Berlusconi: 'Italy ready to help in Iraq war'

The Daily Record ^ | December 31 2002

[knighthawk]

Italy's premier has promised that Italians are "ready to do our part" if war is launched against Iraq.

However, Silvio Berlusconi also indicated that any conflict should first be endorsed by the UN.

Mr Berlusconi's government has been a staunch supporter of US policy, making Italy one of America's closest European allies.

[knighthawk]

Europe-list

If people want on or off this list, please let me know.

[knighthawk]

http://www.ananova.com/news/story/sm_734586.html

Italy's premier has promised that Italians are "ready to do our part" if war is launched against Iraq.

However, Silvio Berlusconi also indicated that any conflict should first be endorsed by the UN.

Mr Berlusconi's government has been a staunch supporter of US policy, making Italy one of America's closest European allies.

The premier has been reluctant to specify what role Italy might play in a possible US-led war against Iraq.

He told an end-of-the-year news conference: "I am absolutely convinced that this situation must find direction within the United Nations and, if need be, within Nato."

He added: "We're ready to do our part as members of the UN, as members of Nato."

Mr Berlusconi also said that a war against Iraq is not yet certain.

He said: "I have always been an incurable optimist, and this brings me to think that a conflict isn't inevitable.

"Still today, we believe there is a possibility that this war will not occur."

Earlier this month, the country's defence minister said Italy would allow the use of its air space and military bases in case of an Iraq war. The government later backtracked, noting that such moves would have to be approved by MPs.

[anniegetyourgun]

I had to check in here to see which side they are willing to help. One never knows with Eurosocialists.....

[aculeus]

One never knows with Eurosocialists.....

True, but B is a former industrialist.

[knighthawk]

LOL!

[Republic of Texas]

Looks like our boys will be eating well at least!

[dfwgator]

Let's just hope Italy is a better ally for us, than they were for the Germans in WWII. Germany may would have won WWII, if it weren't for them having to bail out their Italian allies in Greece and Yugoslavia.

[ffusco]

LOL

[ffusco]

Italy was poorly equipped and not ready for mechanized war, with the exception of the navy, which the Brits did not engage at sea. After the war, her remaining battleship was given to Russia.