Italy declares state of emergency over Iraq war

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ROME, March 28 (Reuters) - Italy declared a state of national emergency on Friday in response to the war in Iraq, civil protection authorities said in a statement.

"Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi has today signed a decree declaring a state of national emergency...in relation to the delicate international situation that has resulted from the conflict in Iraq," the statement said.

A civil protection spokeswoman said no particular threat had prompted the decision to declare the state of emergency, which was purely a precautionary measure.

"What it means is that preventively, already existing security controls will be intensified and improved," she said.

Berlusconi has been one of Washington's staunchest allies over Iraq.