Italy hails "hero" hostage, stands firm on troops (MUST READ - BRAVE GUY HE DIED A HERO!)

Reuters ^ | 4/15/04

[areafiftyone]

ROME, April 15 (Reuters) - An Italian hostage killed in Iraq was hailed on Thursday as a hero who in his last moments told his kidnappers defiantly: "I'm going to show you how an Italian dies."

Fabrizio Quattrocchi, one of four Italian security guards abducted earlier this week, was shot dead on Wednesday after Italy refused to bow to the kidnappers' demands and withdraw some 3,000 troops stationed in Iraq.

Italian Foreign Minister Franco Frattini said a video recording of the killing showed that Quattrocchi was hooded when his kidnappers put a gun to his head.

"When the murderers were pointing a pistol at him, this man tried to take off his hood and shouted: 'Now I'm going to show you how an Italian dies'. And they killed him," Frattini said.

"He died a hero," he added.

Frattini came under attack from some quarters for breaking the news of Quattrocchi's death during a live television chat show on Wednesday night and the distraught families of the remaining three hostages urged talks with the abductors.

Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi called a meeting of top ministers to discuss the crisis, but his government made clear it would not yield to pressure to remove its forces from Iraq.

"It wouldn't just be vile, it would also damage us if we pulled out (of Iraq) with the job half done. We cannot give in," Defence Minister Antonio Martino told reporters.

Mainstream opposition leaders, many of them deeply critical of Berlusconi's unwavering support for U.S. President George W. Bush during the Iraq conflict, also ruled out negotiations.

"The vile blackmail by a band of criminal kidnappers must not be given the dignity of a political response. Italy is and must remain unified and together," said Francesco Rutelli, leader of a centre-left opposition group, the Daisy party.

TURNING TO UNITED NATIONS

However, both opposition and government supporters said the United Nations had to take a more active role in Iraq to prevent the situation deteriorating further.

"Some say that this isn't yet Vietnam, but unfortunately facts show we aren't far off," said centre-left leader Clemente Mastella. "Before it is too late, the Italian government must do everything possible to internationalise the crisis."

A blurry image of Quattrocchi taken shortly before his death stared out from the front pages on Thursday as Italy faced up to its first full-blown hostage saga in recent memory.

Rome's traditional pro-Arab stance shielded Italians from past bouts of Middle East violence. Berlusconi has changed the diplomatic equation by proving a firm ally of Bush and Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon.

Although many Italians have criticised this shift in emphasis, few people, apart from the hostages' families, called for talks with the kidnappers.

"I absolutely oppose what is happening in Iraq, but I don't think that the kidnap and murder of one person should be what shapes policy," said Clara Biondo, a 26-year-old student in Milan. "That would be effectively paying them ransom." (Additional reporting by Clara Ferreira-Marques in Milan)

[happygrl]

Dennis Prager talked about this hero on his program today, stating that he had "sanctified" Italy in his courage.

He also stated that, to honor him, we must remember his name: Fabrizio Quattrocchi.

Remember him: Fabrizio Quattrocchi.

Oriann Fallachi's writings are bringing the Italians to their senses.

[bogdanPolska12]

Thank you for a ping. Jak sie czujesz?

He surely died as a hero. I think some muslims communities in Italy and around the world, butter start packing soon. I think Sicilian mafia as of now is looking at a target list of some of sheiks and others.

And with underground organizations like them, they have a hell out of connections.

God Bless
Bogdan

Pozdrowienia dla Ciebe.

[Soaring Feather]

Italy hails "hero" hostage, stands firm on troops (MUST READ - BRAVE GUY HE DIED A HERO!) Reuters ^ | 4/15/04

Thank You for the Heroes ping

[pie_eater]

Compare this to the reaction of that French reporter the other day who ran around waving a white shirt and begging not to be shot.
The reason there are stereotypes in the first place is because they are often true.

[threat matrix]

This guy must have been Northern Sicilian, betcha a dozen krispy cremes!

[Prince Charles]

"When the murderers were pointing a pistol at him, this man tried to take off his hood and shouted: 'Now I'm going to show you how an Italian dies'. And they killed him," Frattini said.

Raise a glass to the memory of a hero.

[DUMBGRUNT]

Remember him: Fabrizio Quattrocchi.
Yes, Fabrizio Quattrocchi should be remembered forever, and the scum that did this, crushed and forgotten;
quickly.

[threat matrix]

[Alouette]

come muore un italiano

Let's roll!

[wallcrawlr]

read later.

[dfwgator]

Bring in the Sicilians. They'll find out who did it and give them all new red neckties and take them for a swim.

Time to "go to the mattresses."

[SAMWolf]

Thanks for the ping Matt.

Italian Ally Bump

[Moose4]

Take the gun. Leave the falafel.

}:-)4

[snippy_about_it]

Thanks for the ping Matt!

[steveegg]

Man, are those Italians tough.

[areafiftyone]

I'm Italian and even I know better than to mess with Italians. ;-)