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Last updated at: (Beijing Time) Wednesday, December 18, 2002

Italy to Offer US Bases to Strike Iraq: Defense Minister

With the United States mounting a military offensive against Iraq, Italy would be ready to offer the US and its ally its air space and military bases, Italian Defense Minister Antonio Martino said on Tuesday.


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With the United States mounting a military offensive against Iraq, Italy would be ready to offer the US and its ally its air space and military bases, Italian Defense Minister Antonio Martino said on Tuesday.

Speaking before a joint session of the Italian House and Senatedefense committees, Martino explained that it will take several weeks for the US to examine documents from Iraq detailing the extent of its military arsenal and whether or not it has weapons of mass destruction.

During this time Washington will be able to consult with the UNSecurity Council and its allies on a possible attack if Baghdad violates UN resolutions and refuses to disarm, he added.

At present, Italy has no plans to take part in or make any specific contribution to a US-led strike against Iraq, which would require the approval of parliament, Martino said.


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