Prodi to discuss withdrawal from Iraq with British defense ministers

Italy 's military withdrawal from Iraq – main subject needing to discuss on meeting between Italian and British defense ministers. . " Italy 's decision was already made. The point was figuring out how to enact it in the most useful and efficient manner," Premier Romano Prodi told reporters.

Photo: Prodi to discuss withdrawal from Iraq with British defense ministers

Prodi to discuss withdrawal from Iraq with British defense ministers

Prodi aide Stefano Sannino said the meeting would probably happen "within days." Prodi, a center-left leader, took the reins of government in mid-May. Prodi's predecessor, Silvio Berlusconi, and Blair were two of the staunchest allies of U.S. President George W. Bush in the war in Iraq .

Both Berlusconi and Prodi, who narrowly won parliamentary elections in April, had campaigned on pledges to get all the Italian troops out of Iraq by the end of 2006. Prodi and his foreign minister, Massimo D'Alema, have said that they will consult with their allies as well as with the Iraqi government before any final withdrawal plan is worked out. Prodi and Blair also discussed European issues, the Middle East and the Iran nuclear standoff. Prodi also stressed the need for a common position on energy, research and immigration policies, reports the AP.

N.U.