MOSCOW, November 3. /TASS/. The Italian media have been neglecting Russia’s Foreign Ministry’s statements saying Moscow is not going to interfere into the upcoming referendum in Italy as it was the country’s internal affair, Russian Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova told TASS.
The Italian Stampa newspaper earlier published an article asserting that the Kremlin was allegedly trying to influence the Italian constitutional referendum, particularly through the RT channel.
The Russian diplomat pointed out that a few days ago she had already answered a question on Russia’s approach to the referendum from an Italian reporter’s request. "I have said more than once that it is Italy’s internal affair, it is up to Italy’s government to decide on conducting such polls in order to seek the people’s will," Zakharova noted. "I am surprised that La Stampa has seen everything but missed this statement by Russia’s Foreign Ministry."
The referendum which is very important for Matteo Renzi’s government, is scheduled for December 4. A reform initiative put forward by Renzi that stipulates amending the constitution will be put to a vote. The reform particularly envisages abolishing the Senate (upper house of parliament) in its present form, as well as depriving the regional authorities of some powers that would be handed over to the central government.