Italy’s Prime Minister Mario Monti said the current level of Italy’s government bond yields is mainly due to external tensions related to the outlook for the euro. He made the remarks in a speech on economic growth at the start of a weeklong conference in Rimini last night.

WHAT TO WATCH: * Meeting in Rimini continues today through Aug. 25, with participants including Eni (ENI IM), Enel (ENEL IM), Atlantia (ATL IM), Economic Development Minister Corrado Passera, Labor Minister Elsa Fornero and Environment Minister Corrado Clini

To contact the reporter on this story: Nadine Skoczylas in Rome at nelsibai@bloomberg.net

To contact the editor responsible for this story: James Ludden at jludden@bloomberg.net