Italian PM reiterates resolve on withdrawing from Iraq

Italian Prime Minister Romano Prodi reiterated on Friday that Italy's decision to withdraw from Iraq have already been made, no matter whether Britain agreed with it or not.

The point now was to find the most effective way to implement the decision, Prodi told reporters after he met with the visiting British Prime Minister Tony Blair.

Defense ministers of the two countries would later work out the details on the manner and timing of Italy's withdrawal, since Italy's troops in Iraq were under Britain's command, Prodi said.

At the same time, Prodi stressed the importance of security in Iraq.

Under the government of Silvio Berlusconi, Prodi's predecessor, Italy sent some 3,000 troops to Iraq during the U.S.-led war in 2003 to help with security and reconstruction.

Italy had already begun withdrawing forces from the war-ravaged country as Berlusconi prepared for his re-election.

Following a timetable worked out under Berlusconi, Italy's military number will be cut down to 1,600 this month.

The two leaders also discussed Iran's nuclear issue, both expressing support for a recent U.S. proposal to open conditioned, direct talks with the Islamic republic on the latter's nuclear program.

Europe's integration was also touched on during their talks. They said the European Union members should make joint efforts to push forward the process.

They expressed their hope that major breakthroughs concerning policies on energy and research would be made at an upcoming EU summit later this month.

Prodi also noted that the EU should recognize the importance of developing relations with countries around the Mediterranean.

Source: Xinhua