Italy was positive about Bulgaria's on-time EU accession in 2007, Umberto Ranieri, chairman of the foreign and European affairs committee of the Italian national assembly said.

Relations between Bulgaria and Italy had reached high level of stability and no corruption 'scandals' could affect them, Ranieri said.

Ranieri referred to recent controversy involving former Bulgarian prime minister Simeon Saxe-Coburg. While investigating Italian Prince Victor Emmanuel and businessman Pierpaolo Cerani for corruption and drug smuggling, Italian prosecution revealed information that Saxe-Coburg was also involved in their organised group.

On June 30 Ranieri met Solomon Pasi, head of the foreign affairs committee of the National Assembly, Bulgarian National Radio reported. At the meeting Ranieri said Italy had always supported Bulgaria's efforts to meet EU accession criteria.

The country's EU entry would create new opportunities to boost the European transport corridor VIII project. The execution of the project would lead to improved stability in Southeastern Europe, Ranieri said.
Bulgaria was a valuable NATO member state and Bulgaria and Italy would co-operate on guaranteeing security in the Balkan region, Ranieri said.