Spain defends Syria

Recent comments by the US administration have led to speculation that America may be considering attacking Syria, which it claims is harbouring officials from the Iraqi regime as well as developing weapons of mass destruction.

Until now, Spain, along with the UK, has been one of the staunchest supporters of the American-led war against Iraq.

Vice President and possible candidate to replace Mr Aznar, Mariano Rajoy, backed the Spanish premier's comments, adding that the government would not support an intervention in Syria "in whatever case".

The ruling Partido Popular (Popular Party) is now showing signs that it is concerned that a meltdown will occur at the next general election, which Mr Aznar will not contest, after Madrid's unconditional support of war which the majority of Spaniards were fiercely against.

Felipe González, a former Socialist prime minister, has called for Mr Aznar to run in the next elections and face the electorate on his policies over Iraq.

The Spanish government, under pressure from a population that worries it has been estranged from the rest of the EU, has stated that pending problems will be decided at a European level.

Italy sends military staff to Iraq

Italy, which like Spain, supported the US-led war in Iraq, will send 2,500 to 3,000 military staff to Iraq in two to three weeks to help in the distribution of humanitarian aid.

This mission, estimated to cost the Italian government around 400 million euro, was made possible after parliament approved the motion on Tuesday.