Free press needs State help - Mattarella

(ANSA) - Merano, November 19 - President Sergio Mattarella said during a visit to the South Tyrol town of Merano on Monday that "the protection of minorities and of press freedom require State support". "These elements are also an essential part of the European citizenship that emerges strongly from this area, from these mountains that are often seen as an element of division, but which are actually the hinges that unite many areas of Europe," he continued. "Press freedom and the protection of linguistic minorities are two values that are connected to each other and are ratified by the Constitution".