BRUSSELS (Reuters) - Italy's anti-establishment 5-Star Movement has backtracked from plans to quit the UKIP grouping in the European Parliament, UKIP founder Nigel Farage said on Tuesday.
The U-turn comes after 5-Star was rejected from an alliance with the pro-EU Liberals, a move that had been supported by 5-Star activists in an online vote.
Farage said that all differences with 5-Star had been resolved "in an amicable manner". On Monday, its leader, Beppe Grillo, had written a post on his blog, the party's main mouthpiece, bidding farewell to Farage.
The UKIP founder welcomed back the 5-Star's 17 European lawmakers, but noted that some "administrative changes" will be needed before continuing to work together in the Europe of Freedom and Direct Democracy group.
A spokesman for Farage declined to give further details on what changes will be required.
5-Star Movement lawmakers were not reachable for comments.
Farage said work will continue for an "anti-Euro referendum" in Italy, which is part of 5-Star's European program.