Italy confirms Iraq troop plans - Troops leaving as soon as possible

[NNN0LHI]

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/4355009.stm

Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi has confirmed that he intends to begin withdrawing Italian troops from Iraq as soon as possible.

Mr Berlusconi told the US president of his plans to begin withdrawing troops this September in a telephone call.

Mr Berlusconi said the decision to remove his troops would depend on Iraq's security situation.

Earlier UK Prime Minister Tony Blair had said that neither Italy or the UK had set a date to bring back troops.

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[Straight Shooter]

1. "decision to remove his troops would depend on Iraq's security situation"

Thus it would behoove bush to get Iraq's "security situation" in good shape, to avoid angering the Italians further, which would threaten Berlusconi's political agenda.

I don't like Berlusconi, but I'm pleased to see that he is doing his best to avoid being politically cuckolded by Little Boots.

edit for clarity

[bpilgrim]

3. which continues to grow worse despite all HOPES and BOMBINGS of the

neoCONs and M$MW


so, what's the ole coalition of the 'willing' look like these days ;->

peace

[bpilgrim]

2. ASAP

and folks wonder WHY especially american operatives wouldn't need a cover - horrid acident - to take out just a couple italians.


http://images.globalfreepress.com

peace

[BillZBubb]

4. More Berlusconi BULLSHIT!

What's Italian for "Sheeple"? If they believe that asshat, they are as bad as the 60 million boneheads in this country.

"As soon as possible", "Depend on security situation", blah, blah. With those two weasel phrases alone Berlusconi can stretch out the withdrawal forever. But he can tell his countrymen he is for withdrawal. I hope they don't buy it. I fear they will.

[Name removed]

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[bobthedrummer]

5. We should be bringing our troops home from Iraq too.

Not wounded or in a transfer tube but returning home as units.
Bring them home.

[Say_What]

6. Ukraine calling back troops by October and Poland out by 2006

So much for the COW. Additionally, the anti-war sentiment in Italy really heated up after the US killed one of their top intelligence guys.


<clips>

Italy to pull troops from Iraq amid anti-war sentiment

...Mounting casualties and kidnappings have stoked anti-war sentiment and sapped leaders' resolve to put troops at risk. Ukraine will call back all of its 1,650 troops by October; the majority of 1,400 Dutch troops return home this month; and Poland, which hopes to pull out completely by early 2006, will withdraw several hundred of its 1,700 soldiers in July.

Surveys suggest opposition to the war runs at roughly two-thirds in most coalition countries.

Italian Premier Silvio Berlusconi, who confirmed he will seek re-election next year, said Italy will begin pulling troops back in September. But he said the withdrawal is tied to Iraqis being able to secure the country. Italy, a staunch U.S. ally, had vowed to stay despite suffering 21 casualties and enduring fierce public opposition that escalated this month after U.S. soldiers in Baghdad killed an Italian intelligence agent escorting a newly freed hostage.

Thirty-eight countries provided troops in Iraq at one point or another. But 14 nations have permanently withdrawn since the 2003 invasion, and today's coalition stands at 24. Excluding 150,000 U.S. troops, there are 22,750 foreign soldiers still in Iraq.

http://www.indystar.com/articles/2/229577-8212-010.html

[Selteri]

7. I find if funny how the UK and US are arguing

that he's just lieing and making empty threats. That he's now allowed to leave and pull out of the now missing Axi... cooilition of the willing.