The end of Bernardino Leon’s mandate was predetermined and his successor was chosen more than two months ago. Contrary to some newspaper reports, therefore, there was not and could not have been any Italian request to retain Leon, and obviously his replacement will have Italy’s full collaboration.
Minister for Foreign Affairs Paolo Gentiloni made a statement yesterday urging firm support for Leon today, an important day, and in the concluding weeks of his mandate, which will be decisive for ongoing attempts to forge an agreement.
