| Submit your comments on this article |
| Iraq-Jordan |
| Berlusconi, Bush Discuss Pullout From Iraq |
| 2005-03-16 |
| EFL: Premier Silvio Berlusconi spoke with President Bush on Wednesday and told him Italy wants to begin a gradual pullout of its 3,000 troops from Iraq as soon as possible, perhaps in September. Berlusconi, one of Washington's most stalwart allies in the war, said the pullout would depend on security conditions in Iraq and would be discussed with the Iraqi government and coalition allies. Bush said at a Washington news conference Wednesday that he had spoken by telephone with Berlusconi and he understood the desire of U.S. coalition partners to withdraw troops from Iraq. "He wanted me to know there was no change in his policy that any withdrawals would be done in consultation with allies," Bush said. Berlusconi assured him that the Italian withdrawal would be phased and would not undermine "the ability of Iraqis to defend themselves," Bush added. "What you're going to find is that countries will be willing, anxious to get out when Iraqis have got the capacity to defend themselves. And that's the position of the United States: Our troops will come home when Iraq is capable of defending herself." Berlusconi's phone call came a day after he announced that Italy would start drawing down its 3,000-strong contingent based in the southern city of Nasiriyah in September if security conditions in Iraq permitted. That announcement came amid widespread anger over the recent killing of an Italian officer by U.S. troops. Berlusconi on Tuesday made a reference to Italian public opinion, which is strongly against the war, though he stopped short of saying that was the reason for the pullout. "Premier Berlusconi has reiterated to President Bush the desire to be able to begin a gradual and progressive withdrawal of the Italian military contingent as soon as possible, possibly in September," said a statement Wednesday by the premier's office. "The premier has confirmed that the possibility will depend on the Iraqi's government increasing ability to take care of the country's security and public order, and in full agreement with the Iraqi government and allied governments." Berlusconi sent in the Italian contingent after the ouster of Saddam Hussein to help rebuild the country. The contingent suffered its 21st casualty there when a soldier accidentally shot himself in the head during target practice, officials said. |
| Posted by:Steve |