I don't want to pass a punitive law, or use politics as a vendetta.

In the darkest days of European history, America stood close by us and today we stand close by America. Nothing will ever be the same.

But Italy can only have any real influence on world affairs if it carries weight in Europe.

I am sure the euro will oblige us to introduce a new set of economic policy instruments. It is politically impossible to propose that now. But some day there will be a crisis and new instruments will be created.

We are involved in a constitution-building process of historic importance. The Convention should mark a new stage in European integration.

Italy is divided between us and them, rich and poor, north and south, young and old, employed and unemployed.

Our continents unification is at hand and we must stand to account.