ITALIANS WELCOME FORMATION OF IRAQI GOVERNMENT

UNCLAS ROME 001552 SIPDIS SENSITIVE SIPDIS E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: PREL KDEM KPAO IZ IT SUBJECT: ITALIANS WELCOME FORMATION OF IRAQI GOVERNMENT REF: STATE 81632 ¶1. (SBU) Summary. The GOI welcomed the formation of the new Iraqi Government and pledged to continue support for Iraqi reconstruction and democratic development. Newly elected Prime Minister Prodi, who was critical of the war, and newly-appointed Foreign Minister Massimo D'Alema issued individual statements of support for the new Iraqi Government. These statements were widely covered in the Italian press. End Summary. ¶2. (U) On May 20, the Italian MFA expressed satisfaction with the formation of the new Iraqi Government. The GOI statement noted that the formation of the government was an important step toward stabilization, reconstruction and democratization of the country. The statement reiterated Italy's commitment to provide support, along with "principal international partners", for the continuing reconstruction and democractic development of Iraq. ¶3. (U) Newly-elected PM Romano Prodi issued a message to Iraqi PM Al Maliki stating, "In the name of the Italian Government and me personally, I send you the sincerest congratulations for the formation of the new government. The choice for reconciliation under the mark of inclusivity of all the most representative elements of the country is an important premise in the difficult path to rebuilding a democratic Iraq. Italy will support Iraq in this." ¶4. (U) Newly-appointed FM Massimo D'Alema sent a congratulatory note to Iraqi FM Hoshiyar Zebari stating that the new Iraqi Government "is a source of hope for the pacification, reconstruction and democratization process for your country, so that the spirit of reconciliation and national unity between all political, religious and ethnic groups can prevail." SPOGLI