Italian PM downplays row with France over migration

ROME, Jan 22 (KUNA) -- Italian Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte said Tuesday the solid friendship with France is able to overcome any disputes relating to remarks of his two deputies over the French role in migration.
While renewing commitment to the friendly ties with, he said it is legitimate to discuss any political issue inside the European Union, including those pertaining to the collective EU policy and the bilateral acts of the EU member states.
Conte made the press remarks one day after the French Foreign Ministry called in Italy's ambassador in protest at the accusations by Italian Deputy Prime Minister Luigi di Maio that France continued colonization and exploited tens of Africa countries thus fueling migration into Europe.
Di Maio, also minister of Economic development, labour and social policies, is the leader of the Five Star - a ruling coalition partner in Italy.
Italy's right wing Deputy Prime Minister and Interior Minister Matteo Salvini added fuel to the fire on Sunday when he termed French President Emmanuel Macron as "a terrible president." The hostile remarks signaled a new escalation in the dispute over migration since the Five Star and the Northern League parties came to power in Italy in last June.
The two parties believe that France plays a negative role in the migration by sending back migrants through Italy's northern borders. (end) mn.gb