Berlusconi pledges Italian support for US

Italy’s Premier Silvio Berlusconi today promised that Italians were “ready to do our part” if war is launched against Iraq, but indicated that any conflict should first be endorsed by the United Nations.

Berlusconi’s conservative government has been a staunch supporter of United States policy, making Italy one of America’s closest European allies.

But the premier has been reluctant to specify what role Italy might play in a possible US-led war against Iraq.

“I am absolutely convinced that this situation must find direction within the United Nations and, if need be, within Nato,” he told an end-of-the-year news conference broadcast nationwide.

“We’re ready to do our part as members of the UN, as members of Nato.”

However, a war against Iraq is not yet certain, Berlusconi said.

“I have always been an incurable optimist, and this brings me to think that a conflict isn’t inevitable,” he said. “Still today, we believe there is a possibility that this war will not occur.”

Earlier this month, Defence Minister Antonio Martino said Italy would allow the use of its air space and military bases in case of an Iraq war.

The government later backtracked, noting that such moves would have to be approved by MPs.

Berlusconi maintained that line today, keeping vague on specifics and saying “all decisions will be taken in parliament.” His coalition has a strong majority in both houses of parliament.