Posted on 05/26/2006 1:50:38 PM PDT by gwb43_2004
ROME - Italy will pull 1,100 of its troops from Iraq in June, the new government said Friday, giving its first specific numbers about the planned withdrawal.
"In June we will reduce our troops from 2,700 to 1,600," Foreign Minister Massimo D'Alema said during an evening television show.
His announcement came hours after he met with Premier Romano Prodi to map Italy's exit strategy from the U.S.-led coalition.
Most Italian troops in Iraq are in the southern Iraqi city of Nasiriyah. They are involved in training, security and reconstruction.
The decision to withdraw this many troops by June belongs to the previous government of conservative Silvio Berlusconi. The new center-left government of Romano Prodi was merely staying with it for the time being, Foreign Ministry spokesman Pasquale Terracciano said.
"The next steps have not been decided yet," Terracciano said.
(Excerpt) Read more at news.yahoo.com ...
Typical response from a tired country.
At least they didn't completely pull out like the Spanish.
This is what happens when you lose an election by 0.4%.
Keep that in mind when you stay home in November.
Thanks so much for your service - both the levels you have had for the past few years, and the level now.
The sacrifices your people have made and are continuing to make are appreciated, and won't be forgotten.
Would it be nice to have a big whopping contingent of Italians in the mix until a proper Iraq is done standing up for itself? Sure, because your services are valuable. But you've already done far more than 95% of the countries out there already, and we respect that.
They are garrisoned in and near Nasariya, which is a location that will soon be taken over by Iraqi troops as per Maliki. They are of limited value there, and their withrawal seems appropriate.
These foreign contingents should be phased out as the Iraqi military becomes able to take over. They have been doing so even in "hotter" areas in the US zones.
No, and they didn't pull out just when their occupation zone became hot in 2004 and they were badly needed.
The Italians have been very square about everything.
"...to map Italy's exit strategy from the U.S.-led coalition."
_______
They just gotta get the dig in...U.S. fails, Bush bad.
Exactly. They were there when it counted. Forza Italia!
Bummer!
REPEAT AND SHOT IT LOUD
Dear Italy:
Thanks so much for your service - both the levels you have had for the past few years, and the level now.
The sacrifices your people have made and are continuing to make are appreciated, and won't be forgotten.
Would it be nice to have a big whopping contingent of Italians in the mix until a proper Iraq is done standing up for itself? Sure, because your services are valuable. But you've already done far more than 95% of the countries out there already, and we respect that.
Dear Italy:
Thanks so much for your service - both the levels you have had for the past few years, and the level now.
The sacrifices your people have made and are continuing to make are appreciated, and won't be forgotten.
Would it be nice to have a big whopping contingent of Italians in the mix until a proper Iraq is done standing up for itself? Sure, because your services are valuable. But you've already done far more than 95% of the countries out there already, and we respect that.
SOME people on this thread DO NOT appreciate anything. QUIT WHINING PEOPLE. AT LEAST ITALY HELPED. GEEEESH AT LEAST APPRECIATE THAT MUCH.
Some people will WHINE about anything.
Yep. I second that motion. The Italians have been worthy allies. This pullout is driven neither by shame nor accusation, but by consent that they have risen to the challenge at our side and have done the job well. It is worthwhile to note that, even though Prodi is not as friendly to the US as Berlusconi (sp?), he and his government have nonetheless upheld their promise to us, even though they find it distasteful. I and many of my fellow Americans will not forget their contribution.
Post of the day!
I was going to say, "Italy: 50.2% freeloading cowards. Thank goodness the US is only at 46%", but I like yours better.
Goodbye and thank you!
I suppose we should thank your soldiers and damn your politicians. Those who leave Rome fail to praise her.
Oh No! No more Pasta al Fredo and wine!
Bummer!
"This is what happens when you lose an election by 0.4%."
"The decision to withdraw this many troops by June belongs to the previous government of conservative Silvio Berlusconi. The new center-left government of Romano Prodi was merely staying with it for the time being, Foreign Ministry spokesman Pasquale Terracciano said."
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