Silvio Berlusconi

Berlusconi alluded to rising public discontent and said he had spoken with British Prime Minister Tony Blair, another strong Washington ally. "We need to construct a precise exit strategy, also because our publics' opinions expect this communication and we agree to talk about it soon.

"Starting with the month of September, we would like to proceed with a gradual reduction of our soldiers," Berlusconi said on state television. He added that the withdrawal would be tied to the Iraqis' ability to secure the country.

Italy, a staunch U.S. ally, had vowed to stay despite suffering 21 casualties and enduring fierce public opposition that escalated this month after U.S. soldiers in Baghdad fatally shot an Italian intelligence agent escorting a newly freed hostage.

The Japan Times Weekly: March 26, 2005
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