RUTELLI, TODAY IS NOT A DAY FOR DISCUSSION (Italian PM Statement)

[Tom Yossarian Joad]

http://www.agi.it/english/news.pl?doc=200311121633-1191-RT1-CRO-0-NF11&page=0&id=agionline-eng.oggitalia

today is not the day for discussions, it is a day to tell the Carabinieri that our thoughts are with them and with their families," said the president of the Margherita party, Francesco Rutelli, commenting on the news from Nasiriya. "I expressed to the general commander of the Carabinieri, Bellini, our total solidarity for a tragedy that hits the entire nation. The entire nation finds itself side by side with the armed forces, the Carabinieri, and the volunteer organisations that work in Iraq." Rutelli confirmed that it is not the moment for criticism, "even if in the next few days it will be necessary to examine the goals and nature of the Italian military presence in Iraq, for a thorough reassessment that has to aim at not leaving the field to be overrun by terrorists, while the indispensable transition towards UN and Iraqi command is accelerated." (AGI)
121633 NOV 03

Taking a page from the Bush playbook. You don't discuss the ramifications of the loss of life. Wait and hope it goes away.

[hang a left]

1. They are singing the same hymn that the WH is this morning.

"even if in the next few days it will be necessary to examine the goals and nature of the Italian military presence in Iraq, for a thorough reassessment that has to aim at not leaving the field to be overrun by terrorists, while the indispensable transition towards UN and Iraqi command is accelerated." (AGI)





Billy_Pilgrim (1000+ posts) Wed Nov-12-03 05:26 PM
Original message
Bush 'set on' handover in Iraq


http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/americas/3264737.stm

America's administrator in Iraq has said he is returning from Washington with a message from President Bush that he is set on transferring power.
Paul Bremer was speaking after urgent talks on speeding up the coalition's handing over of authority in Iraq.

He said that Iraqis were already playing a greater role in the day-to-day running of their country.

Mr Bremer admitted the situation in Iraq was "tough" hours after a bomb devastated an Italian base there.


A lorry bomb which hit the base in the southern town of Nasiriya killed at least 23 people, including 15 Italians
<snip>

Wait a minute. Two days ago, weren't they talking of dumping the Iraqi "Congress?"

Remember? Right before we killed the Baghdad Mayor we installed?

This must be one amazingly intricate and complex plan because I don't comprehend the least bit of logic to it.

[janx]

3. There is no logic. It's a bloody mess.

There are many agendas at play here, and everybody has a different idea re what should be done.

Not surprising.

[janx]

2. Transition towards UN and Iraqi command?

Does Rutelli think that Chimpy will allow the UN to command anything?

[Cocoa]

4. did someone say Margherita party?

[a_random_joel]

5. Searching for my lost shaker of salt...

eom

[David__77]

6. Rutelli is opposition.

He's on the left and not in the government. He ran against the right in the past election.