The uncertain death of an Italian hero.

Serious Diplomatic Incident between Rome and Washington

By Richard Heuzé from Rome
Le Figaro
Monday 02 May 2005

Manipulation of evidence, concealment of witnesses, flagrant lies: from Rome, the official American report on Nicola Calipari's death seems so far from the truth that Silvio Berlusconi's government, although one of Washington's most enthusiastic allies, refused to co-sign it this weekend. "We cannot, out of respect for Nicola Calipari and our national honor," explained Gianfranco Fini, Vice-President of the Council and Foreign Affairs Minister. Secret agent Nicola Calipari had been sent to Baghdad March 4 to recover journalist Giuliana Sgrena, hostage to Iraqi terrorists. On the road to the airport, an American patrol opened fire on the rented Toyota Corolla, killing Calipari, wounding the journalist and the driver.
An Italian Ambassador and an Italian General participated in the American Army's investigation commission. Their conclusions diverge totally.

For the Pentagon, the 10-man patrol lying in wait at mobile checkpoint 541 under a captain's orders "fully respected the rules of engagement." The patrol, on its first mission in Iraq, located the Toyota driving quickly when it was 125 meters away, and opened fire when it was 42 meters away, after firing three warning shots. As far as the Americans are concerned, the Italians were at fault for failing to warn them at any time of the presence in the car of secret agents and the hostage. A shameless lie, if one believes the official version Italy will publish today. It appears that the American command was aware of Nicola Calipari's mission and that the CIA's airport liaison officer had been informed of the Toyota's return 25 minutes before, by his Italian counterpart. He did not warn the patrol, which opened fire as soon as the vehicle appeared, firing several rounds without giving the customary notice.

http://www.truthout.org/docs_2005/050205I.shtml