EC letter not only to us, ready to reply

(ANSA) - Brussels, October 18 - European Commission letters criticising national budget bills will not only reach Italy but also "in all likelihood Spain, France and Portugal", Premier Giuseppe Conte said Thursday, saying Italy was ready to reply.
    "We knew that this budget that we conceived to meet the needs of Italian citizens, long ignored, is not in line with the European Commission's expectations," said Conte of a package that sets a budget deficit of 2.4% for next year. "We therefore expect observations and strictures that are set to arrive and which we are ready to respond to.
    "It is the normal debate that takes place between the Commission and individual members States.
    "Notes of this type will also reach other countries".
    Conte said "the budget is well thought out and an EC rebuke does not worry us".