In Rome yesterday, President Lennart Meri met the Chairman of the Italian Senate, Senator Nicola Mancino, and the Chairman of the House of Representatives, Luciani Violante. The main topic of the meetings was inter-parliamentary cooperation. President Meri requested the Speakers to have the interstate agreements awaiting ratification ratified as soon as possible.

President Meri invited Senator Mancino to visit Estonia, whereas the Italian representatives sent an invitation to the Chairman of the Riigikogu. A hope was expressed at the meetings that Estonian and Italian parliamentary factions and committees would also expand their cooperation.

Mr Violante believes it is good that the enlargement of the European Union takes into account Europe’s geography. Peacekeeping depends on the cumulative effect of divers factors, and small countries also have a role in it. If EU enlargement meant nothing but a monetary union it would be of significance for great powers alone, the Italian MP said, explaining that Italy is interested in the expansion of political Europe.

Another point of interest at the meeting was the by now very serviceable system under which schoolchildren from Italy as well as other European countries visit the Italian parliament to get acquainted with its nature and work.


Press Service of the President’s Office
Kadriorg, 27 March 1998

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