The yes vote won in Sunday's
referenda on whether the wealthy northern regions of Veneto and
Lombardy should have greater autonomy.
The turnout in Veneto was around 60%, while in Lombardy it
was much lower at around 40%.
Regional Affairs Undersecretary Gianclaudio Bressa said
Monday that the central government was ready to open talks.
"The outcome of the referenda in Lombardia and Veneto
confirms that there is a major demand for greater autonomy for
the respective regions," Bressa said.
"As it had always said before the vote, the government is
ready to open negotiations".
Agriculture Minister Maurizio Martina, however, said in an
interview with Rome-based daily La Repubblica that tax issues
would not feature in the talks.
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