Italy supports a temporary Iraqi government that is selected by the United Nations, said Silvio Berlusconi, the Prime Minister of Italy. Mr. Berlusconi also stated that the temporary government, which will take power on June 30, represents the beginning of constructive democracy in Iraq in preparation for elections. The Prime Minister expressed these views on Tuesday following a meeting with Kofi Annan, the Secretary-General of the United Nations, in New York. The U.S.-led coalition in Iraq plans to transfer power to a temporary Iraqi government on June 30. This temporary government will govern the country until elections are held in Iraq, which are scheduled for January 2005. Mr. Berlusconi is also set to meet with President Bush in Washington today. Italy has about 2,700 troops in Iraq, which are part of the U.S.-led coalition.
Italy Supports a Temporary Iraqi Government Selected by the United Nations - 2004-05-19
Italy's Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi announced support for a temporary Iraqi government selected by the UN, marking a step towards democracy in Iraq. This government is expected to take power on June 30, 2004, until elections in January 2005. The announcement follows Berlusconi's meeting with UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan.
👥 Key Players
📰 What Happened
Italy's Prime Minister announced support for a temporary Iraqi government selected by the UN, which is set to take power on June 30, 2004, as part of a transition to democracy leading up to elections in January 2005.
- The temporary government is intended to govern Iraq until elections are held in January 2005.
- Italy has approximately 2,700 troops in Iraq as part of the U.S.-led coalition.
💡 Why It Matters
📚 Background
Following the U.S.-led invasion of Iraq in 2003, the international community, led by the UN, has been involved in efforts to establish a democratic government in the country.
🏷️ Entities Mentioned
Translated from the original and edited for English readers. View original source →
Translation confidence: 85%