI) Vice President Antonio Tajani to present my
personal position and that of the whole of Forza Italia, which
is full and total adhesion to the values of the EU and the
Atlantic alliance," Berlusconi said via Facebook.
Tajani had been expected to be named foreign minister in
Meloni's government but opposition parties have said he should
not get this post given what the FI leader has said about the
war in Ukraine.
EPP President Manfred Weber said the group remained behind
former European Parliament President Tajani.
"We will support any government that has a clear approach in
favour of the EU, in favour of Ukraine and in favour of the rule
of law," Weber said on his way into the meeting.
"I'm happy that Antonio Tajani is here. He is the guarantee of
FI's pro-Atlantic position".
At the EPP summit Weber added: "as possible foreign minister of
this government, Antonio Tajani would be a symbol of the
continuity of the new Italian government and its pro-Europe
stance".
European Parliament President Roberta Metsola echoed those
sentiments.
"I'll meet Tajani," she said.
"I have spoken to all the Italian political leaders. My message
to Italy is to remain in the heart of Europe.
"I have no doubt that it will and I have no doubt about its
support for the Atlantic alliance and for Ukraine".
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