Italys Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi is preparing for the countries general elections. The tide of public opinion has been against Italys
contribution to post war Iraq. Italys contribution to post war Iraq made headlines around the globe with the death of intelligence agent Nicola
Calipari.
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The deployment of the 3,000 troops has long been unpopular in Italy and the announcement about the planned withdrawal came as Berlusconi geared up
his political campaign for general elections, to be held next (northern) spring
Asked whether Italy would begin pulling out all its troops from Iraq in September, Buonaiuti said: "That's premature to say. We are in negotiations
with allies and the Iraqi government to discuss how we can best reduce the number of troops."
The move represents another change in the make-up of the U.S.-led coalition in Iraq with Ukraine starting a pullout this week, the Netherlands ending
its mission this month, and Poland planning to withdraw some troops in July.
The Dutch troops are being replaced by an increased number of Australian personnel, taking that nation's presence in and around Iraq to about
1,400.
The Italian withdrawal plan was originally reported by Berlusconi himself, in an interview with "Porta A Porta," an Italian television show due to
air Tuesday night on RAI-1.
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I dont a problem with Italian troops leaving Iraq if there planned deployment as come to an end this was the case with NZ forces in Iraq last year it
was made clear from the outset the length of time NZ forces would be in post war Iraq.
I do have a problem with countries that pull there troops out of Iraq because public opinion might cost politicians at the ballot box.
Which countrie is going to replace the 3,000 troops when Italy pulls out?
I dont think Australia will increase its troop numbers in Iraq to cover any Italian withdrawal mind you the Australian contribution to Vietnam began
with advisors and the numbers of troops grew steadily.
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[edit on 15-3-2005 by xpert11]