U.S.: In contrast with the Italians, the French, Russians, and Spaniards are castrati

Italy Closes Ranks Behind Berlusconi After the Killing of Italian Hostage in Iraq

By Alessandra Rizzo Associated Press Writer
Published: Apr 15, 2004

ROME (AP) - Politicians and citizens closed ranks Thursday behind Premier Silvio Berlusconi's vow to stay the course in Iraq after the slaying of an Italian hostage there, and the government worked frantically to save three other Italian captives.
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"All of us must express a very firm condemnation and feel morally and civilly committed to do our part against terrorism," opposition leader Piero Fassino said Thursday, adding that withdrawing the troops would make Iraq "more out of control."

Another center-left leader, former Premier Massimo D'Alema, said, "We don't ask the government to give in to the kidnappers' blackmail.
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"They have cut short a life. They have not damaged our values and our commitment to peace," Berlusconi said.
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Franco Marconi, a bank employee in Rome, said giving in would not save the hostages.

"I believe the Italian troops should remain in Iraq, and that the government should remain firm," the 57-year-old said in Rome.
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Frattini recounted the contents of the tape, apparently described to him by the ambassador to Qatar, who watched the video and identified the victim.

"This boy, as the assassins were pointing the gun at him, tried to take off his hood and shouted: 'Now I'll show you how an Italian dies,'" Frattini said, adding, "He died as a hero."

The dissenters are in the minority. Maybe the Italians can loan some of their cojones to the Democrats.