Secretary of State thanks Italy for its "steadfastness"

Secretary of State Colin Powell said he expressed to Italian Minister of Foreign Affairs Franco Frattini "my appreciation and admiration for Italian steadfastness in this time of challenge in Iraq" during their meeting April 20 at the State Department.

"The Italian people should be very proud of the leadership provided by their government and they should be very proud of the work that their troops are doing in Iraq," Powell said. He also expressed condolences over the death of an Italian citizen there.

Frattini said, "Italy is and will remain committed to build a democratic and free and prosperous Iraq. And we are working together on a new resolution on Iraq, UN resolution, based on the principle of effective transfer of sovereignty by the end of June."

Following is a transcript of their press briefing:

(begin transcript)

U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE
Office of the Spokesman
April 20, 2004

REMARKS

Secretary of State Colin L. Powell
And His Excellency Franco Frattini,
Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Italian Republic
After Their Meeting

April 20, 2004

C Street Entrance
Washington, D.C.
(5:00 p.m. EDT)

SECRETARY POWELL: Good afternoon. It's a pleasure to have Minister Frattini here at the Department. We've just had a good discussion. I began by expressing condolences over the death of the Italian citizen in Iraq, and I also expressed my appreciation and admiration for Italian steadfastness in this time of challenge in Iraq.

The Italian troops are performing nobly serving the cause of peace and freedom in Iraq. The Italian people should be very proud of the leadership provided by their government and they should be very proud of the work that their troops are doing in Iraq.

As we move into the next couple of months where we create an interim government and where we work on a new UN resolution, it is more important than ever before that Italy and the United States consult closely with one another. That was the purpose of today's meeting, and I assured the Minister that as we go forward and take things to the Security Council, we will, at the same time, consult fully with all of our coalition partners, and especially with Italy.

We also had a good discussion about the Middle East situation and other bilateral issues of mutual interest. It's always a pleasure to have the Minister here with us, and I look forward to seeing him again in the very near future.

Minister.

MINISTER FRATTINI: Thank you very much. We had, in fact, very good discussions, as Secretary Powell said, about, first of all, Iraq. I confirmed that Italy is and will remain committed to build a democratic and free and prosperous Iraq. And we are working together on a new resolution on Iraq, UN resolution, based on the principle of effective transfer of sovereignty by the end of June.

So we talked about the Middle East. We agreed on the principle that we absolutely need a lasting, just and comprehensive peace in Middle East based on negotiated principle. And we talked about Mediterranean and Greater Middle East Initiative.

We will have very good opportunities to exchange our points of view in G-8 meeting under U.S. presidency and in NATO meeting that will take place in June in Istanbul. And we expect, I hope, positive results coming from the scheduled Arab League meeting in next May and we expect a very good result because it's very important to have good arguments for discussions with Arab world.

Thank you.

SECRETARY POWELL: Okay. Any questions?

Charlie.

QUESTION: Is the coalition still strong despite the events of this week, the coalition in Iraq?

SECRETARY POWELL: I think the coalition is still strong despite the events of the week. I think Minister Frattini standing here next to me is certainly evidence of that.

I have talked to many coalition leaders over the last 48 hours, and we, of course, are disappointed that Spain and Honduras felt it necessary to withdraw their troops, but that's their sovereign decision. But all of the others I have spoken to have expressed steadfast support and I will be talking to more ministers.

The coalition remains strong because I think the coalition members know that they are doing important vital work for the Iraqi people, for the region and for peace in the world.

QUESTION: Mr. Secretary, over the last month, Israel has assassinated two Hamas leaders. And today, Prime Minister Sharon said he's going to continue with that policy. There are others on his hit list. What do you say to Palestinians who believe that the United States' failure to condemn such assassinations actually encourages Israel to continue with its policy?

SECRETARY POWELL: I don't think we're doing anything that encourages them to continue the policy. We have said that Israel has a right of self-defense against those who are responsible for terrorist attacks and we are constantly reminding the Israelis that they have to consider the consequences of such actions and how it affects our ability to move forward toward the goals that are laid out in the roadmap.

Teri.

QUESTION: Okay, thanks. Today, Halliburton has now identified three civilians who were killed among the four bodies that were found. Do you have any response to that, any news on the remaining American hostages? And Minister Frattini, do you have any news on the Italian hostages? I understand there may be some movement on that today.

SECRETARY POWELL: No, I don't have any additional information. I'm pleased that these individuals have been identified so the family can get notification and know what a difficult time it will be for their families. We extend condolences to the family members, but I have no additional information at this time.

MINISTER FRATTINI: As regards, Italian hostages, as you know, we are keeping a prudent optimism. We are waiting for positive news. We hope for positive news, but I don't fool in particulars and in details, but is counterproductive, that.

SECRETARY POWELL: Thank you.

MINISTER FRATTINI: Okay.

SECRETARY POWELL: Thank you, Franco.

(end transcript)

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