Italy government loses key vote on having troops in Afghanistan

The Senate, where Prime Minister Romano Prodi's coalition holds a one-seat majority, voted against the government, prompting calls for its resignation.

Italy's foreign minister said earlier that the government should step down if the motion was not approved, saying it was a crucial test of government unity.

The motion was on troop deployment in Afghanistan and a US airbase in Italy.

Italy has some 1,900 soldiers stationed in Afghanistan under Nato command.

The announcement of the result was met by shouts of "resign! resign!" by right-wing senators.

Foreign Minister Massimo D'Alema had urged senators to approve the motion, saying unity was crucial for Italy to retain its place on the world stage.

"I say it loud and clear, this is what we need [...] and we are asked here to request this consensus."

But a large number of senators decided to abstain from the vote, equivalent to voting against it.

"To be consistent, the government must now resign," Opposition senator Roberto Calderoli said after the result.

Analysts say that the outcome reveals the fragility of Mr Prodi's grip on power, coming just weeks after two Communist and one Green minister walked out of a cabinet vote on Afghanistan.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/in_depth/6383051.stm