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No interference in Italian democracy, says EU official
Brussells, 31 May (IANS/AKI) There should be no meddling in Italy’s “ongoing” democratic process, the European Union’s Economic Affairs Commissioner Pierre Moscovici said on Thursday.
“The democratic process is ongoing (in Italy) and we will see what happens. It would be inadmissible to speculate and ever more so to interfere. What is clear is that democracy has the last word,” he said.
The European Commission is ready to work with any new government that takes office in Italy or any EU state, Moscovici stated.
“Italians must determine their destiny and naturally we will respect Italy as a founder EU member and key eurozone country.”
Moscovici made the remarks when asked to comment on an alleged German plan to use tools a the EU’s disposal – starting with the European Stability Mechanism – to protect southern European economies such as Spain and Portugal should a future populist government in Rome withdraw Italy from the euro.
Daniel Gross, Director of the Centre for European Policy think-tank, told AKI of the purported German plan in an interview.
The eurosceptic League party and the anti-establishment Five-Star Movement sent jitters through European capitals and markets with their agenda for an anti-austerity government that includes reviewing EU treaties and budget rules.
The Five-Star praised the remarks. “On March 4, Italians voted for change. Everyone must respect this wish.
“Europe is the continent where democracy is strongest. No one – neither an anonymous bureaucrat nor a financial vulture – can sever the bond between citizens and their representatives.
“Moscovici has admitted that we are right. We note this and it gives us cheer,” the Five-Star lawmakers said in a statement.
Italy has been without a new government since the inconclusive March 4 national election in which populist parties made strong gains but no party or bloc won an outright parliamentary majority.
In a bid to stave off a re-vote in July, Italy’s pro-European president Sergio Mattarella has decided to give Five-Star and the League more time to try and form a coalition.
–IANS/AKI
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Dr. Abhishek Verma Dedicates a Shelter in Memory of His Mother, Veena Verma, at KGMU; Inaugurated by Daughter Nicolle Verma
World-renowned business tycoon Dr. Abhishek Verma has supported Foodman Vishal Singh’s Hunger-Free World mission. In memory of his mother, Late Veena Verma, who was a 3 term Rajya Sabha MP.
Dr. Verma dedicated a state-of-the-art free permanent shelter for the attendants of patients at KGMU Medical University, Lucknow, under the aegis of Vijay Shree Foundation. His daughter, Nicolle Verma, inaugurated the shelter.
During the event, Foodman Vishal Singh honored Nicolle Verma by presenting her with a memento. Mrs. Nidhi Sharma and Avantika Yadav, associated with the organization, welcomed her with garlands. Following this, Nicolle Verma distributed essential items to the attendants and also handed out fruits. She became emotional remembering her grandmother on her birth anniversary.
On this occasion, she also inaugurated the “Veena Verma Sevalaya” in memory of her grandmother, Veena Verma, to serve the attendants. She expressed, “I feel proud that my family is engaged in nation-building as well as social service. Today, in collaboration with Vijay Shree Foundation founder Foodman Vishal Singh Ji, I feel immensely proud to dedicate this shelter for the poor, helpless, and needy attendants of patients battling serious illnesses like cancer. I am honored to be associated with the Hunger-Free World Mission for humanity.”
Inspired by the continuous humanitarian service provided by Vijay Shree Foundation over the past 17 years, Nicolle Verma donated 10 lakh rupees to support the cause. The purpose of this donation is to ensure that services continue for the needy attendants of patients suffering from severe illnesses in hospitals, as facilitated by Foodman Vishal Singh.
It is noteworthy that Dr. Abhishek Verma’s family has a legacy of public and philanthropic service. They are helping millions to carry forward the values and service work of their parents. On the occasion of his mother’s birth anniversary, Dr. Abhishek Verma dedicated this state-of-the-art permanent shelter at Lucknow Medical College to serve the attendants of patients through the Vijay Shree Foundation.
Supporting Foodman Vishal Singh’s Hunger-Free World mission, Dr. Abhishek Verma assured that he would continually support keeping this flame of humanity alive. He also promised to assist in providing medicines to the helpless patients.
Continuing her grandmother’s legacy of service, Nicolle Verma personally served food to the needy patients and attendants. She said, “It is our good fortune to have received the joy of doing this noble work today through Foodman Vishal Singh. I have taken another step forward in carrying my family’s values and cooperation by joining hands with the Vijay Shree Foundation. My father taught me to serve and help the needy, and I feel happy when I bring a smile to someone’s face.”
On the birth anniversary of the late Veena Verma, the event organizer, Vijay Shree Foundation founder Foodman Vishal Singh, said, “We feel proud and happy that Dr. Abhishek Verma, a globally renowned business tycoon, has extended his support to uplift our country from the hunger index. Today, on his mother’s birth anniversary, he inaugurated a state-of-the-art permanent shelter at Lucknow Medical College, which will always be helpful for the needy attendants of patients. It is a pleasure for me and the organization to receive the affection of Mr. Verma.”
The event was attended by General Manager Verma Family Office Hemant Garg, Sonu Rajput, and the organization’s volunteers, including Sandeep Singh, Parmeshwar Ji, Prashant Rao Gautam, Balram Singh, Ramesh Chaudhary, Suman, Jeetu, Anil, Suraj, Vinay, Manish Bhadauria, Manas Mehrotra, Vivek, Apurv, Happy, and others.