Clinton To Pope: "Fuck Off..."

[jmage at panix.com]

This contradiction must be tearing the D'Alema version of the historic
compromise to shreds. I see that today his coalition is erupting (not just
the - still proud to call himself a - Communist) Cossutta but now the
Greens and the Catholic ministers like Rosaria Bindi. And that D'Alema
announced he will go to Albania for Easter, unless I misunderstood the
Italian. This is the lead story at ANSA (the Italian Press Agency) early
evening - their time - today (April 1st!):

CLINTON AL PAPA: NIENTE TREGUA PER PASQUA

                             (ANSA) - WASHINGTON, 1 APR - Il

                             presidente Bill Clinton ha respinto la

                             richiesta del Papa per una sospensione

                             dei bombardamenti a Pasqua,

                             sostenendo che darebbe ''carta bianca

                             a Milosevic per continuare la sua

                             aggressione''. ''Non possiamo - ha detto

                             il presidente americano - osservare la

                             Pasqua e onorare la resurrezione di

                             Cristo concedendo (a Milosevic) un altro

                             giorno di liberta' per uccidere piu' civili

                             innocenti''.
[my translation]
CLINTON TO POPE: NO TRUCE FOR EASTER (ANSA) - WASHINGTON, 1 APR - President
Bill Clinton has rejected the demand of the Pope for a suspension of the
bombing for Easter, on the basis that it would give  "carte blanche to
Milosevic to continue his aggression."  '"We cannot - the American
president said  - observe Easter and honor the resurrection of Christ by
granting (to Milosevic) another day of liberty to kill more innocent
civilians."
[my dictionary gives "demand" as the first translation of 'richiesta' -
could someone tell me if this is too strong?]

And I see the U.S. Cardinals just issued a letter to Clinton that "called
for an end to the NATO bombing campaign." Though the story of Clinton's
response to Wojtyla has not been exactly emphasized by the US. This must be
giving the folks running the bombing PR an unpleasant moment.

A request - is there anyone out there who could give a quick description of
what is happening in Italy?

John Mage