0
the other agenda points. There will be a dinner at the Embassy (guest list to follow), a ten minute talk followed by discussion at the Institute of International Affairs
(IAI, Director Professor Bonvicini), and press briefings, all of which will permit the Secretary of State to put across UK views to influential Italians. A walk about the Embassy to meet staff will precede some sightseeing. The Secretary of State will also sign an agreement on
confiscation of assets of drug-traffickers etc (para 17).
C
D
Internal Scene
5. Andreotti formed the current coalition government in July 1989 after the resignation of de Mita engineered by his Socialist coalition partner. His party, the Christian Democrats (DC), is split between the centrists and De Mita's left-wing faction. Regional elections on 6/7 May showed some gains for both the Christian Democrats and the Socialists (PSI) at the expense of the Communists. In Venice, De Michelis' home town, the PSI made slight gains,
but the Greens did even better. Whilst this may cast
further doubt on Venice as venue for Expo 2000 (para 6), there appears to be no dampening of De Michelis' enthusiasm to become Mayor. Gains by the Lombardy autonomists (4.8% in toto, 20% in Lombardy itself) should limit DC or PSI temptation to capitalise on the Communists' losses by provoking a general election. A scene-setting telegram is attached, with a background note, Sir Stephen Egerton's
E, F first impressions despatch, and personality notes.
6. Italy is also dominated by the prospect of the World Cup
(8 June-8 July) which will directly or indirectly affect most urban centres. De Michelis will personally be
concerned about Venice's bid for Expo 2000 and may press for
UK support. Having supported London for the EBRD, he may also ask for UK support for Milan's bid for the site of the European Environmental Agency. (ECD (I) are submitting
AH2AAD/3
CONFIDENTIAL
No comments yet.
Private notes are available after approval.