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  Italian Troops Continue Humanitarian Aid Projects AN NASIRIYAH, Iraq - Despite attacks by anti-Coalition insurgents, Italian soldiers in Iraq continue humanitarian aid projects throughout the Dhi Gar province. A recently-completed project restructured the electrical network at the An Nasiriyah railway station, granting more dependable power to local railways. A newly-begun project aims to drain swamps, pave dirt roads and bring clean drinking water to Iraqi homes in the province. In addition, thanks to $15,000 raised by an Italian humanitarian association, Italian soldiers are now ready to renovate a nurse's school in An Nasiriyah. Release Italians Provide Water Purification System,...

ROME (AFP) - Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi pledged his country's troops would continue in Iraq (news - web sites) guaranteeing security until a power transfer to the new Iraqi government. He also expressed cautious optimism about the chances of freeing three Italian hostages. Berlusconi suggested the departure of Spanish troops meant Italy was now Washington's closest ally in continental Europe. "Italian forces will remain in Iraq to guarantee the security until the power transfer to the new Iraqi government," he said in a statement. "Italian troops and humanitarian organisations continue their commitment to humanitarian operations supporting the population...

Myers Visits Italian Coalition Members in Iraq By Jim GaramoneAmerican Forces Press Service TALLIL, Iraq, April 14, 2004 – A visit with foreign members of the coalition force in Iraq was the first stop for the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff here today. Air Force Gen. Richard B. Myers visited with Italian members of the Multinational Division Southeast. Italian Brig. Gen. Gian Marco Chiarini, the commander of the 132nd "Ariete" Brigade briefed the American officer and his staff. The brigade, which is a mix of regular army and police, patrols the area in and around Nasiriyah. There...