Italy links troop withdrawal to Iraqi elections

Italy’s foreign minister said today the withdrawal of Italian troops from Iraq would be linked to Iraqi elections in December, suggesting they may stay longer than the Italian premier had previously indicated.

Asked by reporters when Italy’s 3,000-strong contingent would return, Foreign Minister Gianfranco Fini said the pullout could coincide with the final element of a UN resolution setting elections in December, but could also go a month or two later.

“The Iraqis tell us that security must be guaranteed at 100%,” he said.

“Security is the central concept from which decisions are made.”