The United States said Tuesday that it did not believe there was a connection between Italy's decision to withdraw its troops from Iraq and the mistaken shooting by U.S. soldiers of an Italian intelligence agent and journalist. "I haven't heard any comment to that effect from Italian officials," White House spokesman Scott McClellan said. Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi announced Tuesday in Rome that his country's 3,000-strong force in Iraq will begin leaving the country in September. McClellan said the United States appreciated Italy's contribution and the Americans remained focused on training Iraqi security forces so U.S. troops can eventually depart Iraq. Despite public opposition at home, Berlusconi sided with U.S. President George W. Bush in supporting the U.S.-led invasion two years ago to topple Saddam Hussein's regime. --More 2253 Local Time 1953 GMT
