ROME (AP) - Premier Silvio Berlusconi, facing rising opposition to the war in Iraq and public outcry over the deadly U.S. shooting of an Italian agent in Baghdad, announced Tuesday that Italy will start withdrawing its 3,000 troops from Iraq beginning in September.
``Already in September we will begin a progressive reduction of the number of our soldiers in Iraq,‘’ Berlusconi said during the taping of a state TV talk show that will air later Tuesday.
Withdrawing Italian troops will depend on the capability of the Iraqi government to give itself structures for acceptable security,'' the ANSA news agency quoted Berlusconi as saying. I’ve spoken about it with (British Prime Minister) Tony Blair, and it’s the public opinion of our countries that expects this decision.‘’
In Washington, White House spokesman Scott McClellan said, ``We certainly appreciate the contributions of the Italians. They have served and sacrificed alongside Iraqis and alongside other coalition forces.‘’
Last fall, Italy’s defense minister said coalition troops in Iraq could be gradually cut after Iraq’s elections in January, but he did not cite a timetable.
Opposition to the war and to Italy’s involvement in Iraq is strong here. Berlusconi faced renewed pressure to pull troops out after the March 4 killing in Baghdad of an Italian intelligence agent, Nicola Calipari, as he escorted a recently released hostage to freedom.
Calipari was killed by U.S. troops, who mistakenly opened fire on his vehicle as it headed to the Baghdad airport with freed hostage Giuliana Sgrena.
The government made it clear it was not considering a pullout following the agent’s death.
When asked whether the shooting played a role in Berlusconi’s decision, McClellan said, ``I’m not sure I’d make a connection there … I haven’t heard any comment to that effect from Italian officials.‘’
On Tuesday, the Italian contingent suffered its 21st casualty in Iraq when a soldier accidentally shot himself in the head during target practice, officials said.
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Bye bye italiano occupiers like your pizza but now get lost back to garlic land, where you belong and stop occupying other mans countries which ain’t none of your business. And one more thing shut the door on your way out Arrivederci!**