Italian figure for withdrawal of Italian troops from Iraq

Chairman of the Italian Green Party, Alfonso Pecoraro Scanio, called for an immediate withdrawal of Italian troops from Iraq, pointing out that the American war against Iraq led to tremendous numbers of victims, and contributed to "pouring oil on the fire of terrorism."

In a statement to the press on Tuesday, Scanio underlined that the war on Iraq was the greatest motivator for terrorism, holding the Italian government responsible for the mistakes it committed.

He also underlined the need for an Italian foreign policy for peace and cooperation, supporting Romano Prodi's description of the Italian troops in Iraq as "occupation forces that should be returned as soon as his Party wins the elections."

For his part, member of the Italian Senate, Julio Andrewti, said "Italian troops in Iraq are occupation forces and Berlusconi should protest against those who offer him incorrect information on the alleged presence of WMD (Weapons of Mass Destruction) in Iraq."