WASHINGTON, March 16 (UPI) -- U.S. President Bush said Wednesday despite reports Italy was pulling its troops from Iraq, he had assurances from Rome there was no change in policies.
In a telephone conversation with Silvio Berlusconi, the Italian president said any withdrawals "would be done in consultation with allies and would be done depending upon the ability of Iraqis to defend themselves," Bush said.
Countries, including the United States "will be willing or anxious to get out when Iraqis have got the capacity to defend themselves," Bush said.
But, he added, no withdrawals would be made at the expense of progress in Iraq. "People want their troops home, but they don't want their troops home, but they don't want their troops home if it affects the mission."
Bush told a White House news conference coalition forces were "buoyed by the courage of the Iraqi people.
"I share that sense of enthusiasm about what's taking place in Iraq," he said.
Iraq's transitional national assembly met for the first time Wednesday.
