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| Iraq |
| Italy says to keep troops in Iraq despite deaths |
| 2003-11-13 |
| Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi vowed Italy would keep troops in Iraq to help the Americans despite a bombing on Wednesday that killed 18 Italians in the armed forces’ biggest single loss of life since World War Two. The apparent suicide attack looked likely to stoke anti-war sentiments Good man. Sixteen personnel were killed at the Carabinieri police base. At least six of those had been due to return home on Saturday. Two Italian civilians and nine Iraqis were also among the 27 dead. Berlusconi urged Italy and its leaders to remain united. ’’If there ever was a day when controversy should be silenced and when all Italian citizens should show solidarity with those who have taken on the lofty task of defending the values of our democracy, then this is the day,’’ he said. Flags were lowered to half-mast across the country and many cities declared Thursday a day of mourning. It was the first fatal attack on Italian forces since they were sent to Iraq in June to help stabilise the country after its occupation. Berlusconi said the losses were felt by the whole nation. ’’But we also feel pride for the courage and humanity with which our troops...have worked and still work to make the situation tolerable for children, women, the elderly and the weak who live in that martyred region.’’ Some opposition leaders said they would reserve comment until mourning was over, but That’s about right. |
| Posted by:Steve White |
| #1 God bless the Italian (and Brits, and Poles, and 'stralians, et al) troops, and their supporters back home. |
| Posted by: Hyper 2003-11-13 8:59:42 AM |