http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/4352259.stm



 Italy 'to pull troops from Iraq'



 Italy is to begin withdrawing its troops from Iraq in September 2005,
Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi has said.

He told Rai state television the pullout would take place "in agreement with
our allies".

Italy has 3,000 troops in Iraq - the fourth largest foreign contingent.

Domestic opposition to Italy's involvement in Iraq intensified after the
killing of an Italian agent by US troops in Baghdad earlier this month.

The surprise announcement came as Italy's lower house of parliament backed a
recent Senate vote to extend the country's military presence in Iraq beyond
June.

'Progressive reduction'

Mr Berlusconi has been one of US President G eorge W Bush's staunchest
allies in the US-led war in Iraq.

But, he said, after speaking to UK Prime Minister Tony Blair he concluded
that public opinion in both countries favoured a troop withdrawal.

"In September we will begin a progressive reduction of the number of our
soldiers in Iraq.

"I spoke to Tony Blair about it, and public opinion in our countries is
expecting this decision," he told Rai.

He said the exact numbers would depend on the Iraqi government's ability to
deal with security.

The BBC's Tamsin Smith in Rome says it is the first time Mr Berlusconi has
suggested a timetable for withdrawal.

Relations between the United States and Italy were severely strained after
secret service agent Nicola Calipari was shot dead by American troops in
Baghdad on 4 March.

Mr Berlusconi said the US must accept responsibility for the shooting, which
is being investigated by the US military.

Our correspondent says the Italian government is also mindful of local
elections looming early next month.

Also on Tuesday, two other members of the US-led coalition in Iraq - the
Netherlands and Ukraine - began a phased withdrawal from the country

.