'', Agence France Presse, 11 June 2008

EXCERPT: "US President George W. Bush headed on Wednesday [11 June 2008] for Rome, where he is expected to press his longtime ally Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi for a more robust Italian role in Afghanistan. For his part, Berlusconi was expected to seek Bush's full backing for Italy's drive to be included in negotiations with Tehran over its nuclear programme, in addition to the five permanent members of the UN Security Council plus Germany. Bush, who left Berlin mid-afternoon Tuesday [10 June 2008], has placed the Iran dispute at the centre of his farewell European tour. He is favourable to Italy joining the negotiations while Germany is opposed, 'because it sees in this group the Security Council of tomorrow,' leading political analyst Sergio Romano told AFP."

To continue reading the article, click .

Related posts:
'New rules of engagement for Italy's forces in Afghanistan', 26 May 2008
'Italy to stay in Afghanistan: New FM', 28 April 2008