WASHINGTON, Feb 28: Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi said on Tuesday he would stand by plans to withdraw all of Italy’s 3,000 troops from Iraq by the end of the year.

“This plan has been agreed upon by our allies and the Iraq government, said Mr Berlusconi, one of the strongest US allies on Iraq who is facing a tough re-election campaign at home. He said Italy’s troops had helped train 10,000 Iraqi security officers.

He spoke after a breakfast and a formal meeting at the White House with President George W. Bush. President Bush praised Mr Berlusconi for bringing stability to the Italian government

“It is important for an American president to be able to work with somebody in a consistent manner,” Mr Bush said.—AP