Posted on 11/04/2004 9:51:38 AM PST by crushelits
ROME - Premier Silvio Berlusconi reaffirmed Thursday that Italy would keep its troops in Iraq (news - web sites) for as long as the government there wanted them.
After a meeting with interim Prime Minister Ayad Allawi, Berlusconi said, "Italy will stay in Iraq according to the requests that will come from a legitimate Iraqi government."
His comments came a day after Hungary said it would withdraw its 300 non-combat troops from Iraq by the end of March, undercutting President Bush (news - web sites)'s effort to hold the multinational force together.
Also Thursday, the Czech parliament voted to extend the mandate of the 100 Czech troops in Iraq by two months, to Feb. 28, 2005, keeping them in the country during the elections scheduled for January.
Berlusconi's center-right government sent about 3,000 troops to Iraq to help rebuild the country after the ouster of Saddam Hussein (news - web sites).
Allawi also received encouragement from Pope John Paul (news - web sites) II, a staunch opponent of the war, for the building of democratic institutions in Iraq, and assurances of the pontiff's "closeness to the Iraqi people, so sorely tried by the tragic sufferings of recent years."
John Paul received Allawi at the Vatican (news - web sites) and in a brief speech read by an aide said he was praying "for all the victims of terrorism and wanton violence" and for those working for the reconstruction of Iraq.
The two men met privately for nearly 10 minutes. In his public remarks, the pope did not mention his opposition to the war. He called for "truly representative" democratic institutions that respect ethnic and religious diversity and said the Christian community would help build democracy.
The Italian government repeatedly has said it will keep its troops in Iraq until the country is stabilized and has a legitimate democratic government. Italian Defense Minister Antonio Martino recently said coalition forces in Iraq could be "gradually" reduced after the January elections there if Iraqi troops and police can keep the country stable.
Allawi said he was confident about the reconstruction of his country and the chance of holding elections due by Jan. 31.
"Democracy, the rule of law and liberty will win in Iraq despite the difficulties," he said after meeting Berlusconi. "We believe that the reconstruction in Iraq can help the stability of the region and the world."
At a briefing with journalists, Allawi said "there is still time to hold the elections" by the end of January.
Allawi also appealed for support from countries that opposed the war, saying it was necessary "to look at the future and forget the past."
"I invite those countries with concerns to build economic relations with Iraq based on common interests," Allawi said.
Allawi next heads to Belgium to attend a European Union (news - web sites) summit at which EU leaders are expected to offer him a trade deal as part of efforts to aid Iraqi reconstruction.
On Thursday, the EU set out details of a $40.3 million aid package to support the elections. The EU's head office said it would send three experts to Iraq to work with the United Nations (news - web sites) and the Independent Electoral Commission of Iraq. They also will help train up to 150 Iraqi election observers.
you know, my family has been considering a trip to LOndon this summer, but.....I think we're going Italian! Viva Italy!!! Buy-bye Big Ben....Hello Florence!
I called the Italian Ambassador to Texas and thanked the Italian people for their support. The tel. number is 713-850-7520.
GO ITALY!!!
VIVA ITALIA!!!! After I graduate, that's where i'm going on vacation.
FORZA ITALIA!!!!!
If people want on or off this list, please let me know.
Texas is not a sovereign nation yet.
Thank you
That's not a small point to a Texan.
Viva Italia!!! I have family in Italy and travel there every chance I get. Every American should know that Italy is a traveler's paradise. Great people... great food... beautiful countryside and a treasure trove of music, art and history.
Plus, since they have been moving away (slowly) from the Euro-Socialist model they have a vibrant and growing economy.
Add my nick, if you want, "amico mio".
To all:
Does anybody know how many absentee votes, for Bush and sKerry, came from Italy (and other countries) this Election? Is there any official web-site? I'm very curious about these statistics. Thanks in any case.
Alessandro
Texas is not a sovereign nation yet.
Next time you are in Austin, drop by the former French Embassy there. Its at 802 San Marcos Street. France extended diplomatic recognition in 1839. Perhaps the Italians are just trying to play "catch up".
The data would have to be compiled from each individual county, and I don't know that the larger counties would bother to keep track of the info. You couldn't use the requests for absentee ballots and where they were mailed as a completely accurate guide, since voters could use the Federal write-in ballot.
Okay, added the nick.
buona fortuna a lei, la sua famiglia, i suoi soldati coraggiosi e Primo Ministro Berlusconi...
Everyone should vacation in Italy and ignore France and as much as I hate to say it -- Spain.
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