ANSA – The Italian government is continuing its support of former foreign minister Franco Frattini in his bid to become secretary-general of NATO, Defence Minister Mario Mauro said Thursday.

The government, currently a left-right coalition led by Premier Enrico Letta, has changed since Frattini, who served under three-time premier Silvio Berlusconi, made his candidacy known. Mauro was responding to journalists at a meeting with sitting NATO Secretary-General Anders Fogh Rasmussen, who completes his term in June next year.Talks surrounding his successor officially begin this fall.

Analysts say Frattini, who served under ex-premier Silvio Berlusconi, is among the most credible candidates.