Brussels, 16/04/2008 (Agence Europe) - The EPP-ED has welcomed the success of the coalition led by Silvio Berlusconi in the general elections in Italy. In a press release published on Tuesday 15 April, Chairman of the EPP-ED group in the European Parliament Joseph Daul said, “I warmly congratulate Silvio Berlusconi for the very clear victory of the PDL and MPA”. “In expressing massive confidence in the PDL, Italians opted for change,” he added, going on, “This large electoral success will allow Italy to play the role it deserves in the European and international scene, in continuity and loyalty to the values and policy of the European People's Party”. EPP-ED President Wilfried Martens spoke of “a landmark victory both for Mr Berlusconi and for Italy and hoped that “this result will allow Italy to embark on the structural and institutional reforms needed”. He said he was confident that the coalition victory would “strengthen the values of the EPP political family”. (O.L.)