Italy's PM Meloni Calls for United EU Approach in Russia-Ukraine Talks
Meloni Urges Unified European Representation in Peace Negotiations
By Angelo Amante
Calls for a Single EU Representative
ROME, June 11 (Reuters) - European allies of Ukraine should appoint a single representative for talks with Russia to end the war, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni told lawmakers on Thursday, saying smaller groups of nations cannot represent the entire bloc.
Recent E3 Meeting with Zelenskiy
On Sunday, the leaders of Britain, France and Germany -- heading an informal security alliance called the E3 -- met Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy, and said they supported Kyiv's proposal for talks with Russia to secure a ceasefire.
Meloni's Position on EU Legitimacy
Meloni, a staunch supporter of Ukraine, said Europe needed to "interact" with Moscow to stop the conflict, but no restricted group had the "legitimacy to speak" for all.
Proposal for an Authoritative EU Figure
"I have long supported the need to identify an authoritative figure, entrusted with the confidence and mandate of all (European Union) member states to represent Europe," she told parliament ahead of an EU summit and a meeting of leaders of the Group of Seven (G7) major democracies next week.
Coordination with the United States
She added that efforts to build peace in Ukraine also required stronger coordination between Europe and the United States, saying this was "a not always easy but necessary challenge".
Reactions from Other European Leaders
Meloni's remarks echoed Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk, who this week lamented his country's absence from talks with Zelenskiy in London and said another meeting on Ukraine, also involving Warsaw and Rome, would soon take place.
Meloni's Comments on US-Iran Tensions
In her speech, Meloni also addressed the war between the United States and Iran, with ongoing tensions in the Strait of Hormuz pushing up energy prices and weighing on the global economy.
EU Policy on Iran Sanctions
She said Europe should be ready to ease sanctions on Iran if it showed a willingness to negotiate.
Warning on Potential EU Measures
"If, instead, Tehran continues down the wrong path, threatening freedom of navigation, carrying out attacks, supporting militias and violating international obligations, then the European Union must be ready to increase pressure, including through new targeted measures," she said.
(Reporting by Angelo Amante,)
