Posted on 05/04/2005 11:12:35 AM PDT by an italian
Bush Calls Berlusconi to Reiterate Condolences Over Killing of Italian Agent by U.S. Troops in Iraq
By ALESSANDRA RIZZO Associated Press Writer
ROME May 4, 2005 — President Bush called Premier Silvio Berlusconi on Wednesday to express his regret for the March killing of an Italian agent by U.S. troops in Iraq. The call came days after Washington and Rome issued rival reports about the shooting death.
Berlusconi's office described the conversation as "long and cordial" and said the two countries reaffirmed their commitment in Iraq. Berlusconi, a staunch ally of the United States, sent about 3,000 troops in Iraq after the ouster of Saddam Hussein.
But the March 4 death of Nicola Calipari, hailed as a hero in Italy, has caused friction between Washington and Rome, and Berlusconi's government has come under pressure to reevaluate the Italian troop deployment in Iraq.
White House spokesman Scott McClellan said Bush reiterated regret over "the tragic accidental death" of Calipari and called him a hero.
"The two leaders agreed that the tragedy would not harm the strong friendship between the United States and Italy nor our commitment to help the Iraqi people build a brighter better future," McClellan said.
Berlusconi's office said Bush asked the premier "to speak to Calipari's family to renew the feelings of affection and sharing for the death of someone dear to them."
"The two countries remain united in their commitment in favor of the Iraqi people and government for the reconstruction of an Iraq that is stable, free and democratic," said a statement from Berlusconi's office.
Calipari was mistakenly killed by U.S. soldiers at a checkpoint near Baghdad airport. He had just secured the release of Italian journalist Giuliana Sgrena, who had been in the hands of her abductors for a month. Sgrena and another intelligence agent in the vehicle were wounded.
After a joint investigation, Italian investigators and the U.S. military differed over aspects of the shooting and issued separate conclusions.
The U.S. report cleared the soldiers of any blame, while the Italians said the troops' fatigue and inexperience played a role in the shooting.
Grazie. :)
Hmmm.
No mention of the sum of money (millions $) given to the terrorists to secure the little communist scumbag's release?
No matter. US and allied soldiers will be seeing the fruits of this Italian "rescue" when the new wave of armenments hit the Iraqi streets.
I'd read $3 million US dollars.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.