Bush Congratulates New Italian Leader - Arrivederci, Silvio

[NNN0LHI]

http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2006/04/21/world/main1529318.shtml

(CBS/AP) President Bush called Italy's center-left leader Romano Prodi on Friday to congratulate him on his election victory, Prodi's office said.

Mr. Bush, a close friend of Premier Silvio Berlusconi, was one of the last major world leaders to phone Prodi following the disputed outcome of the April 9-10 elections.

Berlusconi has not conceded defeat and has demanded further checks on the ballot count.

The U.S. leader "expressed his hope of soon being able to begin working with the new Italian government," a statement from Prodi's office said. Mr. Bush also said he hoped to soon meet Prodi personally, the statement said.

The president made the phone call on Air Force One while en route to California, the statement said.

[sinkingfeeling]

1. Better late than never, Georgie.