Tension within Premier Mario Draghi's
ruling coalition over the policy of giving military aid to
Ukraine after the Russian invasion continued on Thursday with
rightwing League leader Matteo Salvini and anti-establishment
5-Star Movement (M5S) leader Giuseppe Conte reiterating their
opposition to Italy sending any more weapons.
"Someone in this chamber has spoken of sending more arms. I
don't accept that," Salvini said after Draghi reported to the
Senate on the Ukraine war following his meeting with United
States President Joe Biden at the White House last week.
The League leader also stressed that "we are for democracy,
never for war, and with the people, never with the aggressors".
The premier had pointed out that parliament has passed a
resolution committing the government to providing humanitarian
and military aid to Kyiv.
On Wednesday Draghi had said Italy was willing to send more arms
to Ukraine if necessary but ultimately the decision lay with the
European Union.
Conte reiterated his call for a new vote on the policy of giving
military support to Ukraine, saying the existing resolution on
this issue should be "updated".
"As for sending weapons, our position is that we've given enough
already," Conte said.
ALL RIGHTS RESERVED © Copyright ANSA
