Italy to pull troops from Iraq

[Strengthandhonour]

Italy plans to withdraw about 1,000 of its soldiers from Iraq this month. It is the latest blow to the US-led coalition after South Korea began bringing troops home this week.

Italian Prime Minister Romano Prodi has pledged to call back military personnel from what he described as the "occupation" of Iraq, although he says the pullout will be agreed with the rest of the coalition. Italy has some 2,600 soldiers in Nassiriya. It is thought likely the rest of them will leave in the autumn.

In Baghdad the mood on the streets was positive after news of the latest foreign troop withdrawal. "We hope all the foreign forces leave because we can lead our country, we have political leaders, intellectuals and technocrats," said one man.

"We are seeking the withdrawal of all foreign forces in Iraq, not only the Italians because when they leave it will be a good move to help reduce the presence of foreign troops in Iraq," said another.

In the months after the 2003 invasion, the multinational force came from 38 countries. But it has steadily shrunk with Spain and Ukraine among the larger partners to pull out.[/url]

source:http://www.euronews.net/create_html....e=361732&lng=1[/left]