Italy’s decision to withdraw its troops from Iraq by September is only possible within the right conditions, Defence Secretary Geoff Hoon said today.

On Wednesday, the US President Bush and Prime Minister of Italy Silvio Berlusconi held a phone conference where tthey discussed the terms of possible withdrawal of Italian troops from Iraq roughly scheduled for September.

"I’ve spoken about it with Tony Blair, and it’s the public opinion of our countries that expects this decision," said Mr. Berlusconi on the talk show. "We have to build an exit strategy."

The head of the British Army Mike Jackson do not share the decision of Berlusconi. "There seems to be a little confusion precisely as to the Italian contingent and that will clarify in due course," he said.