EU backs Italy on Tunisia says Michel

(ANSA) - ROME, JUN 9 - European Council President Charles Michel said Friday the European Union backs Italy's commitment to Tunisia where Premier Giorgia Meloni, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte will visit Sunday to try to ease the path of a much-needed IMF bailout to try to stem a continuing flow of migrants that could reach into the hundreds of thousands unless the country's economic, social and political crisis is resolved.
    "In a telephone conversation with Giorgia Meloni I expressed my appreciation for Italy's commitment to Tunisia. The EU supports Italy's efforts to strengthen cooperation with Tunisia", sad Michel.
    Tunisian President Kais Saied has said he will not bow to IMF "diktats" on reforms to get the stalled $1.9 billion bailout granted. (ANSA).