This segment of WION brings to you top stories of the morning from across the globe. Watch this video to get updated with the latest information.

WION Speed News: Watch top national and international news of the morning - July 04th, 2019

WION Speed News: Watch top national and international news of the morning, May 28th 2019

The European Commission could impose a 3 billion euro fine on Italy for breaking EU rules due to its rising debt and structural deficit levels, the country’s Deputy Prime Minister Matteo Salvini said on Tuesday.

Salvini, whose far-right League party triumphed in European elections on Sunday, said he would use “all my energies” to fight what he said were outdated and unfair European fiscal rules.

Two euro zone officials told Reuters on Monday that Brussels was likely to start disciplinary steps against Italy on June 5 over its public finances.

A warning letter from the Commission is expected to be sent to Rome this week.

“Let’s see if we get this letter where they give us a fine for debt accumulated over the past and tell us to pay 3 billion euros,” Salvini said in an interview with RTL radio.

The European Commission could impose a 3 billion euro fine on Italy for breaking EU rules due to its rising debt and structural deficit levels, the country’s Deputy Prime Minister Matteo Salvini said on Tuesday.

The European Commission could impose a 3 billion euro fine on Italy for breaking EU rules due to its rising debt and structural deficit levels, the country’s Deputy Prime Minister Matteo Salvini said on Tuesday. Salvini, whose far-right League party triumphed in European elections on Sunday, said he would use “all my energies” to fight what he said were outdated and unfair European fiscal rules. Two euro zone officials told Reuters on Monday that Brussels was likely to start disciplinary steps against Italy on June 5 over its public finances. A warning letter from the Commission is expected to be sent to Rome this week. “Let’s see if we get this letter where they give us a fine for debt accumulated over the past and tell us to pay 3 billion euros,” Salvini said in an interview with RTL radio.

European Commission could slap 3 billion euro fine on Italy for excessive debt: Deputy PM Salvini

Italian Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte warned Tuesday against possible military action in Libya, as the head of Tripoli's internationally recognised government, Fayez al-Sarraj, kicked off a European tour to drum up support against a possible attack by strongman Khalifa Haftar.

The contents of a meeting between Conte and Sarraj -- which Italian media said lasted about 90 minutes -- were not made public.

But Conte said on the sidelines of a separate event that "there is no military solution that could guarantee the stabilisation of the country".&nbsp;

"The military solution would, in any case, come at the cost of human lives and humanitarian crises," Conte said.

Sarraj, who heads the Tripoli-based Government of National Accord, is seeking support against an <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/world/libya-air-strikes-point-to-possible-uae-involvement-un-report-216539&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjswsz9wYniAhVOk3AKHRG5CiEQFjACegQIEBAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw2IK4v6ucD4bkCKeghspWPU">attack on Tripoli</a> by Haftar, who has urged his troops to "wipe out" government forces.

After his meeting with Conte, Sarraj was set to travel to Berlin to meet German Chancellor Angela Merkel later on Tuesday and then to Paris to meet French President Emmanuel Macron on Wednesday.&nbsp;

The visit to France, in particular, comes after the GNA repeatedly accused Paris of politically backing the assault which Haftar's self-styled Libyan National Army (LNA) launched on Tripoli on April 4.

Italy, Libya's former colonial power, is a key backer of the GNA and has echoed calls by Merkel for a "unified" European position and a political solution to resolve the crisis.

In a slip of the tongue, Conte said he had spoken "with president Haftar," but immediately corrected himself to say,&nbsp;"I've spoken with president Sarraj. I am confident I will be able to meet General Haftar soon. We are seeking to establish how and when."&nbsp;

Sarraj may also possibly travel to London as part of his tour.&nbsp;

Britain has pushed for a resolution at the <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/world/united-nations-says-nearly-400-killed-by-libya-fighting-50000-displaced-215774&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjswsz9wYniAhVOk3AKHRG5CiEQFjAIegQIBBAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw2qYtucIJuRerjFShtQ1I7a">UN Security Council</a> demanding a ceasefire in Libya but its efforts have foundered amid divisions at the world body.

Italian Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte warned Tuesday against possible military action in Libya, as the head of Tripoli's internationally recognised government, Fayez al-Sarraj, kicked off a European tour to drum up support against a possible attack by strongman Khalifa Haftar.

Italian Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte warned Tuesday against possible military action in Libya, as the head of Tripoli's internationally recognised government, Fayez al-Sarraj, kicked off a European tour to drum up support against a possible attack by strongman Khalifa Haftar. The contents of a meeting between Conte and Sarraj -- which Italian media said lasted about 90 minutes -- were not made public. But Conte said on the sidelines of a separate event that "there is no military solution that could guarantee the stabilisation of the country". "The military solution would, in any case, come at the cost of human lives and humanitarian crises," Conte said. Sarraj, who heads the Tripoli-based Government of National Accord, is seeking support against an attack on Tripoli by Haftar, who has urged his troops to "wipe out" government forces. After his meeting with Conte, Sarraj was set to travel to Berlin to meet German Chancellor Angela Merkel later on Tuesday and then to Paris to meet French President Emmanuel Macron on Wednesday. The visit to France, in particular, comes after the GNA repeatedly accused Paris of politically backing the assault which Haftar's self-styled Libyan National Army (LNA) launched on Tripoli on April 4. Italy, Libya's former colonial power, is a key backer of the GNA and has echoed calls by Merkel for a "unified" European position and a political solution to resolve the crisis. In a slip of the tongue, Conte said he had spoken "with president Haftar," but immediately corrected himself to say, "I've spoken with president Sarraj. I am confident I will be able to meet General Haftar soon. We are seeking to establish how and when." Sarraj may also possibly travel to London as part of his tour. Britain has pushed for a resolution at the UN Security Council demanding a ceasefire in Libya but its efforts have foundered amid divisions at the world body.

Italy warns against military action in Libya

An Italian museum says it plans to carry out DNA tests on a lock of hair it believes might have belonged to the Renaissance artist Leonardo da Vinci, who died 500 years ago this month.

However, some experts have thrown doubt on the exercise, saying the hair almost certainly did not belong to the Italian master, while credible DNA testing may prove impossible.

Da Vinci died in May 1519 and was buried at the Chateau d`Ambroise near the French city of Tours.&nbsp;

The castle was badly damaged following the French Revolution of 1789 and many graves were destroyed, including that of Leonardo.

Alessandro Vezzosi, the director of the Ideal Leonardo da Vinci museum in Vinci, the artist`s hometown in Tuscany, said the strand of hair was collected from the site in 1863 by a man tasked by a royal commission to try to locate Leonardo`s remains.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
Italian museum looks to unlock Leonardo da Vinci hair mystery <a href="https://t.co/x14ZApinYS">https://t.co/x14ZApinYS</a> <a href="https://t.co/DAG8ayYcJc">pic.twitter.com/DAG8ayYcJc</a>
— New York Post (@nypost) <a href="https://twitter.com/nypost/status/1125443276490801154?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 6, 2019</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

'In 1925, an American collector bought this relic in Paris .&nbsp;

Later, before dying aged 95, he sold it on to another American collector, who contacted us,' Vezzosi said.

He said the museum planned to extract DNA from the sample and compare it with the DNA from a group of descendants that the museum says it identified in 2016, using genealogical records.&nbsp;

The testing should also be able to prove if the remains identified in France in 1863 really belonged to da Vinci.

'What is important is not to take for granted a result before the scientific testing is completed,' said Vezzosi.

But some experts are already pouring cold water on the whole exercise.&nbsp;

'It is highly improbable that this lock (of hair), which was presented like a (religious) relic, would be in anyway related to Leonardo da Vinci,' said Eike Schmidt, the director of the prestigious Uffizi Gallery in nearby Florence.

Finding a DNA link with living descendants will prove an added complication, with tracing only possible via the mother and an unbroken female line, or the father and an unbroken male line.&nbsp;

The identity of Leonardo`s mother is unknown.

The artist himself never married and left no direct heirs, so the DNA will be checked against that of the descendants that Vezzosi said had been found by following the family trees of other children born to Leonardo`s father.

The chance of recreating an unbroken male line over 500 years is extremely unlikely.

An Italian museum says it plans to carry out DNA tests on a lock of hair it believes might have belonged to the Renaissance artist Leonardo da Vinci, who died 500 years ago this month.

An Italian museum says it plans to carry out DNA tests on a lock of hair it believes might have belonged to the Renaissance artist Leonardo da Vinci, who died 500 years ago this month. However, some experts have thrown doubt on the exercise, saying the hair almost certainly did not belong to the Italian master, while credible DNA testing may prove impossible. Da Vinci died in May 1519 and was buried at the Chateau d`Ambroise near the French city of Tours. The castle was badly damaged following the French Revolution of 1789 and many graves were destroyed, including that of Leonardo. Alessandro Vezzosi, the director of the Ideal Leonardo da Vinci museum in Vinci, the artist`s hometown in Tuscany, said the strand of hair was collected from the site in 1863 by a man tasked by a royal commission to try to locate Leonardo`s remains. Italian museum looks to unlock Leonardo da Vinci hair mystery https://t.co/x14ZApinYS pic.twitter.com/DAG8ayYcJc — New York Post (@nypost) May 6, 2019 × 'In 1925, an American collector bought this relic in Paris . Later, before dying aged 95, he sold it on to another American collector, who contacted us,' Vezzosi said. He said the museum planned to extract DNA from the sample and compare it with the DNA from a group of descendants that the museum says it identified in 2016, using genealogical records. The testing should also be able to prove if the remains identified in France in 1863 really belonged to da Vinci. 'What is important is not to take for granted a result before the scientific testing is completed,' said Vezzosi. But some experts are already pouring cold water on the whole exercise. 'It is highly improbable that this lock (of hair), which was presented like a (religious) relic, would be in anyway related to Leonardo da Vinci,' said Eike Schmidt, the director of the prestigious Uffizi Gallery in nearby Florence. Finding a DNA link with living descendants will prove an added complication, with tracing only possible via the mother and an unbroken female line, or the father and an unbroken male line. The identity of Leonardo`s mother is unknown. The artist himself never married and left no direct heirs, so the DNA will be checked against that of the descendants that Vezzosi said had been found by following the family trees of other children born to Leonardo`s father. The chance of recreating an unbroken male line over 500 years is extremely unlikely.

Italian museum looks to unlock da Vinci hair mystery

Two people died and another person went missing on Sunday as high winds and heavy rain pummelled<a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/world/uss-pompeo-saddened-by-italy-joining-chinas-belt-and-road-project-206132&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjWvb37k4biAhVJiHAKHUVJDyQ4ChAWMAZ6BAgEEAI&amp;usg=AOvVaw3fJlvpdXsjpOSUIGmaap8O"> Italy </a>and neighbouring France.

In Sicily, an unexpected gust of wind killed a 65-year-old German kitesurfer on the Islands of the Stagnone nature reserve, smashing him against a parked car as he tried to go into the sea, Italian media reported.

He was not wearing a buoyancy device or helmet despite the authorities recently making them mandatory for kitesurfers.

A Romanian man was missing in the waters of the canal between Mincio and Pozzolo in northern Italy after he and four of his countrymen ended up in the water during a fishing trip.

The anglers' car rolled into the water early on Sunday morning after they sought shelter from the bad weather and fell asleep reportedly without the handbrake on.

Emergency services scoured the waters in boats despite heavy rain after all but one of the men was rescued.

In France meanwhile, a German tourist in her sixties was swept away by waves on the island of Corsica as violent Mistral winds battered the region with record speeds of up to 138 kilometres (85 miles) per hour, officials said.

Up to 30 centimetres (around 12 inches) of snow fell in the Dolomite mountains of northeastern Italy, with temperatures plunging to unseasonal levels.

Anything above 700 metres was blanketed in white, and the avalanche warning level was raised to three out of five.

Three French mountaineers were rescued from Monte Rosa in the Alps at around 4,000 metres altitude as temperatures fell as low as -15 degrees Celsius (five degrees Fahrenheit), Italian media reported.

Wind and rain further south also destroyed vineyards and greenhouses and flooded fields in the northern regions of Lombardy and Emilia Romagna, farmers' union Coldiretti said.

It estimated the loss of young fruit at a sensitive time of year at millions of euros (dollars).

Two people died and another person went missing on Sunday as high winds and heavy rain pummelled Italy and neighbouring France. In Sicily, an unexpected gust of wind killed a 65-year-old German kitesurfer on the Islands of the Stagnone nature reserve, smashing him against a parked car as he tried to go into the sea, Italian media reported.

Two people died and another person went missing on Sunday as high winds and heavy rain pummelled Italy and neighbouring France. In Sicily, an unexpected gust of wind killed a 65-year-old German kitesurfer on the Islands of the Stagnone nature reserve, smashing him against a parked car as he tried to go into the sea, Italian media reported. He was not wearing a buoyancy device or helmet despite the authorities recently making them mandatory for kitesurfers. A Romanian man was missing in the waters of the canal between Mincio and Pozzolo in northern Italy after he and four of his countrymen ended up in the water during a fishing trip. The anglers' car rolled into the water early on Sunday morning after they sought shelter from the bad weather and fell asleep reportedly without the handbrake on. Emergency services scoured the waters in boats despite heavy rain after all but one of the men was rescued. In France meanwhile, a German tourist in her sixties was swept away by waves on the island of Corsica as violent Mistral winds battered the region with record speeds of up to 138 kilometres (85 miles) per hour, officials said. Up to 30 centimetres (around 12 inches) of snow fell in the Dolomite mountains of northeastern Italy, with temperatures plunging to unseasonal levels. Anything above 700 metres was blanketed in white, and the avalanche warning level was raised to three out of five. Three French mountaineers were rescued from Monte Rosa in the Alps at around 4,000 metres altitude as temperatures fell as low as -15 degrees Celsius (five degrees Fahrenheit), Italian media reported. Wind and rain further south also destroyed vineyards and greenhouses and flooded fields in the northern regions of Lombardy and Emilia Romagna, farmers' union Coldiretti said. It estimated the loss of young fruit at a sensitive time of year at millions of euros (dollars).

Two dead, one missing as freak weather hits Italy, France

Once a well-heeled retreat during the Roman Republic and the Middle Ages, the city of Tusculum, now reduced to an archaeological site near the gates of Rome, was forgotten for centuries.

Roman city of Tusculum rediscovers its splendors after centuries of obscurity

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/british-mps-vote-against-all-alternative-brexit-options-206122">British MPs vote against all alternative Brexit options</a>

British MPs on Wednesday voted against eight alternative Brexit options aimed at overcoming the deadlock over Prime Minister Theresa May's unpopular European Union divorce deal.

The biggest vote against was against a second referendum.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-sets-up-un-clash-with-china-over-bid-to-blacklist-jaish-e-mohammed-chief-masood-azhar-206142">Masood Azhar listing as global terrorist: </a><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-sets-up-un-clash-with-china-over-bid-to-blacklist-jaish-e-mohammed-chief-masood-azhar-206142">US</a><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-sets-up-un-clash-with-china-over-bid-to-blacklist-jaish-e-mohammed-chief-masood-azhar-206142"> circulates </a><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-sets-up-un-clash-with-china-over-bid-to-blacklist-jaish-e-mohammed-chief-masood-azhar-206142">draft</a><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-sets-up-un-clash-with-china-over-bid-to-blacklist-jaish-e-mohammed-chief-masood-azhar-206142"> resolution to United Nations Security Council</a>

The United States on Wednesday circulated a draft resolution to the UN Security Council that would blacklist the leader of a Pakistan-based Islamist group as a terrorist, setting up a potential clash with China over the move.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uss-pompeo-saddened-by-italy-joining-chinas-belt-and-road-project-206132">US's Pompeo 'saddened' by Italy joining China's Belt and Road project</a>

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo voiced disappointment Wednesday after Italy joined China's "Silk Road" network of transport and trade links, saying it was not in the ally's long-term interest.

Rome's populist government signed a "non-binding" protocol with visiting President Xi Jinping on Saturday that made Italy the first nation in the Group of Seven major economies to become part of the signature Chinese project.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/brunei-to-punish-gay-sex-and-adultery-with-death-by-stoning-206138">Brunei to punish gay sex and adultery with death by stoning</a>

Adultery and gay sex in Brunei will be subject to death by stoning from next week, authorities said, under a strict Sharia law that has been on hold for four years amid heavy criticism.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/in-saudi-trial-detained-women-speak-of-torture-abuse-206126">Saudi women activists say they were sexually abused, tortured while detained</a>

Saudi women activists detained for almost a year offered their defence at an emotionally charged hearing on Wednesday, alleging torture and sexual harassment during interrogation, courtroom sources said.

British MPs vote against all alternative Brexit options British MPs on Wednesday voted against eight alternative Brexit options aimed at overcoming the deadlock over Prime Minister Theresa May's unpopular European Union divorce deal.

British MPs vote against all alternative Brexit options British MPs on Wednesday voted against eight alternative Brexit options aimed at overcoming the deadlock over Prime Minister Theresa May's unpopular European Union divorce deal. The biggest vote against was against a second referendum. Masood Azhar listing as global terrorist: US circulates draft resolution to United Nations Security Council The United States on Wednesday circulated a draft resolution to the UN Security Council that would blacklist the leader of a Pakistan-based Islamist group as a terrorist, setting up a potential clash with China over the move. US's Pompeo 'saddened' by Italy joining China's Belt and Road project US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo voiced disappointment Wednesday after Italy joined China's "Silk Road" network of transport and trade links, saying it was not in the ally's long-term interest. Rome's populist government signed a "non-binding" protocol with visiting President Xi Jinping on Saturday that made Italy the first nation in the Group of Seven major economies to become part of the signature Chinese project. Brunei to punish gay sex and adultery with death by stoning Adultery and gay sex in Brunei will be subject to death by stoning from next week, authorities said, under a strict Sharia law that has been on hold for four years amid heavy criticism. Saudi women activists say they were sexually abused, tortured while detained Saudi women activists detained for almost a year offered their defence at an emotionally charged hearing on Wednesday, alleging torture and sexual harassment during interrogation, courtroom sources said.

News brief: Big stories of the day

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo voiced disappointment Wednesday after <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/italy-becomes-the-first-g7-nation-to-join-chinas-belt-and-road-initiative-205117">Italy joined China's "Silk Road" network</a> of transport and trade links, saying it was not in the ally's long-term interest.

Rome's populist government signed a "non-binding" protocol with visiting President Xi Jinping on Saturday that made Italy the first nation in the Group of Seven major economies to become part of the signature Chinese project.

"It's disappointing anytime any country begins to engage in behaviour and commercial interactions with China that aren't straight up," Pompeo told the House Foreign Affairs Committee in response after a lawmaker asked about the Italian decision.

"We're saddened because we think <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/chinas-belt-and-road-led-to-corruption-in-malaysia-report-189666">the people of those countries ultimately lose</a>," Pompeo said.

Under the Silk Road initiative, named for the ancient trading route across Eurasia, China is funding major rail, road and sea infrastructure as it seeks a big boost in international trade.

Pompeo, however, said that China practised "debt-trap diplomacy" with its state-owned or state-controlled enterprises looking after only their own interests.

"It may feel good in the moment — you think you got a cheap product or a low-cost bridge or road built. And in the end there will be a political cost attached to that which will greatly exceed the economic value of what you were provided," he said.

The United States has stepped up its warnings around the world about China's growing economic clout.

It has notably urged nations not to choose Chinese telecom giant Huawei to upgrade to fifth-generation communications, voicing privacy and security fears.

Critics say that the United States is mostly trying to shore up its own businesses which are facing tough competition, with Huawei selling phones that are substantially cheaper than Apple's.

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo voiced disappointment Wednesday after Italy joined China's "Silk Road" network of transport and trade links, saying it was not in the ally's long-term interest.

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo voiced disappointment Wednesday after Italy joined China's "Silk Road" network of transport and trade links, saying it was not in the ally's long-term interest. Rome's populist government signed a "non-binding" protocol with visiting President Xi Jinping on Saturday that made Italy the first nation in the Group of Seven major economies to become part of the signature Chinese project. "It's disappointing anytime any country begins to engage in behaviour and commercial interactions with China that aren't straight up," Pompeo told the House Foreign Affairs Committee in response after a lawmaker asked about the Italian decision. "We're saddened because we think the people of those countries ultimately lose," Pompeo said. Under the Silk Road initiative, named for the ancient trading route across Eurasia, China is funding major rail, road and sea infrastructure as it seeks a big boost in international trade. Pompeo, however, said that China practised "debt-trap diplomacy" with its state-owned or state-controlled enterprises looking after only their own interests. "It may feel good in the moment — you think you got a cheap product or a low-cost bridge or road built. And in the end there will be a political cost attached to that which will greatly exceed the economic value of what you were provided," he said. The United States has stepped up its warnings around the world about China's growing economic clout. It has notably urged nations not to choose Chinese telecom giant Huawei to upgrade to fifth-generation communications, voicing privacy and security fears. Critics say that the United States is mostly trying to shore up its own businesses which are facing tough competition, with Huawei selling phones that are substantially cheaper than Apple's.

US's Pompeo 'saddened' by Italy joining China's Belt and Road project

WION Speed News: Watch top national and international news of the morning - March 26, 2019

WION Speed News: Watch top national and international news of the morning - March 25, 2019

Italy signed a preliminary accord with China on Saturday that makes it the first country of the Group of Seven industrialised nation to join the Chinese Belt and Road infrastructure project.

Around 30 parallel deals were signed on the sidelines of the visit to Rome by <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/xi-jinping-giuseppe-conte-hold-talks-on-elevating-china-italy-ties-into-new-era-205190">Chinese President Xi Jinping</a>, including 10 with Italian companies and others with ministries and public bodies.

Italian Deputy Prime Minister Luigi Di Maio said the deals were worth an initial 2.5 billion euros but had a potential value of 20 billion.

Here are details of some of the accords.

CDP, BANK OF CHINA

Italy's state lender Cassa Depositi e Prestiti (CDP) signed an agreement with Bank of China to let it sell "Panda" bonds - debt sold by foreign entities to investors in mainland China.

CDP said it will issue bonds worth $744.5 million. CDP and Bank of China will also co-finance Italian companies for 4 billion renminbi. A CDP official told Reuters on Friday that the first tranche of Panda bonds will be issued in the coming weeks.

CDP, SNAM

CDP and Italian gas company Snam have signed a memorandum of understanding with the Chinese Silk Road fund (SRF) for cooperation on international investments in China and in the about 120 countries that have already signed up for the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI).

Snam and SRF said they will consider possible cooperation in the natural gas sector -- pipelines, storage facilities, LNG infrastructure and biomethane plants.

DANIELI

Italian metals company Danieli has signed a deal to build part of a steel plant in China that will then be transferred to Azerbaijan.

TRIESTE AND GENOA PORTS 

China Communications Construction Company (CCCC) has signed two cooperation agreements with the authorities of Trieste's port and with the commissioner supervising the reconstruction of the bridge of Genoa that collapsed last year.

ANSALDO ENERGIA

Ansaldo Energia said it signed a deal with China United Gas Turbine Company (UGTC) for technology cooperation in the field of heavy duty gas turbines.

Ansaldo Energia has also been awarded a contract worth approximately 25 million euros to supply a AE94.2K gas turbine and syngas compressor train for Bengang combined cycle power plant, located in Benxi in northeast China.

SUNING

China's e-commerce group Suning, top shareholder of Italian Serie A soccer team Inter Milan, announced a deal with the Italian Trade Agency to boost Made-in-Italy exports to China.

INTESA SANPAOLO

Intesa Sanpaolo has signed a MoU with the Chinese city of Chindao to develop wealth management services for local clients through a wholly-owned company called Yi Tsai. Intesa aimed to sell its own financial products in Chindao in the near future, Intesa CEO Carlo Messina said.

ENI

Italian energy giant Eni has signed a MoU with Bank of China to secure a credit line.

FERROVIE DELLO STATO, AEROPORTI DI ROMA

Italy's railways group Ferrovie dello Stato, Atlantia's airport operator Aeroporti di Roma and the museums of sports car maker Ferrari have signed a commercial deal with China's biggest online travel agency Ctrip to develop Chinese tourism in Italy.

Italy signed a preliminary accord with China on Saturday that makes it the first country of the Group of Seven industrialised nation to join the Chinese Belt and Road infrastructure project.

Italy signed a preliminary accord with China on Saturday that makes it the first country of the Group of Seven industrialised nation to join the Chinese Belt and Road infrastructure project. Around 30 parallel deals were signed on the sidelines of the visit to Rome by Chinese President Xi Jinping, including 10 with Italian companies and others with ministries and public bodies. Italian Deputy Prime Minister Luigi Di Maio said the deals were worth an initial 2.5 billion euros but had a potential value of 20 billion. Here are details of some of the accords. CDP, BANK OF CHINA Italy's state lender Cassa Depositi e Prestiti (CDP) signed an agreement with Bank of China to let it sell "Panda" bonds - debt sold by foreign entities to investors in mainland China. CDP said it will issue bonds worth $744.5 million. CDP and Bank of China will also co-finance Italian companies for 4 billion renminbi. A CDP official told Reuters on Friday that the first tranche of Panda bonds will be issued in the coming weeks. CDP, SNAM CDP and Italian gas company Snam have signed a memorandum of understanding with the Chinese Silk Road fund (SRF) for cooperation on international investments in China and in the about 120 countries that have already signed up for the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). Snam and SRF said they will consider possible cooperation in the natural gas sector -- pipelines, storage facilities, LNG infrastructure and biomethane plants. DANIELI Italian metals company Danieli has signed a deal to build part of a steel plant in China that will then be transferred to Azerbaijan. TRIESTE AND GENOA PORTS China Communications Construction Company (CCCC) has signed two cooperation agreements with the authorities of Trieste's port and with the commissioner supervising the reconstruction of the bridge of Genoa that collapsed last year. ANSALDO ENERGIA Ansaldo Energia said it signed a deal with China United Gas Turbine Company (UGTC) for technology cooperation in the field of heavy duty gas turbines. Ansaldo Energia has also been awarded a contract worth approximately 25 million euros to supply a AE94.2K gas turbine and syngas compressor train for Bengang combined cycle power plant, located in Benxi in northeast China. SUNING China's e-commerce group Suning, top shareholder of Italian Serie A soccer team Inter Milan, announced a deal with the Italian Trade Agency to boost Made-in-Italy exports to China. INTESA SANPAOLO Intesa Sanpaolo has signed a MoU with the Chinese city of Chindao to develop wealth management services for local clients through a wholly-owned company called Yi Tsai. Intesa aimed to sell its own financial products in Chindao in the near future, Intesa CEO Carlo Messina said. ENI Italian energy giant Eni has signed a MoU with Bank of China to secure a credit line. FERROVIE DELLO STATO, AEROPORTI DI ROMA Italy's railways group Ferrovie dello Stato, Atlantia's airport operator Aeroporti di Roma and the museums of sports car maker Ferrari have signed a commercial deal with China's biggest online travel agency Ctrip to develop Chinese tourism in Italy.

Italy signs deals worth 2.5 billion euros with China

Major win for China in Europe; Italy backs silk road project

Chinese President Xi Jinping and Italian Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte held talks in Rome on Saturday on jointly elevating the China-Italy relations into a new era and witnessed the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to advance the construction of the Belt and Road.

During their talks, Xi noted that the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/italy-becomes-the-first-g7-nation-to-join-chinas-belt-and-road-initiative-205117">China-Italy relations</a> are rooted in the history of the two countries' thousand-year-old exchanges, with strong public support.

In recent years, the two countries have continuously deepened their communication and cooperation in various fields, which helped each other's social and economic development, Xi said.

Calling China and Italy important strategic partners to each other, Xi urged both sides to view and handle the bilateral ties from a strategic height with a long-term perspective.

The two countries should take the opportunities of the 15th anniversary of the China-Italy comprehensive strategic partnership this year and the 50th anniversary of China-Italy diplomatic relations next year to jointly elevate bilateral relations into a new era, and allow their practical cooperation fruits in various fields better serve the two peoples, Xi said.

With similar development goals, China and Italy have strong complementarity in economy and bright prospect of cooperation, the Chinese president said.

China is willing to work with the Italian side to comprehensively expand and deepen bilateral ties, he said.

Xi encouraged China and Italy to enhance top-level design, consolidate political basis, promote high-level exchanges, increase dialogue between various departments and on all levels, and continue to render mutual understanding and support on issues of each other's core interests and major concern.

China and Italy were at the two ends of the ancient Silk Road, thus they have every reason to carry out cooperation on the Belt and Road, Xi said. "We adhere to the principles of extensive consultation, joint contribution and shared benefits, follow the principle of transparency and openness, and aim for cooperation of win-win results."

He urged the two countries to take the opportunity of the inking of the intergovernmental MoU on jointly building the Belt and Road to strengthen the alignment of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) with Italy's plan to develop its northern ports and the InvestItalia program, and promote mutually beneficial cooperation in all fields.

The two countries should increase convergence of interests, optimize and upgrade their cooperation, and achieve more early results in priority areas such as space technology, infrastructure construction, transport, environment and energy, Xi said.

China and Italy should also strengthen communication and coordination on macroeconomic policy and jointly push forward third-market cooperation in such fields as energy, finance and infrastructure construction, he said.

Xi urged the two countries to take the opportunity of the culture and tourism year, to be held in each other's country in 2020, to forge friendly bonds of their world heritage sites and increase exchanges and cooperation between their museums, at local levels, and in sports and other sectors.

China and Italy should also join hands in advocating trade and investment liberalization and facilitation, continue to strengthen communication on major issues such as the United Nations affairs, WTO reform, climate change and global governance, and safeguard multilateralism together, he said.

The Chinese president noted that China sticks to further opening up and welcomes Italian and other countries' enterprises to invest and start business in China.

"We also encourage Chinese enterprises, especially high-tech companies, to invest and develop in Italy, and regard Italy as an important partner in cooperation on science and technology innovation," Xi told Conte.

The Chinese government has always encouraged Chinese enterprises to conduct overseas cooperation according to business principles and international rules, and on the basis of abiding by local laws, Xi said, urging the Italian government to continue to provide good business environment for Chinese investors.

Calling China and the European Union (EU) constructors of world peace, contributors to global development and protectors of international order, Xi said the two sides should follow the trend of the times featuring a world of multi-polarization and economic globalization, and push for the construction of an open world economy.

He urged the two sides to accelerate the negotiations on a China-EU investment agreement, enhance the synergy of the BRI and the EU's development strategies, and boost communication and coordination on major international and regional issues.

Xi said he hopes that the Italian side would continue to play an active role in deepening China-EU dialogue and cooperation in all fields and promote independent and stable development of China-EU ties.

For his part, Conte said Xi's visit to Italy bears historic significance and will lead the Italy-China relations to a higher level.

Noting that the two countries have a thousand-year-old history of exchanges, the Italian prime minister said the two ancient civilizations have interwoven with each other, with long-standing exchanges in economy, trade and culture, which served as an important foundation for the long-term development of their friendly cooperation.

Italy attaches great importance to its relations with China, and is willing to deepen the Italy-China comprehensive strategic partnership and expand cooperation in such fields as economy, trade, energy, agriculture, culture, tourism and aviation, on the occasion of the upcoming 50th anniversary of their diplomatic ties, Conte said.

With a special geographical advantage in building connectivity, Italy is glad to seize the historic opportunity in joining the Belt and Road construction, Conte said, adding that he strongly believes that it will help fully explore the potential of Italy-China cooperation.

The prime minister said he is looking forward to attending the second Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation, adding that Italy welcomes Chinese enterprises to invest in Italy and realize mutual benefit and win-win outcomes.

Italy stands firm in supporting multilateralism and free trade, and ready to closely communicate and coordinate with China so as to promote healthy and stable development of EU-China ties, he said.

After their talks, the two leaders witnessed the signing of multiple bilateral cooperation documents, including the MoU on jointly advancing the construction of the Belt and Road, and the document on the return of Chinese relics confiscated by Italy. They also paid a visit together to see the Chinese relics.

Xi arrived in Rome Thursday for a state visit to Italy, the first stop of his three-nation Europe tour, which will also take him to Monaco and France.

Chinese President Xi Jinping and Italian Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte held talks in Rome on Saturday on jointly elevating the China-Italy relations into a new era and witnessed the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to advance the construction of the Belt and Road.

Chinese President Xi Jinping and Italian Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte held talks in Rome on Saturday on jointly elevating the China-Italy relations into a new era and witnessed the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to advance the construction of the Belt and Road. During their talks, Xi noted that the China-Italy relations are rooted in the history of the two countries' thousand-year-old exchanges, with strong public support. In recent years, the two countries have continuously deepened their communication and cooperation in various fields, which helped each other's social and economic development, Xi said. Calling China and Italy important strategic partners to each other, Xi urged both sides to view and handle the bilateral ties from a strategic height with a long-term perspective. The two countries should take the opportunities of the 15th anniversary of the China-Italy comprehensive strategic partnership this year and the 50th anniversary of China-Italy diplomatic relations next year to jointly elevate bilateral relations into a new era, and allow their practical cooperation fruits in various fields better serve the two peoples, Xi said. With similar development goals, China and Italy have strong complementarity in economy and bright prospect of cooperation, the Chinese president said. China is willing to work with the Italian side to comprehensively expand and deepen bilateral ties, he said. Xi encouraged China and Italy to enhance top-level design, consolidate political basis, promote high-level exchanges, increase dialogue between various departments and on all levels, and continue to render mutual understanding and support on issues of each other's core interests and major concern. China and Italy were at the two ends of the ancient Silk Road, thus they have every reason to carry out cooperation on the Belt and Road, Xi said. "We adhere to the principles of extensive consultation, joint contribution and shared benefits, follow the principle of transparency and openness, and aim for cooperation of win-win results." He urged the two countries to take the opportunity of the inking of the intergovernmental MoU on jointly building the Belt and Road to strengthen the alignment of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) with Italy's plan to develop its northern ports and the InvestItalia program, and promote mutually beneficial cooperation in all fields. The two countries should increase convergence of interests, optimize and upgrade their cooperation, and achieve more early results in priority areas such as space technology, infrastructure construction, transport, environment and energy, Xi said. China and Italy should also strengthen communication and coordination on macroeconomic policy and jointly push forward third-market cooperation in such fields as energy, finance and infrastructure construction, he said. Xi urged the two countries to take the opportunity of the culture and tourism year, to be held in each other's country in 2020, to forge friendly bonds of their world heritage sites and increase exchanges and cooperation between their museums, at local levels, and in sports and other sectors. China and Italy should also join hands in advocating trade and investment liberalization and facilitation, continue to strengthen communication on major issues such as the United Nations affairs, WTO reform, climate change and global governance, and safeguard multilateralism together, he said. The Chinese president noted that China sticks to further opening up and welcomes Italian and other countries' enterprises to invest and start business in China. "We also encourage Chinese enterprises, especially high-tech companies, to invest and develop in Italy, and regard Italy as an important partner in cooperation on science and technology innovation," Xi told Conte. The Chinese government has always encouraged Chinese enterprises to conduct overseas cooperation according to business principles and international rules, and on the basis of abiding by local laws, Xi said, urging the Italian government to continue to provide good business environment for Chinese investors. Calling China and the European Union (EU) constructors of world peace, contributors to global development and protectors of international order, Xi said the two sides should follow the trend of the times featuring a world of multi-polarization and economic globalization, and push for the construction of an open world economy. He urged the two sides to accelerate the negotiations on a China-EU investment agreement, enhance the synergy of the BRI and the EU's development strategies, and boost communication and coordination on major international and regional issues. Xi said he hopes that the Italian side would continue to play an active role in deepening China-EU dialogue and cooperation in all fields and promote independent and stable development of China-EU ties. For his part, Conte said Xi's visit to Italy bears historic significance and will lead the Italy-China relations to a higher level. Noting that the two countries have a thousand-year-old history of exchanges, the Italian prime minister said the two ancient civilizations have interwoven with each other, with long-standing exchanges in economy, trade and culture, which served as an important foundation for the long-term development of their friendly cooperation. Italy attaches great importance to its relations with China, and is willing to deepen the Italy-China comprehensive strategic partnership and expand cooperation in such fields as economy, trade, energy, agriculture, culture, tourism and aviation, on the occasion of the upcoming 50th anniversary of their diplomatic ties, Conte said. With a special geographical advantage in building connectivity, Italy is glad to seize the historic opportunity in joining the Belt and Road construction, Conte said, adding that he strongly believes that it will help fully explore the potential of Italy-China cooperation. The prime minister said he is looking forward to attending the second Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation, adding that Italy welcomes Chinese enterprises to invest in Italy and realize mutual benefit and win-win outcomes. Italy stands firm in supporting multilateralism and free trade, and ready to closely communicate and coordinate with China so as to promote healthy and stable development of EU-China ties, he said. After their talks, the two leaders witnessed the signing of multiple bilateral cooperation documents, including the MoU on jointly advancing the construction of the Belt and Road, and the document on the return of Chinese relics confiscated by Italy. They also paid a visit together to see the Chinese relics. Xi arrived in Rome Thursday for a state visit to Italy, the first stop of his three-nation Europe tour, which will also take him to Monaco and France.

Xi Jinping, Giuseppe Conte hold talks on elevating China-Italy ties into new era

Italy moves to join China's Belt and Road Initiative; Xi Jinping ends his Italy visit

Despite a warning by the United States, Italy on Saturday joined China`s signature foreign policy Belt and Road initiative (BRI), making it the first G7 country to officially do so reports Xinhua.

Addressing a press conference, Italian president Sergio Mattarella said, "Italy and China were at the two ends of the ancient Silk Road which had been a bond closely linking the two countries.&nbsp;

Italy supports Xi`s initiative on jointly building the Belt and Road and believes that it will be conducive to Eurasian connectivity and common development, as well as to reviving the ancient Silk Road in modern times."

"Italy supports Xi`s initiative on jointly building the Belt and Road and believes that it will be conducive to Eurasian connectivity and common development, as well as to reviving the ancient Silk Road in modern times," he added.

China and Italy on Saturday signed a Memorandum of Understanding in this regard.&nbsp;

Already, China has signed BRI cooperation agreements with over 40 countries.

Notably, this might upset Italy`s other partners including the US and other European countries as it would mean China economic domination in the reason.&nbsp;

The US had also urged Italy not to "lend legitimacy" to China`s "infrastructure vanity project" while referring to the One Belt One Road (OBOR) initiative.

Facing the third recession in a decade, Italy has defended its action saying that Chinese investment is good for their country. The Chinese President arrived in Rome on Thursday for a state visit and he will later head to Monaco and France.&nbsp;

Despite a warning by the United States, Italy on Saturday joined China`s signature foreign policy Belt and Road initiative (BRI), making it the first G7 country to officially do so reports Xinhua.

Despite a warning by the United States, Italy on Saturday joined China`s signature foreign policy Belt and Road initiative (BRI), making it the first G7 country to officially do so reports Xinhua. Addressing a press conference, Italian president Sergio Mattarella said, "Italy and China were at the two ends of the ancient Silk Road which had been a bond closely linking the two countries. Italy supports Xi`s initiative on jointly building the Belt and Road and believes that it will be conducive to Eurasian connectivity and common development, as well as to reviving the ancient Silk Road in modern times." "Italy supports Xi`s initiative on jointly building the Belt and Road and believes that it will be conducive to Eurasian connectivity and common development, as well as to reviving the ancient Silk Road in modern times," he added. China and Italy on Saturday signed a Memorandum of Understanding in this regard. Already, China has signed BRI cooperation agreements with over 40 countries. Notably, this might upset Italy`s other partners including the US and other European countries as it would mean China economic domination in the reason. The US had also urged Italy not to "lend legitimacy" to China`s "infrastructure vanity project" while referring to the One Belt One Road (OBOR) initiative. Facing the third recession in a decade, Italy has defended its action saying that Chinese investment is good for their country. The Chinese President arrived in Rome on Thursday for a state visit and he will later head to Monaco and France.

Italy becomes the first G7 nation to join China's Belt and Road initiative 

Italy: Bus driver abducts 51 students, sets bus on fire

Chinese President Xi Jinping will travel to Italy, Monaco and France this week, the foreign ministry said Monday, with Rome expected to join his global trade infrastructure programme despite reservations in other European countries.

Xi will pay state visits from March 21 to March 26, foreign ministry spokesman Lu Kang said in a statement, without providing more details about his itinerary.

An Italian official said last week that Rome would sign a non-binding memorandum of understanding with Beijing to officially support Xi's massive $1 trillion Belt and Road initiative, also known as the New Silk Road.

Beijing has financed infrastructure, maritime, rail and road projects in Asia, Africa and Europe, but critics warn that it mainly benefits Chinese firms while setting up a "debt trap" in more financially vulnerable countries.

Following Italy's announcement, French President Emmanuel Macron said last week that European Union countries should have a "coordinated approach" regarding China.

"It's a good thing that China is participating in the development of many countries, but I believe in the spirit of equality, reciprocity. The spirit of equality means respecting the sovereignty of nations," Macron said.

Chinese President Xi Jinping will travel to Italy, Monaco and France this week, the foreign ministry said Monday, with Rome expected to join his global trade infrastructure programme despite reservations in other European countries.

Chinese President Xi Jinping will travel to Italy, Monaco and France this week, the foreign ministry said Monday, with Rome expected to join his global trade infrastructure programme despite reservations in other European countries. Xi will pay state visits from March 21 to March 26, foreign ministry spokesman Lu Kang said in a statement, without providing more details about his itinerary. An Italian official said last week that Rome would sign a non-binding memorandum of understanding with Beijing to officially support Xi's massive $1 trillion Belt and Road initiative, also known as the New Silk Road. Beijing has financed infrastructure, maritime, rail and road projects in Asia, Africa and Europe, but critics warn that it mainly benefits Chinese firms while setting up a "debt trap" in more financially vulnerable countries. Following Italy's announcement, French President Emmanuel Macron said last week that European Union countries should have a "coordinated approach" regarding China. "It's a good thing that China is participating in the development of many countries, but I believe in the spirit of equality, reciprocity. The spirit of equality means respecting the sovereignty of nations," Macron said.

China's Xi to visit Italy, France as Rome joins 'New Silk Road'

An Islamic State fighter detained in Syria urged Italy on Saturday to let him come home to start a new life, saying said he had abandoned the self-styled jihadist "caliphate" after growing disillusioned with its rulers.

Mounsef al-Mkhayar, a 22-year-old of Moroccan descent who grew up in Italy, spoke to Reuters at a security office in northern Syria in his first interview since surrendering to the US-backed Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) two months ago.

He has been in prison since emerging from Baghouz, a tiny village in eastern Syria where the SDF is poised to wipe out the last vestige of Islamic State rule - which once spanned a third of Iraq and Syria.

Mkhayar gave an account of growing chaos among jihadists on the brink of defeat, and of disputes in the ranks as top commanders fled Syria. But he said Islamic State was also planning for the next phase, smuggling out hundreds of men to set up sleeper cells across Iraq and eastern Syria.

Mkhayar is one of the thousands from all over the world who were drawn to the promise of an ultra-radical Sunni Islamist utopia overriding national borders. Kurdish security officials identified him as Italian and he said he holds Italian citizenship.

"I wish to return to Italy to my family and friends," said Mkhayar, who walks on crutches after shelling injured his leg.

However, Mkhayar was sentenced to eight years in jail by a Milan court in 2017 for spreading Islamic State propaganda and trying to recruit Italians to its cause, Italian media say. As a result, he is likely to have to serve this sentence if he does return to Italy.

An Islamic State fighter detained in Syria urged Italy on Saturday to let him come home to start a new life, saying said he had abandoned the self-styled jihadist "caliphate" after growing disillusioned with its rulers.

An Islamic State fighter detained in Syria urged Italy on Saturday to let him come home to start a new life, saying said he had abandoned the self-styled jihadist "caliphate" after growing disillusioned with its rulers. Mounsef al-Mkhayar, a 22-year-old of Moroccan descent who grew up in Italy, spoke to Reuters at a security office in northern Syria in his first interview since surrendering to the US-backed Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) two months ago. He has been in prison since emerging from Baghouz, a tiny village in eastern Syria where the SDF is poised to wipe out the last vestige of Islamic State rule - which once spanned a third of Iraq and Syria. Mkhayar gave an account of growing chaos among jihadists on the brink of defeat, and of disputes in the ranks as top commanders fled Syria. But he said Islamic State was also planning for the next phase, smuggling out hundreds of men to set up sleeper cells across Iraq and eastern Syria. Mkhayar is one of the thousands from all over the world who were drawn to the promise of an ultra-radical Sunni Islamist utopia overriding national borders. Kurdish security officials identified him as Italian and he said he holds Italian citizenship. "I wish to return to Italy to my family and friends," said Mkhayar, who walks on crutches after shelling injured his leg. However, Mkhayar was sentenced to eight years in jail by a Milan court in 2017 for spreading Islamic State propaganda and trying to recruit Italians to its cause, Italian media say. As a result, he is likely to have to serve this sentence if he does return to Italy.

Islamic State fighter wants to return to Italy, warns of 'sleeper cells'

The United States on Saturday urged Italy not to "lend legitimacy" to China's "infrastructure vanity project" while referring to the One Belt One Road (OBOR) initiative.

"Italy is a major global economy and great investment destination. No need for the Italian government to lend legitimacy to China’s infrastructure vanity project," Garrett Marquis, a spokesman for the United States National Security Council tweeted.

The statement comes in the wake of Italy's Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte mulling over signing an accord with Chinese President Xi Jinping.

Xi is slated to visit Italy from March 22 to 24, reports Sputnik. Conte had outlined that Italy and China would seek a framework deal during the Chinese premier's impending visit.

The United States has previously warned Italy against supporting the project as well, with Marquis outlining that China's initiative was unlikely to "bring any sustained economic benefits to the Italian people".

He added that it "may end up harming Italy’s global reputation in the long run."&nbsp;

The United States on Saturday urged Italy not to "lend legitimacy" to China's "infrastructure vanity project" while referring to the One Belt One Road (OBOR) initiative.

The United States on Saturday urged Italy not to "lend legitimacy" to China's "infrastructure vanity project" while referring to the One Belt One Road (OBOR) initiative. "Italy is a major global economy and great investment destination. No need for the Italian government to lend legitimacy to China’s infrastructure vanity project," Garrett Marquis, a spokesman for the United States National Security Council tweeted. The statement comes in the wake of Italy's Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte mulling over signing an accord with Chinese President Xi Jinping. Xi is slated to visit Italy from March 22 to 24, reports Sputnik. Conte had outlined that Italy and China would seek a framework deal during the Chinese premier's impending visit. The United States has previously warned Italy against supporting the project as well, with Marquis outlining that China's initiative was unlikely to "bring any sustained economic benefits to the Italian people". He added that it "may end up harming Italy’s global reputation in the long run."

US urges Italy against China's OBOR initiative

WION Gravitas, 8th February, 2019

France took the exceptional step of recalling its envoy to Rome on Thursday to protest against a "provocation" from the Italian government, laying bare the tensions between the two historic allies.

France's foreign ministry recalled its ambassador to Rome for consultations over a series of comments from Italy's two deputy prime ministers, Luigi Di Maio and Matteo Salvini.

"For several months France has been the subject of repeated accusations, unfounded attacks and outlandish claims," the ministry said in a statement, calling them "unprecedented" since the end of World War II.

Di Maio and Salvini, who formed a populist coalition government together last year, have repeatedly criticised Macron, who has in turn targeted their eurosceptic movements ahead of high-stakes European Parliament elections in May.

The latest spat erupted Tuesday after Di Maio, head of the anti-establishment Five Star Movement, revealed that he had met with "yellow vest" anti-government protesters outside Paris.

He said the aim was to prepare a common front for European Parliament elections in May, while boasting on Twitter that "the wind of change has crossed the Alps."

"The most recent interferences constitute an additional and unacceptable provocation," the foreign ministry said.

'Terrible president?' 
The remarkable war of words between two founding members of the EU began shortly after the Five Star Movement and Salvini's far-right League parties won Italian elections and formed a coalition government last June.

Macron blasted the new government's "cynicism and irresponsibility" after it began preventing rescue boats with migrants on board from docking at Italian ports and compared the rise of far-right nationalism to leprosy.

The verbal sparring has only intensified since, with Salvini calling Macron a "terrible president" last month in a Facebook video.

"We don't want to row with anyone," Salvini said on Thursday in a statement."We're not interested in controversies: we are serious people and we are defending Italian interests."

He called for the two countries to find a solution to problems which have caused tensions, including French border controls on the Italian border and demands by Rome for the extradition of far-left Italian militants who live in France.

Salvini and De Maio angered Macron in particular by publicly supporting the "yellow vest" protesters who have taken to the streets to denounce high living costs and a perceived indifference by the government to rural and small-town France.

Di Maio had denounced the French government for protecting the elite and the privileged, saying "a new Europe is being born of the 'yellow vests', of movements, of direct democracy."

Last month, Paris summoned Italy's ambassador to protest Di Maio's accusation that France was encouraging immigration to Europe "because European countries, France above all, have never stopped colonising dozens of African countries."

Salvini poured fuel on the fire last month as well, saying in a Facebook video that "I hope the French will be able to free themselves of a terrible president."

"The opportunity will come on May 26 (the European elections) when finally the French people will be able to take back control of their future, destiny, (and) pride, which are poorly represented by a character like Macron", he said.

France took the exceptional step of recalling its envoy to Rome on Thursday to protest against a "provocation" from the Italian government, laying bare the tensions between the two historic allies.

France took the exceptional step of recalling its envoy to Rome on Thursday to protest against a "provocation" from the Italian government, laying bare the tensions between the two historic allies. France's foreign ministry recalled its ambassador to Rome for consultations over a series of comments from Italy's two deputy prime ministers, Luigi Di Maio and Matteo Salvini. "For several months France has been the subject of repeated accusations, unfounded attacks and outlandish claims," the ministry said in a statement, calling them "unprecedented" since the end of World War II. Di Maio and Salvini, who formed a populist coalition government together last year, have repeatedly criticised Macron, who has in turn targeted their eurosceptic movements ahead of high-stakes European Parliament elections in May. The latest spat erupted Tuesday after Di Maio, head of the anti-establishment Five Star Movement, revealed that he had met with "yellow vest" anti-government protesters outside Paris. He said the aim was to prepare a common front for European Parliament elections in May, while boasting on Twitter that "the wind of change has crossed the Alps." "The most recent interferences constitute an additional and unacceptable provocation," the foreign ministry said. 'Terrible president?' The remarkable war of words between two founding members of the EU began shortly after the Five Star Movement and Salvini's far-right League parties won Italian elections and formed a coalition government last June. Macron blasted the new government's "cynicism and irresponsibility" after it began preventing rescue boats with migrants on board from docking at Italian ports and compared the rise of far-right nationalism to leprosy. The verbal sparring has only intensified since, with Salvini calling Macron a "terrible president" last month in a Facebook video. "We don't want to row with anyone," Salvini said on Thursday in a statement."We're not interested in controversies: we are serious people and we are defending Italian interests." He called for the two countries to find a solution to problems which have caused tensions, including French border controls on the Italian border and demands by Rome for the extradition of far-left Italian militants who live in France. Salvini and De Maio angered Macron in particular by publicly supporting the "yellow vest" protesters who have taken to the streets to denounce high living costs and a perceived indifference by the government to rural and small-town France. Di Maio had denounced the French government for protecting the elite and the privileged, saying "a new Europe is being born of the 'yellow vests', of movements, of direct democracy." Last month, Paris summoned Italy's ambassador to protest Di Maio's accusation that France was encouraging immigration to Europe "because European countries, France above all, have never stopped colonising dozens of African countries." Salvini poured fuel on the fire last month as well, saying in a Facebook video that "I hope the French will be able to free themselves of a terrible president." "The opportunity will come on May 26 (the European elections) when finally the French people will be able to take back control of their future, destiny, (and) pride, which are poorly represented by a character like Macron", he said.

France recalls Italy envoy as relations plumb new depths

Italy will ban China's Huawei Technologies and ZTE Corp from playing a role in the rollout of the country's 5G infrastructure, Italy's La Stampa newspaper said on Thursday citing sources.

In order to do so the Italian government is ready to use so-called golden powers that allow it to pull out of contracts already signed without having to pay penalties, the paper said, citing the senior sources.

The paper cited sources as saying "strong pressure" had come from the United States.

Huawei faces international scrutiny over its ties with the Chinese government and suspicion Beijing could use its technology for spying, which the company denies.

The prime minister's office was not immediately available for comment.

Italy will ban China's Huawei Technologies and ZTE Corp from playing a role in the rollout of the country's 5G infrastructure, Italy's La Stampa newspaper said on Thursday citing sources.

Italy will ban China's Huawei Technologies and ZTE Corp from playing a role in the rollout of the country's 5G infrastructure, Italy's La Stampa newspaper said on Thursday citing sources. In order to do so the Italian government is ready to use so-called golden powers that allow it to pull out of contracts already signed without having to pay penalties, the paper said, citing the senior sources. The paper cited sources as saying "strong pressure" had come from the United States. Huawei faces international scrutiny over its ties with the Chinese government and suspicion Beijing could use its technology for spying, which the company denies. The prime minister's office was not immediately available for comment.

Italy to ban Huawei from its 5G plans: Report

The Italian economy contracted in the fourth quarter of 2018, plunging the country into a technical recession, official data showed Thursday.

The 0.2 per cent contraction — following a 0.1 per cent fall in the third quarter — will put pressure on the populist government in the eurozone's third-largest economy, which took power in June on the back of big-spending electoral promises.

Italy's Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte had anticipated the bad news on Wednesday during a business conference in Milan.

"Analysts tell us we'll likely still suffer a bit at the start of this year," he said, pointing the finger at a slowdown in China and Germany which are hurting Italian exports.

"But all the elements are there to recover in the second half," Conte added.

The coalition government of the anti-establishment Five Star Movement (M5S) and the far-right League party was forced to water down its ambitious and costly budget in December to avoid being punished by the European Commission and the financial markets.

A slowdown will make it even harder to follow through on expensive vote-winning measures both parties promised their bases, from reform to the pension system and income support for the poor.

Thursday's data "reflect a marked worsening of the industrial sector's performance, and of a negative contribution of agriculture," national statistics institute Istat said.

The institute had earlier released December's unemployment rate, which fell to 10.3 per cent from 10.5 per cent, a positive sign. The jobless numbers rose 0.1 per cent for young people aged 15 to 24, however, bringing the rate to 31.9 per cent.

The Italian economy contracted in the fourth quarter of 2018, plunging the country into a technical recession, official data showed Thursday. The 0.2 per cent contraction — following a 0.

The Italian economy contracted in the fourth quarter of 2018, plunging the country into a technical recession, official data showed Thursday. The 0.2 per cent contraction — following a 0.1 per cent fall in the third quarter — will put pressure on the populist government in the eurozone's third-largest economy, which took power in June on the back of big-spending electoral promises. Italy's Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte had anticipated the bad news on Wednesday during a business conference in Milan. "Analysts tell us we'll likely still suffer a bit at the start of this year," he said, pointing the finger at a slowdown in China and Germany which are hurting Italian exports. "But all the elements are there to recover in the second half," Conte added. The coalition government of the anti-establishment Five Star Movement (M5S) and the far-right League party was forced to water down its ambitious and costly budget in December to avoid being punished by the European Commission and the financial markets. A slowdown will make it even harder to follow through on expensive vote-winning measures both parties promised their bases, from reform to the pension system and income support for the poor. Thursday's data "reflect a marked worsening of the industrial sector's performance, and of a negative contribution of agriculture," national statistics institute Istat said. The institute had earlier released December's unemployment rate, which fell to 10.3 per cent from 10.5 per cent, a positive sign. The jobless numbers rose 0.1 per cent for young people aged 15 to 24, however, bringing the rate to 31.9 per cent.

Italy in recession after economy shrinks in Q4 2018

Alpine tunnel strokes tension in Italy

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/macron-to-blame-for-french-protests-italy-deputy-pm-matteo-salvini-182744">France's foreign ministry</a> on Monday summoned Italy's ambassador after Deputy Prime Minister Luigi Di Maio accused Paris of creating poverty in Africa and fueling mass migration to Europe.

"It's not the first time the Italian authorities have made unacceptable and aggressive comments," a French diplomatic source said.

Speaking on Saturday in central Italy, Di Maio attacked France's Africa policy — the latest chapter in a war of words between Rome and Paris since the anti-establishment 5-Star-Movement and far-right League won power last year.

"If we have people who are leaving Africa now it's because some European countries, and France in particular, have never stopped colonising Africa," said Di Maio, who leads the 5-Star.

"If France didn't have its African colonies, because that's what they should be called, it would be the 15th largest world economy. Instead, it's among the first, exactly because of what it is doing in Africa."

Ambassador Teresa Castaldo was summoned on Monday afternoon by the chief of staff of European Affairs Minister Nathalie Loiseau, the French diplomatic source said.

Di Maio himself refused to back down in the row, telling reporters late Monday that France was manipulating the economies of 14 African countries that use the CFA franc — a colonial-era currency which is underpinned by the French Treasury.

"France is one of those countries that by printing money for 14 African states prevents their economic development and contributes to the fact that the refugees leave and then die in the sea or arrive on our coasts," he said.

France argues that the CFA franc has brought welcome monetary stability to the countries that use it, but French President Emmanuel Macron said in 2017 that it was up to African governments to decide what to do with the currency.

The new Italian government has frequently clashed with Paris, be it on immigration or policy in Libya, eager to mark the difference between itself and the previous centre-left administration which had good ties with the French authorities.

"I've stopped being a hypocrite talking only about the effects of immigration and it's time to talk about the causes," Di Maio said at the weekend.

"The EU should sanction all those countries like France that are impoverishing African countries and are causing those people to leave."

France's foreign ministry on Monday summoned Italy's ambassador after Deputy Prime Minister Luigi Di Maio accused Paris of creating poverty in Africa and fueling mass migration to Europe.

France's foreign ministry on Monday summoned Italy's ambassador after Deputy Prime Minister Luigi Di Maio accused Paris of creating poverty in Africa and fueling mass migration to Europe. "It's not the first time the Italian authorities have made unacceptable and aggressive comments," a French diplomatic source said. Speaking on Saturday in central Italy, Di Maio attacked France's Africa policy — the latest chapter in a war of words between Rome and Paris since the anti-establishment 5-Star-Movement and far-right League won power last year. "If we have people who are leaving Africa now it's because some European countries, and France in particular, have never stopped colonising Africa," said Di Maio, who leads the 5-Star. "If France didn't have its African colonies, because that's what they should be called, it would be the 15th largest world economy. Instead, it's among the first, exactly because of what it is doing in Africa." Ambassador Teresa Castaldo was summoned on Monday afternoon by the chief of staff of European Affairs Minister Nathalie Loiseau, the French diplomatic source said. Di Maio himself refused to back down in the row, telling reporters late Monday that France was manipulating the economies of 14 African countries that use the CFA franc — a colonial-era currency which is underpinned by the French Treasury. "France is one of those countries that by printing money for 14 African states prevents their economic development and contributes to the fact that the refugees leave and then die in the sea or arrive on our coasts," he said. France argues that the CFA franc has brought welcome monetary stability to the countries that use it, but French President Emmanuel Macron said in 2017 that it was up to African governments to decide what to do with the currency. The new Italian government has frequently clashed with Paris, be it on immigration or policy in Libya, eager to mark the difference between itself and the previous centre-left administration which had good ties with the French authorities. "I've stopped being a hypocrite talking only about the effects of immigration and it's time to talk about the causes," Di Maio said at the weekend. "The EU should sanction all those countries like France that are impoverishing African countries and are causing those people to leave."

France summons envoy after deputy Italian PM says Paris creating poverty in Africa

Italy is not aware of any asylum request from North Korea's top diplomat in Rome who has reportedly gone into hiding in the country, a source close to the foreign ministry said on Thursday.

"We have no knowledge" of such a request, the source told AFP, adding that the ministry had simply received a request for the "replacement" of the diplomat, identified by Seoul as Jo Song Gil.

But the ministry did not know his whereabouts, the source said, adding that the replacement had arrived in Rome.

South Korea's spy agency had briefed lawmakers on the fate of the diplomat after a newspaper reported that Jo had sought asylum in an unnamed Western country with his family.

Jo, 48, has been acting ambassador in Rome since October 2017 after Italy expelled the then ambassador Mun Jong Nam in protest at a nuclear test by the North a month earlier in violation of UN resolutions.

Italy is an important diplomatic mission for Pyongyang, as it handles relations with the Rome-headquartered UN Food and Agriculture Organization and North Korea suffers from chronic food shortages.

Meanwhile, a Seoul lawmaker told reporters after a closed-door meeting with intelligence officials on Thursday that North Korea's top diplomat in Italy has gone into hiding.

"Acting ambassador Jo Song Gil's term was ending in late November last year and he escaped the diplomatic compound in early November" with his wife, Kim Min-ki told reporters.

Italy is not aware of any asylum request from North Korea's top diplomat in Rome who has reportedly gone into hiding in the country, a source close to the foreign ministry said on Thursday.

Italy is not aware of any asylum request from North Korea's top diplomat in Rome who has reportedly gone into hiding in the country, a source close to the foreign ministry said on Thursday. "We have no knowledge" of such a request, the source told AFP, adding that the ministry had simply received a request for the "replacement" of the diplomat, identified by Seoul as Jo Song Gil. But the ministry did not know his whereabouts, the source said, adding that the replacement had arrived in Rome. South Korea's spy agency had briefed lawmakers on the fate of the diplomat after a newspaper reported that Jo had sought asylum in an unnamed Western country with his family. Jo, 48, has been acting ambassador in Rome since October 2017 after Italy expelled the then ambassador Mun Jong Nam in protest at a nuclear test by the North a month earlier in violation of UN resolutions. Italy is an important diplomatic mission for Pyongyang, as it handles relations with the Rome-headquartered UN Food and Agriculture Organization and North Korea suffers from chronic food shortages. Meanwhile, a Seoul lawmaker told reporters after a closed-door meeting with intelligence officials on Thursday that North Korea's top diplomat in Italy has gone into hiding. "Acting ambassador Jo Song Gil's term was ending in late November last year and he escaped the diplomatic compound in early November" with his wife, Kim Min-ki told reporters.

No knowledge of North Korean diplomat seeking asylum: Italy

The Italian interior minister on Tuesday again rejected authorizing the docking of a ship belonging to a German NGO with 33 migrants on board who were recently rescued in the central Mediterranean.

Matteo Salvini said that Italy has previously allowed 700,000 people to land, but now other countries, such as Germany, Spain, the Netherlands or France, should, in turn, contribute to this issue.

The non-profit, Sea-Watch, once again requested a port to dock and appealed for help from the German government, while weather conditions were worsening and the ship was still waiting for a country to take charge of the 33 rescued people, including 3 teenagers, 3 children and 4 women.

The rescued migrants come mostly from Cote d'Ivoire, Nigeria and Libya, according to the NGO.

For the time being, the Sea-Watch 3 vessel remained in the rescue zone of Malta, which has yet to authorize the landing.

The Italian interior minister on Tuesday again rejected authorizing the docking of a ship belonging to a German NGO with 33 migrants on board who were recently rescued in the central Mediterranean.

The Italian interior minister on Tuesday again rejected authorizing the docking of a ship belonging to a German NGO with 33 migrants on board who were recently rescued in the central Mediterranean. Matteo Salvini said that Italy has previously allowed 700,000 people to land, but now other countries, such as Germany, Spain, the Netherlands or France, should, in turn, contribute to this issue. The non-profit, Sea-Watch, once again requested a port to dock and appealed for help from the German government, while weather conditions were worsening and the ship was still waiting for a country to take charge of the 33 rescued people, including 3 teenagers, 3 children and 4 women. The rescued migrants come mostly from Cote d'Ivoire, Nigeria and Libya, according to the NGO. For the time being, the Sea-Watch 3 vessel remained in the rescue zone of Malta, which has yet to authorize the landing.

Italy refuses port to NGO vessel with 33 rescued migrants on board

Europe's most active volcano Mount Etna erupts in Sicily

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/protesters-march-against-italys-tough-new-anti-migrant-law-184441">Italy</a>'s Mount Etna continued to erupt and spew lava from its crater on Tuesday&nbsp;as Christmas night fell.

Spectacular eruptions lit up the sky and rivers of smoking red lava streamed down the slope of the southeast crater.

Around 130 tremors have rocked the volcano since around 0800 GMT on Monday (December 24), Italy's National Institute for Geophysics and Volcanology said, with the strongest posting a magnitude of 4.0.

The 3,330 metres high volcano can burst into spectacular action several times a year, spewing lava and ash high over the Mediterranean island.

The last major eruption was in 1992.

Italy's Mount Etna continued to erupt and spew lava from its crater on Tuesday as Christmas night fell. Spectacular eruptions lit up the sky and rivers of smoking red lava streamed down the slope of the southeast crater.

Italy's Mount Etna continued to erupt and spew lava from its crater on Tuesday as Christmas night fell. Spectacular eruptions lit up the sky and rivers of smoking red lava streamed down the slope of the southeast crater. Around 130 tremors have rocked the volcano since around 0800 GMT on Monday (December 24), Italy's National Institute for Geophysics and Volcanology said, with the strongest posting a magnitude of 4.0. The 3,330 metres high volcano can burst into spectacular action several times a year, spewing lava and ash high over the Mediterranean island. The last major eruption was in 1992.

Watch: Italy's Mount Etna spews lava on Christmas day

A migrant group said Friday it had <a href="http://13.232.42.114/world/more-than-15000-migrants-repatriated-from-libya-iom-179072">rescued </a>nearly 300 migrants off the coast of Libya over the previous 24 hours.

"More than 300 people safe on board the #OpenArms," the Proactiva Open Arms organisation tweeted.

The organisation added that it had rescued people on board three vessels in difficulty in a single day.

The vessel started patrolling the Mediterranean with two other boats run by migrant aid groups off the Libyan coast in late November.

This area of the Mediterranean has been the most deadly for migrants attempting the crossing to Europe.

More than 1,300 migrants have perished trying to reach Italy or Malta since the beginning of the year, according to the International Organization for Migration.

Aid groups have been sending rescue vessels into these waters despite vocal opposition from Italy's far-right Interior Minister Matteo Salvini.

Accusing the groups of acting as a "taxi service" for migrants, he has denied them access to the country's ports. Malta too has been increasingly unwilling to host rescue vessels.

Another aid group meanwhile, Sea-Eye from Germany, announced Friday that one of its vessels was setting off from the southern Spanish port of Algeciras.

The 18-strong crew includes former volunteers who were on board the Aquarius, a rescue boat run by Doctors Without Borders (MSF) and SOS Mediterranee.

The two groups said they had to halt activities earlier this month because of obstruction by some European countries.

A migrant group said Friday it had rescued nearly 300 migrants off the coast of Libya over the previous 24 hours. "More than 300 people safe on board the #OpenArms," the Proactiva Open Arms organisation tweeted.

A migrant group said Friday it had rescued nearly 300 migrants off the coast of Libya over the previous 24 hours. "More than 300 people safe on board the #OpenArms," the Proactiva Open Arms organisation tweeted. The organisation added that it had rescued people on board three vessels in difficulty in a single day. The vessel started patrolling the Mediterranean with two other boats run by migrant aid groups off the Libyan coast in late November. This area of the Mediterranean has been the most deadly for migrants attempting the crossing to Europe. More than 1,300 migrants have perished trying to reach Italy or Malta since the beginning of the year, according to the International Organization for Migration. Aid groups have been sending rescue vessels into these waters despite vocal opposition from Italy's far-right Interior Minister Matteo Salvini. Accusing the groups of acting as a "taxi service" for migrants, he has denied them access to the country's ports. Malta too has been increasingly unwilling to host rescue vessels. Another aid group meanwhile, Sea-Eye from Germany, announced Friday that one of its vessels was setting off from the southern Spanish port of Algeciras. The 18-strong crew includes former volunteers who were on board the Aquarius, a rescue boat run by Doctors Without Borders (MSF) and SOS Mediterranee. The two groups said they had to halt activities earlier this month because of obstruction by some European countries.

Nearly 300 migrants rescued off Libya: Aid group

italy

Italy, News on Italy, stories on Italy, articles on Italy, Italy stories at Wion, Italy news, Italy latest news