Italy's Prodi defends controversial policy

Italian Premier Romano Prodi today defended Italy’s foreign policy, including its troop commitment in Afghanistan, as he tried to persuade senators to keep his government afloat.

Differences within the government are normal, but when a decision is made, all coalition allies must follow it, Prodi said, referring to defections last week that led to his resignation.

“There will be room for confrontation,” Prodi said.

But he added: “The parties of the centre-left coalition must respect the general interest of the government’s common action, and must respect and follow the (government’s) programme.”

The remarks were made as Prodi opened a Senate debate that will conclude with a confidence vote on his government tomorrow night.

He also promised a reform of the electoral system that has been blamed for contributing to political instability by giving too much influence to small parties.

Prodi acknowledged there are differing opinions on Afghanistan, but said there is awareness that a military presence cannot be the only solution.

“The goal of our presence in Afghanistan is to consolidate democratic institutions,” Prodi said.

“Our soldiers bring a culture of dialogue and help, not of clashes.”

Prodi stressed that his government has sought to raise its profile in Europe while maintaining good relations with Washington – but has not gone as far as the friendship pursued by his predecessor, Silvio Berlusconi.

Fear that the current crisis could lead to a return of Berlusconi led the centre-left allies quickly to patch over their differences to allow Prodi to try to retain power.