Posted on 10/31/2005 12:05:53 PM PST by an italian
WASHINGTON (AFP) - US President George W. Bush and visiting Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi insisted US-Italy ties were strong, brushing aside tensions on a range of issues including the war in Iraq.
The meeting came after Berlusconi said in a forthcoming television interview that he had repeatedly tried to dissuade Bush from going to war to oust Saddam Hussein and that "it would have been better to avoid military action."
At the White House, however, Berlusconi made no mention of such misgivings and instead took pains to praise his host as they met in the Oval Office, saying: "I personally greatly admire the leadership of president Bush."
"It's always a pleasure to come and see a friend, the leader of a friendly country," the prime minister said through an interpreter.
"It is for us a reason of pride to be side by side with our American ally in broadening the borders of democracy and freedom in the world and in order to pursue peace, which is something we all aspire to," said the prime minister.
"It is good to have my friend back in the Oval Office. I say 'my friend' because it seems like we see each other a lot and every time we do, I appreciate your advice, your counsel," Bush said.
"Relations between Italy and the United States are strong,," the president said, praising Berlusconi for his "strong commitment to the freedom of people in Afghanistan and Iraq."
THAT'S WHY MY COUNTRY AND I HAVE NO FEAR TO FIGHT TERRORISM SIDE BY SIDE WITH YOU TODAY... GOD BLESS!
So how quickly is our friend Italy pulling their troops out of Iraq?
GOD BLESS ITALY and its courageous citizens (e.g., "an italian)!!
I have a feeling it will correspond directly with his poll numbers.
An Italian-American nominated to the Supreme Court, the Presidents of Italy and the United States affirming our alliance; way to go Italy.
Any chef that whizzes on AnItalian's linguini has a lot of FReepers to answer to...
Viva Italia BUMP!!
Good for Italy, good for America, and good for the world!
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