Berlusconi Backpedals
Charles Johnson
Wed Mar 16, 2005 at 8:32 pm PST • Views: 221
Italy’s Berlusconi backtracks on Iraq withdrawal.
ROME, March 16 (Reuters) - Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi on Wednesday appeared to backtrack from his proposal of withdrawing troops from Iraq starting from September, saying the date was only his hope and could be changed.
Berlusconi, one of U.S. President George W. Bush’s most vocal supporters, shocked friend and foe on Tuesday when he said Italy would start pulling out its troops in September, adding he was in talks with Britain’s Tony Blair about a total exit.
“There’s never been a fixed date,” Berlusconi told reporters.
“It was only my hope … If it is not possible, it is not possible. The solution should be agreed with the allies.”
Berlusconi’s comments came as Bush insisted the U.S.-led coalition in Iraq was not crumbling.
“I think the coalition has been buoyed by the courage of the Iraqi people,” Bush said, adding the Italian prime minister had told him any withdrawals would be in consultation with allies.
Blair on Wednesday said he would not follow Berlusconi’s suit and set a timetable for withdrawal of British troops.
Frank says: