Italy and the United States have concluded their joint investigation into the shooting death of Italian agent Nicola Calipari and wounding of Giuliana Sgrena.
The investigators failed to agree on the circumstances surrounding the shooting, but did agree on many facts, findings and issues:
U.S. State Department—On March 4, 2005, in the line of duty, a remarkable man gave his life, a senior SISMI officer who was extremely loyal to the Italian Republic and a valued friend of the United States.
This man was Nicola Calipari, and in his memory, and for what he heroically achieved, he was rightly awarded, by the President of the Italian Republic, the Gold Medal for Military Valour. Our souls are saddened by his tragic death, and our loving and grateful thought goes to his family. Both Italy and the United States of America owe him deep and eternal gratitude.
In order to fully clarify the dynamics of the incident in which he was killed, Prime Minister Berlusconi and President Bush agreed to conduct a joint investigation with the full participation of representatives of both countries.
On March 13, the Italian representatives arrived in Baghdad and joined the American investigators as full participants in the investigative process, collecting statements and forensic tests based on the procedure applicable to the investigation. The work, carried out in a spirit of strong mutual cooperation, was intense and fruitful.
The joint investigation is now completed.
The investigators did not arrive at shared final conclusions even though, after examining jointly the evidence, they did agree on facts, findings and recommendations on numerous issues. The investigators are reporting to their respective national authorities in accordance with national regulations and procedures.
Italy and United States are strong allies and enjoy a close and vibrant friendship, based on shared values and ideals. These values compel us to stand side-by-side with the Iraqi people, at the request of the sovereign Iraqi Government and under the mandate of the United Nations to help build a strong, democratic and secure Iraq.
We honor the brave men and women of our two countries who have offered their lives in this effort to help the people of Iraq.
Though the investigators failed to reach an agreement on the shooting, there were many points OF agreement. It would be helpful if the points of agreement and disagreement were released publicly.
Giuliana Sgrena, being a communist and America hater, must be very satisfied with the outcome of the investigation. She duped the world into believing her wild story about the shooting and successfully created a breech of trust between Italians and Americans. One blog, sorry I can’t remember its name, said that according to her story everything but outer space death rays were shot at her.
I still believe that the shooting was due to a lack of communication between Italy and the United States, but that explanation is too simple to be openly received right now. One day perhaps.
Giuliana Sgrena, I have some harsh words for you, but being a gentleman I won’t utter them.
What of Nicola Calipari? He’s a hero, always will be…
