Ball in Italy's court now - Moscovici

(ANSA) - Rome, October 19 - European Economic Affairs Commissioner Pierre Moscovici said Friday that it is up to Italy to make the next move after he sent the government a letter of reproach over its plan to let the budget deficit rise to 2.4% of GDP next year. "Dialogue is fundamentally important," Moscovici told a press conference at the end of a visit to Italy.
    "We all know that it is a delicate question and we don't have any interest in creating further tension.
    "The ball is now in the court of the Italian authorities, who will answer us by Monday. "The Commission's mission will be based on the general interest. The European Commission's mission is to ensure economic prosperity and we remain true to this mission".