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...
