Bush Calls Berlusconi Over Agent's Death in Iraq

President Bush telephoned Italy's Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi Wednesday to again express U.S. regrets over the killing of an Italian agent by U.S. troops in Iraq.

Both the White House and Mr. Berlusconi's office say Mr. Bush referred to the intelligence agent, Nicola Calipari, as a "hero" and extended condolences for his death.

The two leaders are said to have reaffirmed their commitment to rebuilding Iraq.

The White House says there was no discussion of their countries' sharply differing reports on Mr. Calipari's shooting.

The U.S. account clears American troops of any wrongdoing, while the Italian report says the troops were nervous and inexperienced when they fired on a car carrying Mr. Calipari.

At the time of the killing, the intelligence agent was escorting Italian journalist and former hostage Giuliana Sgrena to freedom.

Some information for this report provided by AFP and AP.