Italian politician wants cross on flag

ROME, Dec. 1 (UPI) -- A conservative Italian politician says the country should add the Christian cross to its flag, a proposal opposed even by some members of the ruling coalition.

Junior Transport Minister Roberto Castelli called Monday for making the flag change part of a constitutional reform proposal to be introduced next year, the Italian news agency ANSA reported.

''I believe Europe has the right to rediscover its own identity, which is in the process of being entirely lost,'' he said. ''There must be respect for other religions and ways of thinking but we must return to our own faith.''

Foreign Minister Franco Frattini, a member of the People of Freedom, called Castelli's plan "appealing." He said there would be no problems within the European Union since a number of countries have a cross on the flag.

But other leaders of Frattini's party disagreed. European Affairs Minister Andrea Ronchi said the plan is "absolute garbage" and Assembly Speaker Gianfranco Fini called it ''provocative and political propaganda'' aimed at Muslims.

Members of the opposition also criticized Castelli's plan and accused the Northern League of racism.

Italy adopted the tricolor green, white and red flag after World War II.