Ciampi gave his implicit approval to the line taken by the Italy's center-right government, saying it was in line with the constitution and contributed to restoring harmony between traditional allies.

"This is a military intervention in which Italy has decided not to participate, with a political choice made by the government and parliament, in respect for the constitution," he said.

Ciampi added that the decision to take no active role in the US-led attack on Iraq was also "aimed at restoring European unity and transatlantic relations".

"We must work to see that current events do not damage the prestige and functioning of the United Nations, and do not have harmful effects on the transatlantic alliance," he added.

Ciampi said Italy could play a useful role in re-starting the Middle East peace process.

The president noted that the EU summit in Brussels had offered "solid elements for cohesion" on both Iraq and the Middle East.

(Xinhua News Agency March 22, 2003)