No 1 challenge is growth Napolitano tells ECB - update 2

(ANSA) - Naples, October 1 - The "number one challenge" facing European policymakers is "to open a new path of strong and sustainable growth in Europe," Italian President Giorgio Napolitano told the European Central Bank board in Naples Wednesday.
    Italy means to overcome its "structural weaknesses", starting with its huge debt, Napolitano told the ECB board. High Italian and European unemployment is "our first concern", he added.
    Policymakers must "focus on job creation," the president said.
    Napolitano met the board, led by Mario Draghi, at the presidential residence Villa Rosebery ahead of Thursday's ECB summit in the southern Italian city.