Berlusconi's U.S. Relationship Becomes Less Special

ROME (Reuters) - Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi, long proud of having friends in high places, has seen the limitations of his rapport with Washington after a public falling-out over the killing of an Italian agent in Iraq.

With the United States refusing to accept any blame, Italy issued a 52-page report on Monday criticising U.S. roadblock procedures and inexperienced, stressed U.S. soldiers who shot intelligence agent Nicola Calipari last March.

While showing Berlusconi is willing to stand up to the world superpower, the episode nonetheless tarnishes his cherished claims to a cozy friendship with Washington and will embolden critics of his unpopular decision to send troops to Iraq.

"Berlusconi was trumpeting his special relationship with President Bush and the United States, and gets a slap in the face," said Jason Walston, director of international relations at the American University of Rome.

"It's not a body-blow, but it is a weapon that will be used against Berlusconi ... You sacrifice our hero, and you don't even get an apology when they kill him," he told Reuters.