WASHINGTON - US Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld extended condolences Thursday to families of an Italian intelligence agent and a Bulgarian soldier killed by US troops in separate "friendly fire" incidents in Iraq last week.
Rumsfeld's comments were his first public expressions of regret for the deaths, which strained relations with Rome and Sofia, allies that have contributed troops to the US-led force in Iraq.
"I would like to take a moment to extend my sympathies to the family of Nicola Calipari and the Italians who were wounded in the most unfortunate incident that took place in Iraq last Friday," he said after a meeting with French Defense Minister Michele Alliot-Marie.
Calipari was shot to death by US troops at a roadblock as he was escorting an Italian journalist to the airport after helping to free her from insurgents who held her hostage for a month.
The journalist, Giuliana Sgrena, and another Italian agent were wounded in the shooting.
"The tragic event is being investigated. It will be investigated fully in very close cooperation with the Italian government," Rumsfeld said.
Rumsfeld also extended condolences to the family of a Bulgarian soldier, Gardi Gardev, who was killed in an incident in Iraq Friday about 100 milies (160 kilometer) south of Baghdad.
Rumsfeld said his death resulted from "an apparent friendly fire" incident with US troops.
"That investigation is underway," Rumsfeld said.
03/10/2005 19:40 GMT