(17 Sep 2009) SHOTLIST
Rome, Italy
1. Wide tilt up exterior of ministry of defence in Rome
2. Flags at half mast
3. Wide of memorial and honour guards inside Ministry of Defence
4. Medium of honour guard and Italian flag
5. Wide shot pan left from honour guard to pictures of the six killed Italian soldiers
6. Pan right of photos of six killed Italian soldiers
7. Guard and photos
8. Pull out from book of condolences to memorial chamber
9. Pan left pictures of the six Italian soldiers killed in Afghanistan
10. Wide people paying their respects
Brussels, Belgium
11. Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi arriving for summit
12. SOUNDBITE (Italian) Silvio Berlusconi, Italian Prime Minister:
"We are all convinced that the best for all involved is to leave as soon as possible (Afghanistan), to no longer have a presence there. We have been there during the election period."
13. Media surrounding Berlusconi
STORYLINE
Italian Premier Silvio Berlusconi said on Thursday it would be best for international troops to leave Afghanistan soon, after a bomb blast in Kabul
killed six Italian soldiers in Italy's deadliest day yet in the conflict.
Berlusconi insisted there was no timetable for withdrawal, and said any decision would be made together with Italy's allies.
The explosion also wounded four Italian soldiers.
"We are all convinced it's best for everybody to get out soon," Berlusconi told reporters in Brussels.
His comments were carried on Italian state TV.
The premier said Italy had already planned on bringing home some 400-500 soldiers, referring to extra troops who had beefed up Italy's contingent for the recent Afghan elections.
He reiterated that Italy's mission, which involves building democracy in the country, aimed to help ensure that Afghanistan's military and police can
combat terrorism by themselves.
Italy has about 2,800 soldiers in Afghanistan.
Thursday's victims, part of a contingent deployed in Kabul, bring to 20 the number of Italian troops who have died in Afghanistan, according to the Defence Ministry.
Comments from the conservative premier and some of his allies in government appeared to show some political confusion over what effect the
attack will have on Italy's staunch commitment to helping the United States militarily in Afghanistan.
The White House has been counting on allies to stand firm to their troop commitments to Afghanistan.
Violence in Afghanistan has soared to record levels - and scepticism over the war has grown with it.
More US troops - 51 - died in Afghanistan in August than in any other month since the US-led invasion in October 2001.
Italian Foreign Minister Franco Frattini said Thursday's attack would not discourage his country.
The attack caused the highest death toll suffered by Italian forces since a bombing in Iraq killed 19 personnel in November 2003.
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