Italy 'solid U.S. ally' - White House

(supersedes)(ANSA) - Washington DC, December 5 - Italy remains among the "closest and most solid allies" of the United States, a highly placed source within the administration of U.S.
    President Barack Obama told ANSA on Monday. The outcome of yesterday's referendum "will not affect our cooperation on a series of shared interests, from climate change to the global refugee crisis to promoting security and inclusive economic growth", the source said. "The Italian people have spoken, and we respect their decision".
    Sunday's referendum defeat for the government's constitutional reform and the resignation of Premier Matteo Renzi have not ended the reform process, the sources went on.
    "Italians are committed to an ample national debate on the reforms to be adopted to put the country on a path leading to a more stable and effective administration and to sustain economic growth and great foreign investment," they said. "This vote has only been a chapter in that dialogue, not its end. It will continue in the weeks and months to come". The referendum had nothing to do with the country's relationship to the European Union and cannot be compared to the Brexit, White House spokesperson Josh Earnest told ANSA on Monday. "It's risky to simplify by comparing the potential effects of the Brexit referendum to those of the Italian referendum," Earnest said.
    An Italian referendum on constitutional reform had nothing to do with the country's relationship to the European Union and cannot be compared to the Brexit, White House spokesperson Josh Earnest told ANSA on Monday. "It's risky to simplify by comparing the potential effects of the Brexit referendum to those of the Italian referendum," Earnest said.