|
You are here:
PolitInfo.com > News & Articles >
Italy to Release Report on Death of Agent in Iraq
May 1, 2005 Rome
The Italian Foreign Ministry says Rome's version of the events that led to the killing of an Italian secret agent by U.S. forces March 4 in Baghdad will be released on Monday.
The prime minister is also scheduled to address parliament on the matter this week.
The Italian government says its alliance with the United States is not in question, following Saturday's release in Baghdad by the U.S. military of the report outlining its version of what occurred March 4.
That night in Baghdad, U.S. soldiers opened fire at a checkpoint on a white Toyota Corolla that was en route to the airport. The three passengers included two Italian secret agents and a journalist, who had just been freed after one month in captivity.
One of the intelligence officers, Nicola Calipari, was killed. The United States and Italy opened a joint investigation.
The U.S. military's report found that the Italians failed to inform U.S troops of their plans to drive to Baghdad airport. It also says the car was driving too fast, and ignored warning signals for it to stop.
But Italy says it could not sign the same report as the U.S. military, because there was no common ground on the dynamics of the incident, the rules of engagement, and on coordination with the competent authorities in Iraq that night.
The Italian Foreign Ministry has said its own report, to be released Monday, will shed light on these issues, and explain why it believes the killing of the intelligence officer was the result of a tragic mistake, and that the shooting by American soldiers was not justified.
Italy's center-left opposition says the U.S. conclusions were expected. One opposition member said it appeared clear that no one would pay for the death of the agent, whom he called a heroic servant of the state, who lost his life while doing his duty.
This article uses material from VOA.
Related Articles:
- Suicide Bombers Strike in Baghdad for 2nd Straight Day
A fresh wave of car bombings rocked the Iraqi capital of Baghdad on Thursday, killing at least 20 people and wounding nearly two dozen others.
- Suicide Bombings in Baghdad Kill 22 Policemen
Iraqi officials say at least 22 policemen and several civilians were killed in three suicide bombings in Baghdad Thursday.
- Car Bombs Kill More Than 150 in Iraq
In Baghdad, nearly a dozen car bombs exploded throughout the day Wednesday in and around the Iraqi capital, killing more than 150 people and wounding scores of others.
- Car Bombings, Shootings Kill More Than 150 Iraqis
Car bombs and gunfire shook the Iraqi capital Wednesday, killing more than 150 people and injuring hundreds more, most of them Shi'ite Muslims.
- US Lawmakers Debate Downing Street Memo on Iraq War
There has been new debate in U.S. Congress over the Downing Street memo, the document quoting a British official in 2002 as saying the Bush administration shaped intelligence to justify a pre-determination to go to war against Saddam Hussein.
- Iraq's Government Seeks to Calm Fears Raised by Offensive
Sunni Arab leaders in Iraq are criticizing the Iraqi government's three day-old military operation against Sunni insurgents and foreign fighters in the northern Iraqi city of Tal Afar.
- Possible Changes Delay Printing of Iraq Constitution
With less than five weeks before Iraqis are scheduled to vote in a referendum on a new draft constitution, top politicians say the document is still not ready to be presented to the public.
- UN Concerned over Lack of Protection for Civilians in Iraq
Lack of protection for innocent civilians in Iraq and deficiencies in the administration of justice continue to be major challenges to the authorities in the war-ravaged country, the UN Assistance Mission for Iraq (UNAMI) said.
- US, Iraqi Troops Report Gains in Tal Afar
Thousands of Iraqi troops backed by U.S. forces are continuing their push through the northern Iraqi city of Tal Afar.
- Iraqi, US Troops Launch Major Offensive in Tal Afar
Iraqi forces, supported by American troops, have launched a major offensive against insurgents in the northwestern city of Tal Afar.
|
