¡¡¡¡ROME, February 18 (Xinhuanet) -- Italy is pushing ahead with its policy of seeking dialogue with Iraq, Italian Prime Minister and acting Foreign Minister Silvio Berlusconi said Monday.

¡¡¡¡"We hope that there is room for dialogue" with Iraq and Italy will continue with this policy, Berlusconi said as he left a reception in Rome.

¡¡¡¡Berlusconi's remarks came after United States President George W. Bush said in Japan Monday that he did not rule out any option in defending the U.S. and its allies.

¡¡¡¡Bush's statement was seen as further proof of his administration's hardline against three countries -- Iran, Iraq and North Korea -- he recently described as an "axis of evil."

¡¡¡¡There has been intense speculation recently that the Bush administration is planning to turn its anti-terrorist campaign against Iraq.

¡¡¡¡Berlusconi's position appeared in line with that of France and Germany, whose foreign ministers both indicated opposition to an attack on Iraq. Enditem

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