Prodi condemns Iraq war as 'grave mistake'

James Sturcke and agencies
Thursday May 18, 2006

The incoming Italian prime minister, Romano Prodi, today described the US-led invasion of Iraq as a "grave mistake" that had encouraged global terrorism.
Mr Prodi, who narrowly won last month's general election, said he would consult with US-led forces in Iraq over Italian troop withdrawal.

"We consider the war and occupation in Iraq a grave error that hasn't solved - but has complicated - the problem of security," he said in his first address to the Senate since becoming prime minister.

"Terrorism has found a new base and new excuses for internal and external terrorist action."
Mr Prodi said his government would participate in anti-terror operations if they were sanctioned by international organisations such as the UN.

"We are convinced participants in the war against terrorism, even militarily, when it is legitimised by an international organisation to which we belong," he added.

Mr Prodi did not give a precise timeline for the withdrawal of Italian troops, saying only that it would happen after consultation with the Iraqi authorities.

"It is the intention of this government to propose to parliament the return of our troops from Iraq," he said.

Tony Blair has repeatedly denied that the London bombings in July last year were linked to the British involvement in Iraq.

Yes, our "Tone", that "man of conviction" has also said he "would do it all again". A donkey only stubs his toe once but not El Pretzeldente's lapdog.

He [Silvio Berlusconi] was a staunch supporter of the Iraq conflict despite its huge unpopularity in Italy - where thousands have marched against it - and faced regular calls to withdraw the 3,000 Italian troops.

Demands for withdrawal grew after an Italian secret service agent, Nicola Calipari, was killed by US soldiers minutes after rescuing a journalist being held hostage last March.

Mr Prodi, then the opposition leader, said it was time to discuss the end of Italy's mission in Iraq, and Mr Berlusconi - in an apparent attempt to shore up domestic support - said troops would be withdrawn from Iraq by last September.