NATO, Renzi government undecided about Frattini running as Rasmussen’ successor

The Undersecratary of Defense Domenico Rossi: “He still is our name, yet the government hasn’t taken a definite decision yet”

Is Frattini still supported by Italy in running for the NATO General Secretary post? So far, the former Italian Foreign Minister has been the official candidate for our country, and the several governments in charge – from Berlusconi to Letta, passing through Monti (who officially submitted the candidacy) – have said they appreciated Frattini and they were committed to support him running for the succession of Anders Fogh Rasmussen, whose term ends at the end of September. The Undersecreatary of Defense, Domenico Rossi, answers from the NATO headquarters to the questions of the foreign press at the sides of the EDA yearly conference, and he marks a difference with the past governments, hinting at “Italian decisions not to be taken for granted.” Franco Frattini’s challenger is the former Norwegian Prime Minister Jens Stoltenberg, the real successor of Rasmussen according to several sources. Is it the same for Italy? “I can’t give you a definite answer,” said Rossi, “Our candidate is still Mr Frattini, yet the Italian government hasn’t taken a decision so far.” For sure, this is news.

Emanuele Bonini