FROM EIR DAILY ALERT

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Italian Minister Salvini Insists Russia Is an ‘Important Ally’ in War on Extremism

June 14 (EIRNS)—Italian Deputy Prime Minister Matteo Salvini, leader of the Lega government coalition partner, again defended the need for Europe to collaborate with Russia, especially in its fight against terrorism, and reiterated his government’s support for Russia to rejoin the Group of Eight. “Russia is a fundamental ally in the war on terror and should be worked with to defend European civilization against extremists,” Salvini said.

“I’m glad that U.S. President Donald Trump has similar intentions towards Russia, just as I do. Russia is our fundamental ally against terrorism. As Europeans, we should work with Russia’s President Vladimir Putin to defend our civilization against attacks by Islamist extremists,”

Salvini said in an interview with the Russian newspaper Izvestia, reported Sputnik. Salvini is also Italy’s new Interior Minister.

He said that the G7 should become a G8 again, “whether the other members like it or not.” He further told the daily that Italy should proceed from the principle of being a good neighbor in its relations with Moscow, because Russia is an important partner in trade and energy.