WASHINGTON - (AP) The State Department took note Thursday of
Italy's decision to withdraw its troops from Iraq, pointing out that Italian authorities had previously linked a pullback to the Iraq's ability to defend itself.
Italy had left unclear its withdrawal timetable but Defense Minister Antonio Martino announced a year-end deadline for concluding the mission.
State Department spokesman Sean McCormack said Italy previously had tied its withdrawal to the "ability of Iraqi security services to take over those functions that the Italian troops were performing."
Italy also has offered assurances that it will continue to contribute to training Iraqis through NATO, McCormack noted.
At the White House, press secretary Scott McClellan expressed appreciation for Italy's contributions to Iraq.
He added that Italy in planning for the pullback in close consultation with coalition forces.
He said part of Italy's decision reflects the continued development of Iraqi defense capability.
"We're standing up more Iraqi security forces. They are assuming more responsibility for their defense," McCormack said.

Exactly, thanks for posting, Infidel.