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India, Italy differ on
Security Council expansion

Amari said that while India wanted more permanent members in the Security Council, his country desired the inclusion of non-permanent members.

Italy appreciated the moderation shown by India during the Kargil conflict and most leaders sided with India because of the gesture of peace shown by Prime Minister A B Vajpayee during his Lahore visit, he added.

Asked if Pakistan should be declared a terrorist state, the ambassador said, ''We do not like to put a label on any country.''

Moving on to economic matters, he said Italy was looking forward to more investments in India, and a sharp growth in bilateral trade.

Italian investment in India has increased from $70 million in 1998 to $400 million last year, he added.

Export-imports between the two countries was to the tune of $2 billion last year with India exporting goods worth $1.2 billion to Italy, he said.

Amari said Italian businessmen were eager to invest in the automobile, mechanical, chemical, white goods and garment sectors, provided there was political stability.

Italy and India shared good relations from 1994 to 1997 but the momentum was lost from 1997 to 1999 due to political instability, he said, adding that things started looking up after Vajpayee assumed power.

Bilateral relations were strengthened by the recent visit of Vajpayee and Union Finance Minister Yashwant Sinha, he said.

UNI

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