Battisti may have left Brazil - minister

(ANSA) - Brasilia, December 18 - Brazil's Public Security Minister Raúl Jungmann said Tuesday that he could not rule out the possibility that Italian former leftwing terrorist Cesare Battisti could have left the country. Battisti, who Italy wants extradited to serve life in prison for four murders committed in Italy's 'years of lead' of political violence in the 1970s and 80s, vanished shortly before a Brazilian judge recently issued an order for his arrest. "It's a possibility," Jungmann told CBN radio when asked if Battisti may have fled the country.
    "I can't say how high a possibility it is, but it is a possibility". The Brazilian authorities have issued photos of how Battisti may have disguised himself as part of the bid to track him down.
    Italian Interior Minister Matteo Salvini, meanwhile, ruled out putting a reward for Battisti's capture.
    "I'm confident the case can be resolved positively," Salvini said.
    "I repeat what I said to the Brazilian president - if he is taken, I am willing to take the first aeroplane and accompany him personally (back to Italy)".