Italy Seeks U.S. Help in Shooting Probe
ROME (AP) -- Rome prosecutors sought help from the United States on Wednesday in locating an American soldier believed to have shot an Italian secret service agent at a checkpoint in Iraq last year. So far, the United States has not responded to Italian requests to trace the soldier's identity and hometown, prosecutor Erminio Amelio said.
"The U.S. never answered any of our requests. We did not receive any cooperation," Amelio told The Associated Press. "They have never answered and we don't think they ever will." His name is Joe. G.I. Joe. You might remember him, he kicked the Germans out of your sorry excuse for a country. | The U.S. Embassy in Rome said it had no immediate comment. It's not like the military would trust the State Department with that info. | Prosecutors intend to charge the soldier in the death of Italian agent Nicola Calipari, who was killed by U.S. gunfire as he was heading to Baghdad airport on March 4 after securing the release of an Italian hostage. Another agent and the freed hostage, journalist Giuliana Sgrena, were wounded.
"There's no persecutory intention against a person or the United States," Amelio said. "We're checking on facts and responsibilities."
He added that Italian paramilitary police had been asked to locate the soldier so prosecutors can notify him of the end of their investigation, a preliminary step before requesting an indictment, possibly on murder and attempted murder charges. You want him? Try and take him. |
Posted by: Steve 2006-01-18 |