Silvio Berlusconi

ROME (Reuters) - Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi on Wednesday appeared to back track 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 President 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 said. "It was only my hope ... If it is not possible, it is not possible. The solution should be agreed with the allies." (...)

Italy's PM Back Tracks on Iraq Withdrawal
By Rachel Sanderson
Reuters