  Italy’s Monti says ‘not siding with any party’ for elections December 23, 2012 - 16:32 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - Italian Prime Minister Mario Monti, who resigned on Friday, Dec 21, says he is not siding for now with any party in upcoming elections, but remains available to head a future government, BBC News reported. Monti said he was ready to lead any coalition committed to his agenda. The caretaker prime minister said he was unable to accept an offer from former Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi to lead a centrist coalition. Elections are to be held in February. Monti resigned after Berlusconi's party withdrew its support. Monti was nominated as technocratic prime minister in November 2011, after Berlusconi's centre-right coalition government fell amidst a financial and economic crisis. Speaking at a news conference in Rome, Monti urged Italian parties not to destroy what he said was his government's achievement in saving Italy from that crisis. "That financial emergency has been overcome," he said. "Italians can once again hold their heads high as citizens of Europe." Asked repeatedly if he was going to run the 24-25 February election, Monti said: "I would be ready to give my advice, my encouragement and if necessary leadership. I would also be ready to assume one day, if required by circumstances, the responsibilities that would be entrusted to me by the parliament."   Top stories Authorities said a total of 192 Azerbaijani troops were killed and 511 were wounded during Azerbaijan’s offensive. In 2023, the Azerbaijani government will increase the country’s defense budget by more than 1.1 billion manats ($650 million). The bill, published on Monday, is designed to "eliminate the shortcomings of an unreasonably broad interpretation of the key concept of "compatriot". The earthquake caused a temporary blackout, damaged many buildings and closed a number of rural roads.   Partner news |  Latest news Kazakhstan welcomes Yerevan, Baku’s agreement to meet in Almaty  Kassym-Jomart Tokayev has welcomed the agreement of Baku and Yerevan to hold negotiations in Almaty.Armenia offers to temporarily host, preserve Gaza manuscripts The Armenian Foreign Minister has said Yerevan is ready to help preserve manuscripts from the conflict zone in Gaza.Aliyev says no need for mediators in Armenia-Azerbaijan process Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev believes that Baku and Yerevan do not mediators in the process of normalizing relations.Aram I supports Karekin II’s “patriotic position” Catholicos of the Great House of Cilicia Aram I has expressed support for the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin. |
