Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD)

DATE=9/25/02

TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT

TITLE=ITALY / IRAQ (L ONLY)

NUMBER=2-294481

BYLINE=SABINA CASTELFRANCO

DATELINE=ROME

CONTENT=

VOICED AT:

INTRO: Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi today (Wednesday) called on the U-N Security Council to approve a new resolution that would force Iraq to cooperate with U-N arms inspectors. He also said Italy must support the United States to ensure that Iraq is disarmed. Sabina Castelfranco reports from Rome.

TEXT: Prime Minister Berlusconi said that the international community must not remain inactive in the face of the Iraqi crisis. In an address to parliament Wednesday, Mr. Berlusconi said the historic cost of inaction would be incalculable.

The prime minister called for a new and strong U-N resolution to put an end to all the techniques of delay and deceit used by the Iraqi regime until now. Mr. Berlusconi also spoke of the need to support the United States

/// BERLUSCONI ACT IN ITALIAN, ESTABLISH AND FADE ///

It is in Italy's national interest, he said, to follow this new crisis with responsible and independent action but action that is compatible with the country's historic alliance with the United States of America.

"Our way of life, our destiny, both as Europeans and Italians, he told the parliament, is tied to that of the United States."

Mr. Berlusconi gave no clear indication as to what role Italy would play in a war against Iraq. The left-wing opposition denounced the prime minister's speech saying that war must be averted at all costs. (Signed)

NEB/SC/KL/RH