Italian hostages arrive from Iraq

ROME -Three hostages freed from their Iraqi kidnappers by US-led coalition forces returned to Italy yesterday after nearly two months in captivity in a boost for the government before this weekend’s European elections.

Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi, who sent peacekeeping troops to Iraq despite widespread opposition among Italians to the war, said the safe release of the three hostages was proof his government’s policies in Iraq were working. A fourth Italian hostage, Fabrizio Quattrocchi, was shot dead after Italy refused to bow to demands to withdraw its 2 700 troops from Iraq.The release of the hostages sparked relief and joy across the political spectrum, but some in the opposition also noted that it came at a convenient time for the government, as it may temper bad feeling over the presence of Italian troops in Iraq.Italy said no deal had been cut with the hostage takers.The three Italians, Umberto Cupertino, Maurizio Agliana and Salvatore Stefio, worked in Iraq for a US security firm and were kidnapped on April 12 as a wave of abductions swept Iraq.- Nampa-ReutersA fourth Italian hostage, Fabrizio Quattrocchi, was shot dead after Italy refused to bow to demands to withdraw its 2 700 troops from Iraq.The release of the hostages sparked relief and joy across the political spectrum, but some in the opposition also noted that it came at a convenient time for the government, as it may temper bad feeling over the presence of Italian troops in Iraq.Italy said no deal had been cut with the hostage takers.The three Italians, Umberto Cupertino, Maurizio Agliana and Salvatore Stefio, worked in Iraq for a US security firm and were kidnapped on April 12 as a wave of abductions swept Iraq.- Nampa-Reuters