Italians to form human shields in defense of Iraqi people

A group of Italian peace advocates today announced they will form a human shield in Iraq against any US strike. News agencies quoted the group, which called itself "A Bridge to Baghdad," as saying it will send volunteers to form human shields in Iraqi schools, hospitals, electricity stations and other important sites in Iraq.

Spokeswoman for the group Ornella Sanjuni expressed hope that the presence of the volunteers as human shields will deter a strike against Iraq.

Sanjuni said: "We want to highlight those Iraqi children, women and old people who will be hit by troops in the bombardment operations."