Italy, France support high-speed rail line

(ANSA) – Rome, November 20 – Both Italy and France consider it a “priority” to continue a controversial high-speed rail link across their borders, according to a statement from Rome Wednesday.

French President Francois Hollande was meeting with Italian Premier Enrico Letta in the Italian capital to discuss the rail line and other pressing economic issues. Protesters were clashing with police outside the French embassy over the rail line, known as the TAV. Opponents argue the project is wasteful of public funds and destroys pristine countryside. Supporters say it will cut down on automobile and truck pollution and make shipping and transit more efficient.