Tens of thousands protest expansion of US base in Italy

This from a nation that was an ally as Bush invaded Iraq! Now that Berlusconi is no longer in charge, the people speak. Italy! Not only did they charge CIA agents in a trial, but now they are marching against the expansion of US bases in Italy.

From dpa German Press Agency vis Raw Story:

Vicenza, Italy- Tens of thousands of people marched through
the streets of Vicenza on Saturday to protest against plans to expand
a United States military base in the northern Italian city.
"We came to say 'no' to war," said one participant.

Organizers said well over 100,000 demonstrators attended the rally
while authorities spoke of 80,000. Around 1,500 policemen in riot
gear were on standby. Several police helicopters flew over the
scene to monitor the largely peaceful demonstration, which was up to
six kilometres in length.

The march passed off without incident, Italian state television
reported afterwards.

The rally was organized by left-wing militants and local residents
who oppose the expansion of Camp Ederle, home to the US 173rd
Airborne Brigade.

Around 2,750 US soldiers are currently stationed at the base which
is to be enlarged by 2010 to accommodate a further 1,800 US soldiers
currently stationed in Germany under an agreement forged by US
President George W Bush with former Italian premier Silvio
Berlusconi.

The current government of Romano Prodi has endorsed that decision,
despite protests from part of the Vicenza population, backed by
far-left members of the premier's supporting centre-left coalition.

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