Italy May Deploy Up to 3,000 in Iraq

AP ^ | April 15, 2003

[Shermy]

ROME - The Italian government asked parliament Tuesday to authorize the deployment of up to 3,000 people to Iraq, including military policemen and relief workers, to help restore order and provide humanitarian assistance.

The proposal, outlined by Foreign Minister Franco Frattini, was expected to be endorsed by the legislature, where Premier Silvio Berlusconi's conservatives have a solid majority.

"We can't allow the aftermath of the war to make more victims than war itself," Frattini told Italian senators.

The full contingent would number between 2,500 and 3,000, including a military component that Frattini said was essential to make sure supplies would not be looted. Mine clearers, doctors and other relief workers would also participate, and a field hospital would be set up.

Italy has been supportive of the U.S.-led war in Iraq. It did not send any troops, but has said it would contribute to Iraq's reconstruction.

It wasn't clear when the contingent would leave.

[Shermy]

From what I can tell, the parliament has approved the request.

Soldiers in Iraq, yes of the Rooms :)

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[Ernest_at_the_Beach]

Now that is a big help!

OFFICIAL BUMP(TOPIC)LIST

[COURAGE]

"They are most welcome. We will butcher them."

[x1stcav]

Not to mention that the Italian Army has the best field rations. Trouble is, our guys will not have much of a chance for any horse-trading.

[xJones]

It wasn't clear when the contingent would leave.

Oh well, it's the thought that counts, Shermy.

"WHEENN da moon hits the sky like a big pizza pie, it's amore!"

[LuisBasco]

... authorize the deployment of up to 3,000 people to Iraq...

Another chapter will be added to the second thinnest book in the world "Italian War Heroes."

The thinnest book in the world is, of course, you've guessed it.

[Dog Gone]

Grazie, italiani!

[MattinNJ]

Berlusconi BTTT. This guy, along with Spain's Aznar, have been underappreciated in their support on the WOT. Both are solid conservatives who seem to be making arrests of terrorists every week.

[tiamat]

LuisBasco wrote:

... authorize the deployment of up to 3,000 people to Iraq...

************************ Rather like "The Widow's Mite"!

<p. Tia

[Larry Lucido]

Not to mention that the Italian Army has the best field rations.

3000 troops. That's a lot of mostacciolli!

[joesnuffy]

See the thing in the reef
With the big shiny teeth?
that's a moray

Put jer hand in the crack
and you wont get it back
From a Moray

[stanz]

EEEEEEW - Ready to eat linguine!

[dead]

Canada's sending muffins.

[xJones]

Aarggh! I read "Hannibal" before seeing the movie that left the part out. That great big eel was stuffed into Mason's mouth by his "strange" sister and it ate it's way into his throat............Arrrrrrgh! I'll have nightmares! I hate morays! How could you do this!

(just kidding)

[livius]

Good! Spain, which supported us, but where Aznar has had to fight tooth and nail to do so, has also been asked to contribute to the rebuilding.

Unfortunately, Spain has a very rabid left-wing/Socialist/media contingent who hate us and hate Aznar almost as much as the Dems hate Bush. Of course, the Socialists immediately came out after this offer and screamed that Aznar's whole objective was for Spain to "profit from the war" (like this was a bad thing!).

I hope Italians are a little more reasonable about this, but I don't think "reason" and "left" can be used in the same sentence.

[ellery]

thank you italy bump!

[areafiftyone]

Grazie! Grazie!