(ANSA) - Rome, March 29 - Premier Paolo Gentiloni said
Wednesday that "Italy is gearing for the (Brexit) negotiations
of the coming months in a friendly spirit towards the United
Kingdom.
"Our priorities will be confidence in the EU's future and its
unity towards London and the defence of our national interests,
both on an economic level, and on that of the rights acquired by
our co-citizens in Britain", he said.
"Italy is working to make sure the Brexit shock is an
opportunity for a European reawakening," Gentiloni went on.
"As has happened other times in these 60 years, from moments
of difficulty the Union can rediscover the reasons for its
identity and own future.
Gentiloni will phone British Prime Minister Theresa May later
on Wednesday, sources said.
Brexit talks were triggered earlier Wednesday when Britain
sent the EU a letter invoking Article 50 of the Lisbon Treaty.
Friendship but defence of Italy interest (4)
And rights of our citizens in UK