Call centres were encouraged to set up shop in Italy’s poorer south by government and EU incentives. But the end of those boosts have seen some fly-by-night companies shut up shop and their managers arrested as investigations continue. Thousands have been made redundant, some with wages owed in a region plagued by high unemployment.
As tougher measures against immigrants take effect under Berlusconi government, Guy Dinmore, Rome FT correspondent, explores growing tensions in Milan over foreigners. He speaks to the gypsy community, UniCredit Bank, which has opened its doors to immigrant accounts, and the nationalist political party, the Northern League.
Next week’s diplomatic discussions with Russia will focus on the status of South Ossetia and Abkhazia, says, José Manuel Barroso, European Commision president, and will recognise Russia’s right to defend its legitimate interests. At a press conference at the Ambrosetti forum in northern Italy, he tells Guy Dinmore that the EU recognises Russia’s right to defend its legitimate interests through diplomacy and dialogue. He also admits European growth will moderate and on sovereign wealth funds he calls for a global voluntary code of conduct.
Iran has to take into account the Arab interest in Iraq, says secretary-general of the Arab League
Amr Moussa, secretary-general of the Arab League, tells Gu Dinmore the only aim for all players in Iraq now should be “to clear up the mess” for the sake of the country
Ahmed Nazif, Egyptian prime minister, says forthcoming Israeli-Palestinian talks must produce concrete results this time
At the Ambrosetti forum in northern Italy, Guy Dinmore, FT Rome correspondent, finds a response more conciliatory than the US by European business and political response to Russia after the Georgia crisis, as the EU sends a diplomatic mission to Moscow. Interviews for the feature includes Kremlin advisers, the European Commission president ant the chief executive of Enel.
