The Italian government will not change its policy on Iraq and the implementation of its pullout plan will depend on the security situation in the country, Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi said Wednesday.

In a telephone conversation with US President George W. Bush, Berlusconi reiterated Italy's decision to gradually pull out its troops from Iraq, the prime minister's office said in a statement.

"Prime Minister Berlusconi has reiterated to President Bush the desire to be able to begin a gradual and progressive withdrawal of the Italian military contingent as soon as possible, possibly in September," said the statement.

But he stressed that the timing is not fixed, saying the pullout will depend on the ability of Iraq's police and military to ensure public order and will be discussed with the Iraqi government and coalition allies.

"The prime minister has confirmed that the possibility will depend on the Iraqi government's increasing ability to take care of the country's security and public order, and in full agreement with the Iraqi government and allied governments," the statement said.

On Tuesday, Berlusconi said in a TV talk show that Italy will begin a gradual withdrawal of its troops from Iraq starting in September.

The opposition and most Italians welcomed the remarks but blasted him for making the announcement on TV rather than to parliament.

Critics also accused the prime minister of "making a propaganda" for purely electoral reasons.

Italy has about 3,200 troops serving in Iraq, the fourth-largest contingent after the United States, Britain and South Korea.

Most Italians remain strongly opposed to the sending of Italian troops to Iraq and will be called to vote in local elections next month and in general elections scheduled for the first half of 2006.