ROME (Reuters) - Leading U.S. ally Italy said on Tuesday it would start withdrawing its soldiers from Iraq in September, in a fresh blow to U.S. President George W. Bush's shrinking coalition.
Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi, one of Bush's most vocal supporters, said he was in talks with British Prime Minister Tony Blair about a total exit strategy from Iraq, adding people in both countries wanted their troops to return home.
"We will begin to reduce our contingent even before the end of the year, starting in September, in agreement with our allies," said Berlusconi, who faces an election next year and went against public opinion to deploy troops in Iraq.
Asked on RAI state television when a total withdrawal would take place, Berlusconi said: "It will depend on the capacity of the Iraqi government to provide adequate security."
Despite strong opposition at home, Berlusconi sent some 3,000 troops to Iraq -- the fourth largest foreign contingent after U.S., British and South Korean forces.
But pressure has mounted on him to withdraw the troops since intelligence agent Nicola Calipari was killed earlier this month by U.S. soldiers shortly after rescuing an Italian hostage.
The incident has strained Italy's relations with the United States and Bush has promised an investigation.
"SERIOUS MISTAKE"
"(Bush) knows that he can't let down a loyal ally," said Berlusconi, adding that the killing was a "serious mistake".
"I've spoken at length about (a total exit strategy) personally with Tony Blair, saying that we should make a precise exit strategy because the public opinion of our countries expects this information," said Berlusconi.
No immediate comment was available from Britain, which has the second largest number of troops in U.S.-led forces in Iraq.
Berlusconi had stood by Bush as other U.S. allies announced plans to pull out of Iraq. Spain withdrew last year and more recently the Netherlands, Poland and Ukraine have said they propose bringing their forces home this year.
Earlier on Tuesday, Bulgaria's president said his country should withdraw its 450 troops from Iraq by the end of this year after a Bulgarian soldier was accidentally killed by U.S. forces. A final decision is expected by the end of the month.
The White House said Berlusconi's move was not linked to Calipari's death.
"I'm not sure I'd make a connection there," said White House spokesman Scott McClellan, adding the United States applauded Italy's contribution in Iraq.
"If you look at what (Berlusconi) said .... (the withdrawal) will be based on the ability and capability of Iraqi forces and the Iraqi government to be able to assume more responsibility," said McClellan.
Just hours before Berlusconi announced his decision, an Italian solider died in Iraq during a target-shooting exercise. Twenty-one Italian soldiers have died in Iraq.
Centre-left opposition parties have used Iraq as a rallying cry against Berlusconi.
But government coalition parties overcame objections and voted in parliament on Tuesday to extend funding for the Iraq mission for another six months.
(Additional reporting by Phil Stewart in Rome and Tabassum Zakaria in Washington)
Courtesy REUTERS
Posted by proutist-universal on March 16, 2005 11:01 AM
